Maple Glazed Carrots

These maple glazed carrots are rich, tender, and perfectly caramelized! Roasted carrots are infused with the sweet and savory flavors of pure maple syrup, garlic, vegan butter, and thyme. Serve this simple side dish for the holidays or a Sunday family dinner.

🧡 Why you’ll love this recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just 5 minutes of prep time and 8 ingredients, this recipe allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the dinner table.
• Nutrition-packed: Carrots are not just delicious, they’re also rich in vitamins and antioxidants so you reap the health benefits along with the flavor!
• Naturally sweetened: Maple syrup helps draw out the natural sweetness of the carrots and adds a caramel flavor. No refined sugars necessary!
• Versatile: Maple glazed carrots pair with virtually any main dish. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas or just a weeknight dinner, they’re the perfect option.

If you love maple syrup glazed carrots, you should really check out our balsamic glaze Brussels sprouts, air fryer green beans, or air fryer baby potatoes.

🥕 The best maple glazed carrots

Roasted maple glazed carrots are a sweet, buttery side dish that can be found on holiday dinner tables everywhere. In our recipe, we’ve balanced the sweetness of pure maple syrup with the savory flavors of garlic and thyme.

Our favorite part is how simple it is to turn this basic root veggie into a gourmet side that goes with virtually any meal. Cut and wash the carrots, heat the glaze, and start roasting. It’s that easy!

When the carrots are finished, they’re slightly crisp and caramelized on the outside with a perfectly tender inside. Whether you’re preparing a midweek meal or feeding a holiday crowd, these glazed maple carrots will shine!

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

• Carrots: If possible, opt for small and relatively thin carrots so you can roast them whole (less prep for the win)! You might even find some extra sweet ones at your local farmer’s market. If you’d like, you can use rainbow carrots for a colorful twist.
• Vegan butter: Gives the carrots a rich, buttery flavor. If vegan butter is unavailable, use extra olive oil with a touch more salt instead.
• Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps in roasting the carrots. Since there are so few ingredients in this recipe, choose a good-quality olive oil. You can also use avocado oil.
• Maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and helps caramelize the carrots. Use 100% pure maple syrup for the best results. Agave will also work.
• Dried thyme: Imparts earthy, aromatic notes. Feel free to use other herbs like sage, oregano, basil, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
• Garlic powder: Brings a toasty, savory depth. Fresh minced garlic will also work.
• Salt & pepper: Essential to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. As a bonus, garnish your roasted maple glazed carrots with flaky sea salt before serving.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make maple glazed carrots

Step 1: Make the glaze

Melt the vegan butter in a saucepan, then stir in the other olive oil, maple syrup, and seasonings. Ensure the mixture is well-combined for even flavor distribution.

Step 2: Prepare the carrots

Wash and thoroughly scrub the carrots clean (there is no need to peel them). If they’re small and thin, you can leave them whole. If they’re larger, half or even quarter them lengthwise.

Step 3: Roast the carrots

Once your glaze is ready, toss the carrots in it. Make sure they’re well-coated for maximum flavor. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a lined baking pan so each one can perfectly caramelize. Remember to toss them halfway for an even cook.

Step 4: Final touches

When the carrots are tender, sweet, and slightly crisp on the outside, remove them from the oven. Serve them immediately with fresh thyme and flaky sea salt on top to enhance their flavor. Happy eating!

If you have questions about this maple syrup glazed carrots recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🍗 What to serve with maple glazed carrots

These glazed maple carrots can complement all types of main dishes. Try serving them with some hearty options like these:

• Vegan sweet potato soup
• Cauliflower steaks
• Vegan chicken
• Vegan pot pie
• Vegan meatballs
• Vegan meatloaf
• Chickpea soup
• Lentil bolognese

You can also pair your roasted maple glazed carrots with other side dishes like red skin mashed potatoes and vegan gravy, dairy-free bread, or air fryer Brussels sprouts.

🌡️ Storage & reheating

Keep your leftover maple glazed carrots fresh for longer by following these simple storage tips:

• Fridge: Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and you can store them for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure they’ve completely cooled first.
• Freezer: While you can freeze them for up to a month, it may alter the texture slightly. We suggest trying to eat them within the first few days.
• Reheating: Warm them on a baking pan in the oven at 350F until hot, or microwave in short bursts to prevent them from drying out.
• Prep ahead: You can wash and cut the carrots a day in advance and store them in a freezer bag in the fridge. The glaze can also be made ahead and refrigerated.

♻️ Variations

• Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or Sriracha to the glaze.
• Citrus: Grated orange or lemon zest can provide a vibrant and zesty undertone.
• Herb medley: Combine dried thyme with rosemary, sage, oregano, or basil for a more complex flavor profile.
• Savory: Add a splash of soy sauce or tamari to the glaze for an umami punch.
• Truffle oil: Mix in some truffle oil for an indulgent twist.
• Nuts: Before roasting, sprinkle the carrots with sesame seeds or sliced almonds.
• Spices: Incorporate a touch of cumin, cinnamon, or coriander into the glaze.
• Fruit: Add some roasted cranberries or pomegranate arils before serving for a sweet-tart contrast.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

• Carrot quality: Opt for fresh, organic carrots if possible. They generally have a sweeter and more vibrant flavor than their non-organic counterparts.
• Even cuts: Make sure all the carrots are cut to roughly the same size for even cooking. If some are small, leave them whole. If others are large, slice them.
• Single layer: Lay the carrots in a single layer on the baking tray to ensure even heat distribution. Use two baking trays if necessary.
• Toss the carrots halfway: This will help evenly caramelize each side of the carrots.
• Adjust the seasoning: Taste the glaze before mixing it with carrots and adjust it according to your preferences.
• Fresh garnishes last: Always add fresh herbs or garnishes just before serving to preserve their vibrant colors and flavors.
• Use real maple syrup: Authentic pure maple syrup, rather than maple-flavored pancake syrup, will give you the most ideal flavor.

💬 FAQ

🍴 More side dishes

If you’re looking for more vegan-friendly side dishes to go along with these glazed maple carrots, here are some of our favorites:

• Stewed Potatoes: A rich, buttery, and hearty side dish.
• Vegan Chickpea Salad: Fiber-rich chickpeas and Mediterranean mix-ins.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes: Crispy potatoes coated in warming seasonings.
• Potatoes and Green Beans: Tender baby potatoes and crisp green beans mixed with garlic and thyme.