I’ve been making these maple glazed carrots for years, and they never fail to disappear from the dinner table. What started as a way to get my kids to eat more vegetables has become one of our most requested side dishes.
They’re perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, Sunday family roasts, weeknight dinners, or holiday potlucks.
Easy Glazed Carrots
These maple glazed carrots strike the perfect balance between effortless and impressive. The natural sweetness of the carrots gets enhanced by the maple glaze, creating tender, caramelized vegetables that even picky eaters will love. The best part? They require minimal prep and just one pan, making cleanup a breeze while delivering restaurant-quality results.
What You’ll Need to Cook
- Mixed heritage carrots – Use a colorful blend of orange, purple, yellow, and white carrots for stunning visual appeal. Each variety offers subtle flavor differences while maintaining the classic carrot sweetness that pairs perfectly with maple glaze.
- Pure maple syrup – Genuine maple syrup creates deeper caramelization than artificial versions.
- Fresh thyme and rosemary
- Dried oregano
- Olive oil –
- Garlic powder – Powder distributes more evenly than fresh garlic, which can burn at high roasting temperatures.
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Butter
Ingredient Substitutes
Honey for maple syrup – Creates similar caramelization but with floral notes instead of maple’s rich complexity. Use same quantity but expect slightly different flavor profile.
Regular carrots for mixed varieties – Standard orange carrots work perfectly if colorful varieties aren’t available. The dish will taste identical, though you’ll miss the stunning rainbow presentation that makes this side dish a real showstopper.
How to Make Maple Glazed Carrots
Step 1: Prepare and Season
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution. Wash and peel your colorful carrot selection, then cut into uniform 3-inch sticks about 1/2-inch thick. The different colored varieties may have slightly varying textures, but consistent sizing ensures even cooking across all varieties.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano to create your glaze base. Add the prepared carrots and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the maple mixture.
Step 2: Cook
Spread the colorful carrots in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, alternating colors for the most attractive presentation. Leave space between pieces to prevent overcrowding, which creates steam instead of the desired glaze.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping carrots halfway through cooking time. Look for tender interiors that pierce easily with a fork and a glossy maple glaze coating each piece. The maple syrup should be bubbling and creating a beautiful, shiny finish that coats the carrots completely.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Remove from oven and immediately dot with small pieces of butter while carrots are still hot. The residual heat will melt the butter, adding richness and enhancing the glossy glaze. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and rosemary leaves and serve immediately while the glaze is still shiny and the herbs are fragrant.
How To Store Leftovers and Reheat
Allow glazed carrots to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though the vibrant colors and optimal texture are best enjoyed within 2 days.
For reheating, spread carrots on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the glossy glaze while maintaining the beautiful colors of the different carrot varieties.
📌 Did you try this recipe?
Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it?
I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you!
📌 Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.
What to Serve With Maple Roasted Carrots 🥕
🍖 Oven Roasted Pork Butt
🥩 Smoked Sirloin Steak
🍗 Grilled Whole Chicken
🐟 Grilled Cod
🦃 Traeger Turkey
🥩 Oven Baked Tri-Tip
🍗 Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Maple Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 2 lbs mixed carrots orange, purple, yellow
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash, peel, and cut carrots into uniform 3-inch sticks.
- Whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano in a large bowl.
- Toss carrots with maple mixture until evenly coated, then arrange on baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and beautifully glazed.
- Finish with butter, fresh thyme, and rosemary before serving.