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Easy Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme: Best Fall Side Dish

maple glazed carrots with thyme - featured image

These maple glazed carrots with thyme are roasted until tender, then finished on the stovetop with real maple syrup and fresh thyme until the glaze turns glossy and the edges get perfectly caramelized. A quick and easy side dish that changes minds about cooked carrots.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1Β½ pounds (about 680 grams) carrots, peeled and cut on diagonal into 2-3 inch pieces, Β½ inch thick
  • ΒΌ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted and divided
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
  • Β½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • ΒΌ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Spread cut carrots in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle with ΒΌ teaspoon salt. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roast for 15 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until carrots are starting to soften and have golden-brown spots.
  4. While carrots roast, make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter, fresh thyme leaves, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  5. Transfer roasted carrots to a large skillet over medium heat. Pour glaze over carrots and toss to coat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until glaze thickens and becomes glossy and sticky.
  6. Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Transfer to serving dish, spoon remaining glaze over top, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, cut carrots uniformly for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan. Keep heat at medium during stovetop glazing to prevent burning. The glaze will thicken quickly; stir constantly. Can be made ahead: roast carrots up to a day in advance, then finish glazing just before serving. Leftovers keep in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple glazed carrots, roasted carrots, fall side dish, Thanksgiving side, easy carrot recipe, thyme carrots, gluten-free side dish