When it comes to planning the perfect holiday meal, sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that shine the brightest. If you’re looking for an incredibly easy yet elegant side, these Simple Maple Glazed Carrots are a must-make. They bring a touch of sweetness, a hint of savory herbs, and a beautiful pop of color to any table, making them a fantastic and easy Thanksgiving side dish. Forget complicated steps and long ingredient lists; this recipe is all about enhancing the natural sweetness of carrots with just a few pantry staples.
This isn’t just another boring vegetable dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. The combination of rich maple syrup, melted butter, and fresh herbs creates a glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven, transforming humble carrots into something truly special. Let’s be honest, holiday cooking can be stressful, so having a reliable, quick, and delicious recipe in your back pocket is a game-changer. This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to year after year.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these maple glazed carrots. First and foremost, they are incredibly simple to prepare. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have them in the oven, freeing you up to focus on the main course. This makes them one of the best Sides For Thanksgiving Dinner when oven space and time are at a premium. The flavors are just perfectly balanced—the sweetness from the maple syrup complements the earthy carrots, while fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage add a savory depth that feels distinctly festive.
Another great thing about this dish is its versatility. While it’s a natural fit for Thanksgiving, these carrots are also wonderful alongside a Sunday roast chicken, pork loin, or even a simple weeknight meal. They are naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by swapping the butter for olive oil or a plant-based alternative. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers impressive results without any fuss. The vibrant orange color looks stunning on a serving platter, adding a touch of elegance that makes any meal feel a little more special. It’s truly one of those foolproof Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes that will earn a permanent spot in your collection.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of fresh, quality ingredients to create a truly memorable side dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 2 lbs carrots: Fresh, firm carrots are the star here. You can use regular carrots, rainbow carrots for extra color, or even baby carrots, though you’ll want to leave those whole.
- 2 T butter, melted: Butter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the glaze that is simply unmatched.
- 2 T maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. The dark, robust kind works especially well here.
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped: Fresh rosemary provides a wonderful piney, aromatic quality.
- 1 tsp thyme leaves: Thyme adds a subtle, earthy note that pairs beautifully with root vegetables.
- 1 tsp sage, chopped: The slightly peppery flavor of sage is a classic for holiday dishes.
- Sea salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the other flavors.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to see how easy this is? Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfectly glazed carrots in no time. The oven does most of the work for you!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Carrots
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, give your carrots a good wash and peel them if you like. I often leave the peel on for a more rustic look and extra nutrients, but it’s totally up to you. Slice the carrots on a diagonal, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Cutting them on a diagonal gives you more surface area, which means more delicious glaze in every bite!
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, pure maple syrup, and all those lovely chopped fresh herbs—rosemary, thyme, and sage. Add a generous pinch of sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined. The aroma alone is enough to get you excited for the finished product!
Step 3: Toss the Carrots
Now, add your sliced carrots to the bowl with the maple-herb mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to toss everything together, making sure each carrot slice is evenly coated in that delicious glaze. You want every single piece to be ready to caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a step you won’t want to skip, as the maple glaze can get sticky! Spread the coated carrots in a single, even layer on the pan. Try not to overcrowd them, as this will cause them to steam instead of roast. If needed, use two baking sheets. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the edges are just beginning to caramelize. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the carrots are done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes right on the pan before transferring them to a serving dish. This gives the glaze a moment to set. Garnish with a little extra fresh thyme or rosemary if you’re feeling fancy, and serve them warm. Get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which isn’t always a guarantee with a dish this tasty!), storing them is simple. Just allow the carrots to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in a couple of ways. For the best texture, I recommend spreading them on a baking sheet and warming them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps them regain a bit of their roasted texture. You can also quickly reheat them in the microwave for a minute or two if you’re in a hurry. They make a fantastic addition to salads or grain bowls the next day!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the perfect recipe for Simple Maple Glazed Carrots. This dish proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients to create standout Thanksgiving food sides. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a reliable, delicious, and beautiful addition to any holiday table. It’s an easy Thanksgiving side dish that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the meal with your loved ones.
Whether you’re making these for a big holiday feast or just a cozy family dinner, they are sure to be a hit. This recipe is all about celebrating simple, wholesome ingredients and turning them into something truly special. I hope you enjoy making—and eating—these carrots as much as I do!
FAQ
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?
You can, but fresh herbs really make the flavors pop in this recipe. If you need to use dried herbs, a good rule of thumb is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh. So for this recipe, you would use about 1/3 teaspoon of each dried rosemary, thyme, and sage.
Is It Necessary To Peel the Carrots?
Not at all! As long as you give the carrots a good scrub to remove any dirt, leaving the skins on is perfectly fine. It adds a rustic touch and some extra fiber. It’s purely a matter of personal preference.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can do some of the prep work in advance. You can wash, peel, and slice the carrots a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also mix the glaze ingredients and store the mixture in a separate container. When you’re ready to cook, just toss the carrots in the glaze and roast as directed. I recommend roasting them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Can This Recipe Be Made Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with an equal amount of olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter. The result will be just as delicious.
