Description
These Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon offer a deliciously sweet and savory side dish, perfect for holiday feasts or everyday meals. Coated in a warm blend of melted butter, maple syrup, garlic, and cinnamon, these carrots roast to tender perfection, enhanced by a touch of fresh herbs for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into thirds (or 2 pounds baby carrots)
Maple Cinnamon Glaze
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s fully heated for roasting the carrots evenly.
- Prepare the maple cinnamon butter mixture: In a small pot over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. Once melted, add the maple syrup, minced garlic, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture together for about 30 seconds to blend the flavors and then remove from heat.
- Coat the carrots: Place the peeled and cut carrots (or baby carrots) in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm maple cinnamon butter mixture over the carrots and toss thoroughly until each carrot piece is evenly coated with the glaze.
- Arrange for roasting: Spread the coated carrots out evenly in a single layer on a large baking sheet or divide between two smaller baking sheets to prevent overcrowding, which helps them roast evenly and caramelize.
- Roast the carrots: Place the baking sheet(s) in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 30 minutes. Flip the carrots halfway through cooking to promote even browning. The cooking time will vary with carrot size—thicker carrots need closer to 30 minutes, thinner or baby carrots about 20 minutes—until they are fork tender and slightly caramelized.
- Season and garnish: Remove the roasted carrots from the oven, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- Tossing the carrots with a blend of butter, maple syrup, garlic, and cinnamon creates a sweet and savory glaze that complements the natural earthiness of the carrots.
- This side dish is versatile for any meal, especially festive gatherings, adding both flavor and color to your plate.
- For a vegan option, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon for a more pronounced warm spice or leave it out if preferred.
- Ensure carrots are spread in a single layer to allow proper roasting instead of steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 149 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
