Maple Dijon Glazed Carrots

$To make Maple Dijon Glazed Carrots, you will need: - 1 pound baby carrots, peeled - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Carrots: Use one pound of baby carrots. This size helps them cook fast. - Maple Syrup: Measure two tablespoons. This adds sweetness. - Dijon Mustard: Use one tablespoon for a tangy kick. - Olive Oil: Two tablespoons will help the glaze stick. - Apple Cider Vinegar: One tablespoon brings balance to the dish. - Salt and Pepper: Add to taste for extra flavor. - Parsley: A handful, finely chopped, adds a fresh touch. - Baby Carrots: Choose carrots that are bright in color and firm. - Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. - Dijon Mustard: Look for smooth mustard without additives. - Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. - Apple Cider Vinegar: Check the date to ensure freshness. - Parsley: Buy fresh parsley that is vibrant and not wilted. These tips will help you get the best flavors in your dish. Enjoy cooking with fresh and quality ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even roasting. A hot oven helps the carrots get tender and caramelized. In a large bowl, mix the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the carrots. Once your glaze is ready, add the peeled baby carrots to the bowl. Toss the carrots gently in the glaze. Make sure every carrot is covered well. This step ensures full flavor with each bite. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on the sheet. Place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 20–25 minutes. Stir the carrots halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and soak up more glaze. After roasting, check that the carrots are tender and have a nice caramel color. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the baking sheet over the carrots. Transfer them to a serving dish. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your Maple Dijon Glazed Carrots! To make your Maple Dijon glazed carrots even better, try adding more spices. A pinch of cinnamon brings warmth. If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper. You could also add a dash of garlic powder for depth. Experiment with your favorite spices. Just remember to start small. You can always add more later. For this dish, baby carrots are perfect. They are sweet and tender. If you can find fresh, whole carrots, go for those too. Look for firm carrots with rich color. If you choose larger carrots, cut them into equal pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Always peel and wash your carrots to remove dirt. Avoid overcrowding your baking sheet. If carrots are too close, they steam instead of roast. Make sure they have space to brown. Remember to stir them halfway through roasting. This ensures even cooking and better glaze absorption. Lastly, watch the cooking time. Overcooked carrots become mushy and lose their flavor. Aim for tender but firm carrots for the best result. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Opt for firm, vibrant baby carrots for the best flavor and texture. Fresh carrots will caramelize beautifully during roasting. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, feel free to add more or less maple syrup to the glaze. This allows you to control the sweetness level. Experiment with Herbs: Try adding different fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist that complements the sweetness of the carrots. Make Ahead: Prepare the glaze and toss the carrots in advance. Store them in the fridge and roast just before serving for a quick and easy side dish! {{image_4}} You can change the glaze to suit your taste. Use honey instead of maple syrup for a sweeter touch. Swap Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard for a grainy texture. If you want a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce. For a citrus twist, mix in some orange juice or zest. These simple swaps can make your glazed carrots unique and fun. Herbs can really change the flavor of your dish. Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for an earthy taste. Chopped chives or dill can add a fresh twist. You could even sprinkle in some dried herbs, like Italian seasoning, for a different flavor profile. Just remember, fresh herbs usually pack more punch than dried ones. You don’t have to roast your carrots. If you prefer the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the glazed carrots and cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring often. This method gives you tender carrots with a nice glaze. Steaming is another option. Place the carrots in a steamer basket over boiling water for about 8–10 minutes. Then, toss them in the glaze after steaming. This keeps them bright and fresh. After you enjoy your maple Dijon glazed carrots, let them cool. Place the leftover carrots in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. If you have extra glaze, store it separately for more flavor later. To reheat your carrots, place them on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the carrots for about 10 minutes. If you prefer, you can microwave them too. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can freeze maple Dijon glazed carrots, but they taste best fresh. If you want to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them as mentioned above for best results. The best carrots for this recipe are baby carrots. They are tender and sweet. You can also use regular carrots, cut into sticks. Just peel and cut them to a similar size. This helps them cook evenly. Fresh carrots always taste better. Look for bright, firm carrots without soft spots. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the glazed carrots and roast them. After cooking, let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, just reheat them gently in the oven. This keeps their flavor and texture nice. To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup. This recipe is already vegan-friendly because it uses maple syrup. Just ensure your Dijon mustard is also vegan. Most brands are, but it’s good to check the label. Maple Dijon glazed carrots go well with many dishes. They pair nicely with roasted chicken or grilled salmon. You can also serve them with quinoa or rice for a vegetarian meal. These carrots add a sweet and tangy touch to any plate. Try them at your next family dinner or holiday feast! This blog post covered everything you need for making Maple Dijon Glazed Carrots. We looked at the best ingredients, measurements, and tips for freshness. I shared step-by-step instructions for roasting, plus serving ideas. You learned flavor tricks and how to avoid common mistakes. We explored variations and storage options to keep leftovers fresh. Finally, I answered common questions about the recipe. Now, you can enjoy flavorful glazed carrots at home. Happy cooking!$

A delicious side dish featuring roasted baby carrots glazed with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound baby carrots, peeled
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your carrots roast evenly.
In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and a smooth glaze forms.
Introduce the peeled baby carrots to the bowl, and toss them gently in the glaze mixture until each carrot is generously coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this makes for easy cleaning), and spread the glazed carrots out in a single layer. This helps them roast evenly and achieve a nice caramelized exterior.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 20–25 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, give them a good stir to ensure they cook evenly and absorb more of the glaze.
Once the carrots are tender and have turned a beautiful caramel color, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the baking sheet over the carrots to enhance their flavor.
Carefully transfer the glazed carrots to a serving dish. For an added touch of color and freshness, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh baby carrots.

Keyword carrots, Dijon, glazed, maple, vegetable