Sweet & Tangy Maple Herb Roasted Carrots With Cranberries Recipe

These maple herb roasted carrots dance with rustic elegance, changeing ordinary vegetables into a vibrant side dish that awakens every taste bud.

Sweet maple syrup mingles brilliantly with earthy herbs, creating a harmonious flavor profile that surprises and delights.

cranberries add unexpected bursts of tartness, cutting through the caramelized richness of slow-roasted carrots.

The kitchen comes alive with aromatic hints of thyme and rosemary, infusing each slice with woodland-inspired complexity.

Seasonal ingredients combine in a symphony of colors and textures that feel both comforting and sophisticated.

Crisp edges and tender centers promise a sensory experience that elevates humble root vegetables into something magical.

Prepare to tantalize your palate with this simple yet extraordinary culinary creation.

Why Maple Roasted Carrots Feel Extra Special

• Flavor Symphony: Maple and herbs create a magical dance of sweet and savory, transforming ordinary carrots into a gourmet side dish that bursts with unexpected taste combinations.
• Effortless Elegance: This recipe offers restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen skills, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish and requiring only simple mixing and roasting techniques.
• Nutrient-Packed Delight: Packed with antioxidant-rich carrots, warming spices, and tart cranberries, this dish delivers a nutritional punch while feeling like a decadent treat that looks impressive on any dinner table.
• Festive Versatility: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, these roasted carrots blend seasonal flavors that complement multiple main courses and appeal to both adults and kids.

Ingredients for Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

• Carrots: Sweet and earthy root vegetable that roasts beautifully with herbs. Choose fresh, firm carrots with bright orange color and smooth skin.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart and sweet fruit that adds a pop of color and flavor. Look for plump, bright red berries without added sugars.

• Dried Oregano, Dried Parsley, Dried Basil: Aromatic dried herbs that provide depth and complexity to the roasted carrots. Choose high-quality, fragrant herbs with vibrant color.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated garlic flavor that enhances the overall seasoning. Select pure garlic powder without additional additives.
• Cinnamon, Allspice: Warm spices that add subtle sweetness and complexity to the dish. Choose fresh, fragrant ground spices.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich oil that helps herbs adhere to carrots and promotes even roasting. Select extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that caramelizes carrots and creates a glossy finish. Choose pure maple syrup for authentic taste.

Easy Steps to Roast Maple Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect roasting.

Step 2: Season the Carrots

• Carrots
• Olive oil
• Maple syrup
• Dried oregano
• Parsley
• Basil
• Garlic powder
• Cinnamon
• Allspice

Toss everything together until carrots are completely coated. Set aside 2-of the seasoning mixture for later use.

Step 3: Roast the Carrots

Spread the seasoned carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes. Look for golden edges, slightly wilted texture, and tender consistency.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

Pull the roasted carrots from the oven and gently brush with the reserved maple herb mixture. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle dried cranberries around the carrots for a pop of color and sweet-tart flavor.

Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful blend of herbs, sweetness, and roasted vegetable goodness!

Tips for Sweet, Tender Roasted Carrots

• Slice Evenly: Cut carrots into uniform sizes to ensure consistent roasting and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Layer Strategically: Spread carrots in a single layer without overcrowding to allow proper caramelization and crisp edges.
• Check Sweetness Balance: Adjust maple syrup quantity based on carrot sweetness; some varieties are naturally sweeter than others.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Use fresh herbs when possible for more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well as a convenient alternative.
• Cranberry Timing: Add dried cranberries after roasting to preserve their texture and prevent burning, creating a delightful contrast with warm carrots.

How to Store Roasted Carrots for Later

• Refrigeration: Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Keep the cranberries mixed with the carrots to maintain flavor and moisture.
• Reheating: Warm the carrots gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even heating and prevent sogginess. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil to refresh their moisture and restore their original roasted texture.
• Freezing Option: Freeze the roasted carrots in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Perfect Pairings for Maple Roasted Carrots

• Pair with Zesty Goat Cheese: Crumble tangy goat cheese over the roasted carrots to enhance the maple and herb flavors, creating a creamy contrast to the sweet and earthy vegetables.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the herb-infused carrots, cutting through the sweetness and highlighting the dish's delicate spices.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken with mild herbs perfectly balances the maple-cranberry carrots, providing a protein-rich companion that doesn't overpower the vegetable's nuanced flavors.
• Complete with Nutty Quinoa Pilaf: Prepare a simple quinoa side dish with toasted almonds and fresh parsley to add texture and protein, creating a harmonious and nutritionally balanced plate.

Variations on Maple Herb Roasted Carrots

• Honey Rosemary Roasted Carrots: Swap maple syrup with local honey and replace dried herbs with fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Moroccan Carrot Medley: Add ground cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a warm, bold flavor profile with a subtle kick.
• Balsamic Glazed Carrot Elegance: Substitute maple syrup with aged balsamic vinegar and add crumbled goat cheese on top for a tangy, creamy finish that elevates the dish's sophistication.
• Ginger Sesame Roasted Carrots: Incorporate fresh grated ginger, toasted sesame seeds, and a splash of soy sauce to give the recipe an Asian-inspired transformation with rich, umami undertones.

Maple Herb Roasted Carrots With Cranberries Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maple Herb Roasted Carrots with Cranberries bring rustic Mediterranean charm to your table. Fresh carrots glazed with sweet maple syrup and fragrant herbs create a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every seasonal gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Roasting Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) carrots, washed with skin on and tops trimmed
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cups (300 grams) dried cranberries

Sweetening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried basil
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) ground cinnamon

Spice Accent:

• 1 pinch ground allspice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick roasting.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine whole carrots with olive oil, pure maple syrup, dried oregano, fresh parsley, chopped basil, garlic powder, ground cinnamon, and allspice, ensuring each carrot is evenly and generously coated with the aromatic herb mixture.
3. Set aside approximately 2-of the seasoned coating for a final glaze, which will enhance the carrots’ flavor and appearance.
4. Spread the seasoned carrots in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing each piece to roast evenly and develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
5. Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, monitoring their transformation until they become tender, slightly wilted, and develop a rich golden-brown color.
6. Once roasted, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and gently brush the carrots with the reserved maple herb mixture, amplifying their robust flavor profile.
7. Transfer the glazed carrots to a decorative serving platter and artfully scatter dried cranberries around them, creating a visually appealing and delicious side dish with contrasting textures and colors.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by thoroughly coating carrots in the maple herb mixture, ensuring each piece absorbs the delicious seasonings.
• Spacing carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet prevents steaming and promotes even caramelization.
• Use fresh, medium-sized carrots for the best texture and optimal roasting results.
• Dried cranberries add a delightful sweet-tart contrast and beautiful pop of color to the finished dish.
• Optional garnish: Sprinkle toasted nuts or fresh herbs for extra crunch and visual appeal.
• Serve immediately after roasting to enjoy the carrots at their most crisp and flavorful state.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 52.5
• Sodium: 168
• Fat: 5.5
• Saturated Fat: 0.7
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.8
• Carbohydrates: 82
• Fiber: 7.2
• Protein: 2.6