Irresistible Sweet Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe by Ina Garten

Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness, and this maple roasted carrots recipe by Ina Garten delivers pure culinary magic.

The blend of rich maple syrup and earthy carrots creates an irresistible side dish that sparkles on any dinner table.

Caramelized edges and tender centers make these carrots more than just a vegetable – they’re a delectable experience.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, making this recipe a weeknight winner.

Salt and herbs enhance the carrots’ natural flavors, turning an ordinary vegetable into something extraordinary.

You’ll love how these carrots complement roasted meats or stand beautifully as a standalone vegetable dish.

Dive into this delightful recipe and elevate your dinner game with one simple, delicious side.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 105 kcal

Servings: 4

Grab These for Ina Garten Maple Roasted Carrots

• Olive Oil: Helps create a silky, glossy coating that promotes even caramelization and rich taste.
• Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and beautiful golden-brown color with subtle woodsy undertones.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor profile of the roasted carrots.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a gentle, warming heat that complements the sweetness.

• Carrots: Select fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color and smooth skin for optimal roasting results.
• Rosemary: Optional herb that infuses an aromatic, earthy fragrance during roasting process.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, crisp finish with a pop of green color and fresh herbaceous note.

Gear That Helps Roast Carrots Just Right

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan essential for roasting carrots evenly.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing olive oil and maple syrup.
• Pastry Brush: Helps coat carrots with the delicious maple-oil mixture.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice carrots lengthwise cleanly.
• Spatula or Tongs: Great for flipping carrots midway through roasting.
• Serving Plate: Large plate to present your beautiful roasted carrots.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for cutting carrots safely.

Roast Maple Carrots Ina’s Way

Maple Magic Carrots

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the heat to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect roasting environment for these delightful orange beauties.

• Carrot Preparation

Slice each carrot down the middle, creating elegant long halves that will caramelize beautifully during roasting.

• Flavor Bath

Drizzle a luxurious combination of golden maple syrup and rich olive oil over the carrots, ensuring every inch gets a delicious coating.

• Seasoning Sprinkle

Dust the carrots with a pinch of salt and a whisper of cayenne for a subtle kick. For herb lovers, nestle fragrant rosemary sprigs between the carrot rows.

• Roasting Transformation

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and let the magic happen. After 25 minutes, give the carrots a gentle flip to ensure even browning and perfect tenderness.

• Final Flourish

Transfer these caramelized beauties to a stunning serving plate. For a fresh pop of color, shower with chopped parsley just before bringing to the table.

How to Play with Flavors in Roasted Carrots

• Helpful Tricks for Maple Magic
• Choose firm, bright orange carrots with smooth skin and no soft spots for the best roasting results.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your heat preference, ranging from a gentle sprinkle to a bold kick.
• Replace rosemary with thyme or sage for different aromatic herb notes that complement the maple sweetness.
• Spread carrots in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even browning and crispy edges.

Serve Maple Roasted Carrots Like a Side Star

• Pair with Protein Powerhouse: Serve these sweet and spicy maple roasted carrots alongside grilled chicken breast or roasted salmon for a balanced, nutritious meal that delights the taste buds.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform your weekend brunch by placing these caramelized carrots next to fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, creating a colorful and exciting plate that impresses guests.
• Elegant Side Dish Upgrade: Arrange the roasted carrots on a rustic wooden serving board, sprinkle extra fresh parsley, and drizzle additional maple syrup for a gourmet restaurant-style presentation that elevates any dinner gathering.
• Vegetarian Delight: Create a stunning vegetarian main course by serving these maple roasted carrots over a bed of quinoa or wild rice, topped with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

Store and Reheat Maple Roasted Carrots

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The maple glaze keeps the carrots moist and flavorful even after cooling down.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the carrots gently in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispy edges and prevent them from becoming mushy. Avoid using the microwave to preserve their original roasted texture.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop and season the carrots up to 24 hours before roasting. Keep the prepared carrots covered in the refrigerator, adding the olive oil and maple syrup right before cooking to ensure maximum freshness.
• Freeze for Later: Pack completely cooled carrots in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen carrots stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Rustic Maple Roasted Carrots Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s maple roasted carrots elevate simple root vegetables with sweet maple syrup and aromatic herbs. Rich caramelized edges and golden brown surfaces create a delightful side dish you will crave at dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 large carrots
• 1.5 tbsps (22 mL) olive oil, melted
• 0.5 tbsps (7.5 mL) maple syrup
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• 5 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
• Chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Position the oven rack at center position and warm to 400°F (205°C), creating an ideal roasting environment.
2. Carrot Preparation: Slice carrots lengthwise into symmetrical halves, ensuring consistent sizing for optimal caramelization and even cooking.
3. Glaze Creation: Whisk olive oil and maple syrup in a mixing bowl until smooth, developing a rich, glossy coating that will enhance the carrots’ natural sweetness.
4. Seasoning Application: Brush the maple-oil mixture comprehensively over carrot surfaces, then generously sprinkle kosher salt and cayenne pepper to introduce complex flavor dimensions and subtle spiciness.
5. Herbal Infusion: Strategically position fresh rosemary sprigs between carrot halves, allowing aromatic herbs to permeate the vegetables during roasting process.
6. Roasting Technique: Place prepared carrots in preheated oven and roast for 25 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform caramelization and prevent uneven browning.
7. Doneness Assessment: Verify carrots have achieved perfect texture – tender yet maintaining slight resistance when pierced, with edges beautifully caramelized and glistening.
8. Finishing Touch: Transfer roasted carrots to serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding visual vibrancy and complementary herbaceous notes to the dish.

Notes

• Caramelize with Care: Slice carrots evenly to ensure uniform roasting and beautiful golden-brown edges that boost flavor intensity.
• Glaze Magic: Whisk maple syrup and olive oil thoroughly to create a perfect sweet-savory coating that transforms ordinary carrots into a gourmet side dish.
• Spice Balance: Use cayenne pepper sparingly to add a subtle heat that complements the maple’s sweetness without overwhelming the carrots’ natural flavor.
• Herb Enhancement: Fresh rosemary sprigs infuse an aromatic depth, elevating the roasted carrots from simple to spectacular with minimal extra effort.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 105
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg