Name: Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or coins; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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If you’re searching for a side dish that feels festive yet easy enough for a weeknight, let me introduce you to Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries. This vibrant medley is a celebration of sweet, earthy carrots roasted to tender perfection with pure maple syrup, kissed by a hint of cinnamon, and studded with tart dried cranberries. The result? A dazzling dish that’s as beautiful on the table as it is delicious on the palate. Whether you serve it for a holiday gathering or a cozy dinner at home, Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries will quickly become one of your most-requested recipes.

Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries is that the ingredient list is short and simple, but each component plays an important role in creating a dish that’s colorful, flavorful, and wonderfully balanced. These are the essentials you’ll need:

Carrots: Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and natural sweetness.
Olive oil: Helps the carrots roast evenly and adds a subtle richness.
Pure maple syrup: Brings a gentle, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the vegetables.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes every bite pop.
Black pepper: Offers a tiny kick that complements the maple and cinnamon.
Dried cranberries: Provide bursts of tartness and a gorgeous pop of color.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top brightens up the dish with freshness and a little extra green.

How to Make Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the carrots from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This step sets the stage for even roasting and those lovely caramelized edges.

Step 2: Toss the Carrots

In a large bowl, combine your peeled and cut carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the carrots are thoroughly coated. This ensures each piece roasts up golden, sweet, and seasoned just right.

Step 3: Arrange and Roast

Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Give them space so they roast, not steam. Pop them into the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through to promote even browning and caramelization.

Step 4: Add the Cranberries

With about 5 minutes left on the timer, sprinkle the dried cranberries over the carrots. Return to the oven so the cranberries soften just a bit and their tartness melds with the sweet, roasted flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the carrots are perfectly tender and caramelized, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and, if you like, shower everything with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Your Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, I love to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley over the top just before serving. If you want even more texture, a handful of chopped toasted pecans adds delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries.

Side Dishes

This side is incredibly versatile. It’s a natural with roasted chicken, turkey, or ham, but it also brings cozy sweetness to vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or quinoa pilaf. Think of Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries as your dinner table’s bright, tangy accent.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the carrots on a long platter for dramatic effect, or arrange them in a shallow bowl, letting the cranberries and parsley peek through. For festive occasions, you can even layer the carrots with roasted beets or sweet potatoes for a riot of autumn colors that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries, simply let them cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the carrots may lose a bit of their tender-crisp texture. If you do freeze them, store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the carrots on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The oven helps revive their caramelized edges. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the texture will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?

Absolutely! Baby carrots work well in this recipe, though they might cook a bit faster. Just keep an eye on them in the oven and check for tenderness a few minutes early.

Is it possible to make Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries vegan?

It already is! This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for a variety of dietary needs.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

You can swap in honey if that’s what you have on hand, but maple syrup gives a uniquely rich, earthy sweetness that really shines in Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries.

What other herbs can I use besides parsley?

Fresh thyme or dill both make excellent garnishes, adding their own twist to the dish. Feel free to get creative with your favorite herbs!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a holiday meal?

Yes, you can roast the carrots a day in advance and gently reheat them in the oven before serving. Add fresh parsley and any crunchy toppings just before bringing them to the table for the best flavor and look.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries bring a touch of warmth, color, and irresistible flavor to any meal. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a new favorite at your own table!

Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries is a delicious and festive side dish perfect for fall and holiday meals. Sweet carrots are tossed with olive oil, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and a touch of salt and pepper, then roasted to tender caramelized perfection. Dried cranberries are added in the final minutes for a burst of tart sweetness, and fresh parsley brings a hint of herbaceous freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or coins

Seasonings & Flavorings

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients

1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Toss Carrots: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cut carrots with olive oil, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the mixture. This ensures balanced flavor and caramelization.
Arrange and Roast: Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even cooking and caramelization. The carrots should become tender and slightly browned.
Add Cranberries: During the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the carrots. Return the baking sheet to the oven so the cranberries warm through and slightly plump without burning.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the carrots cool slightly. Transfer them to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Notes

For extra texture and flavor, add chopped toasted pecans just before serving.
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or ham, making it a perfect holiday side.
Use fresh parsley to brighten the dish, but it is optional based on preference.
Make sure to toss the carrots halfway through roasting to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American