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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
