Maple Glazed Carrots

Name: Maple Glazed Carrots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1½ lbs carrots (peeled and sliced diagonally into ½-inch pieces); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic (minced); ½ tsp Morton kosher salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp vegan butter (optional)

These easy vegan maple glazed carrots are roasted until tender and lightly caramelized. We then coat them in a sweet and savory maple-Dijon glaze. Made with simple, easy to find ingredients, this holiday side is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a weeknight family dinner! 🥕

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Carrots are one of those vegetables that always seem to be sitting in the fridge, waiting for someone to notice them. Most of the time, they end up in a vegetable soup, or, if you’re feeling fancy, perhaps, a carrot cake. But these maple glazed carrots are another way to enjoy this humble veggie that might just become your new favorite. It's nutritious & healthy, plus so easy to make!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Sweet & salty, tender & buttery, these vegan maple glazed carrots are sure to please everyone at your table during the holiday season!

Easy vegan side dish. Enjoy it as a simple weeknight side or a delicious addition to your holiday spread - perfect either way 🧡 You can also change the spices and herbs based on the rest of the menu. For example, a pinch of cinnamon can bring a lovely warm, festive touch.

A boost of nutrition. Carrots are a great source of fiber and beta-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A. Also, the recipe doesn’t include refined sugars; maple syrup will do!

Even picky eaters might approve. If getting your kids to eat their veggies is a struggle (I can feel ya!), the sweet maple glaze might just do the trick.

Ingredients for Dairy-Free Glazed Carrots

Carrots, obviously. I recommend fresh, whole carrots for this recipe, but baby carrots can be used in a pinch. Also, if you can find skinny carrots, go for those, since they caramelize more easily and require less prep (no chopping/slicing needed).
Olive oil + vegan butter. A combo that gives these maple glazed carrots a rich flavor and glossy finish - a mouthwatering sight & a treat for your taste buds 😋Remember, the butter will go after the carrots have been roasted (while they’re still hot).
Maple syrup. It’s in the title, guys, so of course it’s a super important ingredient and should be the best quality possible. Look for 100% pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored pancake syrup. Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup is my go-to. You can also substitute with ¼ cup brown sugar or ¼ cup honey (non-vegan option). I’m sure they’d taste great, too.
Dijon mustard. A subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
Garlic. Grating fresh garlic into the glaze for your maple roasted carrots will do a lot of heavy flavor lifting in this very easy vegan side dish.
Seasonings and herbs. I used Kosher salt, black pepper (freshly ground), and fresh thyme leaves. You can play around here however you like.
Apple cider vinegar. It cuts through the sweetness of the glaze, so the final dish is a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

How to Make Maple Glazed Carrots

2 steps, that’s it, another reason why it’s my favorite holiday carrot recipe.

1. Prep & Bake the Carrots

First, preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Then, peel the carrots and slice diagonally into ½-inch pieces. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Next, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated and spread into a single layer.

Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots begin to soften and develop golden edges.

2. Make the Drizzle

Meanwhile, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, & fresh thyme in a small bowl.

Now, remove the carrots from the oven and drizzle with the maple glaze. Toss until evenly coated, then return to the oven and roast for another 8–12 minutes, until the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized.

Finally, remove from the oven and toss with apple cider vinegar and vegan butter, if using. Garnish with additional fresh thyme and serve warm 🍴

Tips and Tricks

Give the carrots enough room to roast rather than steam. If you're doubling the recipe, use two baking sheets instead of piling everything onto one.
Thin carrot slices can turn mushy before the thicker ones are cooked, so aim for ½-inch pieces, and cut particularly thick carrots in half lengthwise first.
Dry the carrots before roasting.
Maple syrup contains natural sugars that can burn at high temperatures, and that’s why I add it only during the last 8 to 12 minutes.
Vinegar might seem like an odd addition, but that final splash is absolutely non-negotiable.
Serving them later? Roast the carrots until they're almost tender, then set them aside. Just before serving, add the glaze and return them to the oven to finish cooking.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

To make ahead - You can peel and chop the carrots up to 2 days in advance. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then pat them dry before roasting. The maple glaze can also be mixed a day ahead and stored separately in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using.

To store - Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. I wouldn’t recommend storing in the freezer. Tip: don’t leave roasted carrots at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

To reheat - Spread the carrots on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, though the carrots won't retain their caramelized edges.

FAQs

What to serve with glazed carrots?

Maple roasted carrots taste so good with savory dishes that balance their sweetness.

To serve as a vegan Thanksgiving side dish, I love pairing these with vegan Wellington or mushroom and lentil meatloaf. Both make lovely centerpieces for a festive meal 🤤

For a simple weeknight dinner, enjoy your glazed carrots with mashed potatoes, a slice of quiche, or my yummy shepherd’s pie. Round it up with a fresh salad.

Can vegans eat maple syrup?

Yes, pure maple syrup is for everyone, vegan or not. It is a natural plant-based product made only from boiled tree sap.

Do I need to peel carrots before eating?

It’s up to you. If you’re leaving the peels on, give the carrots a good scrub to wash off any dirt.

Why are my roasted carrots mushy instead of caramelized?

You may have overcrowded the pan. When carrots are packed too closely together, they release moisture and end up getting steamed.

How do I know when the carrots are done?

Pierce the thickest piece with a fork. It should slide in easily, but the carrot should still hold its shape. Look for lightly browned edges and a glossy glaze. Tip: If the carrots are browning too quickly but still feel firm, lower the oven temperature slightly and give them a few more minutes.

Can I use rainbow carrots for this recipe?

Yes. Purple, yellow, white, and orange carrots all work well, and a mix looks especially pretty on a holiday table 💜🤍💛 Keep in mind that purple carrots can sometimes release pigment onto the lighter ones, so you’d want to roast them separately.

Can I make maple glazed carrots in an air fryer?

Yes, although you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Air fry the carrots at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then toss with the maple glaze and cook for another 3–5 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.

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