Bourbon-Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots with Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet roasted carrots coated in a rich bourbon and maple glaze, finished with fresh thyme for an aromatic side dish. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 35 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, pure maple syrup, unsalted butter for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss 1 lb peeled and 3-inch cut carrots with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 3 tbsp bourbon whiskey, 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded.
  3. Step 3: Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until carrots are tender and caramelized at the edges.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves over the carrots, tossing gently to combine and release the herb's aroma.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm as a flavorful side dish with your favorite mains.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots with Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Bourbon-Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots with Thyme?

Refrigerate any leftover bourbon-maple glazed roasted carrots with thyme in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots with Thyme?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bourbon-Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots with Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bourbon-Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots with Thyme?

American cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.