Maple-Balsamic Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Sweet and savory roasted carrots with a caramelized maple-balsamic glaze, enhanced by fresh thyme for a simple yet elegant side dish. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs julienned carrots, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs julienned carrots
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp leaves fresh thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1.5 lbs julienned carrots with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tsp thyme leaves on a baking sheet, spreading in a single layer.
- Step 2: Roast for 20 minutes until carrots are tender-crisp at the edges, stirring once halfway through cooking.
- Step 3: While carrots roast, whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.
- Step 4: After roasting, remove carrots from oven, drizzle with the maple-balsamic glaze, and toss to coat evenly. Return to oven for 5 minutes to caramelize, then serve immediately while still warm and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Balsamic Glazed Carrots with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Maple-Balsamic Glazed Carrots with Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep julienned carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Balsamic Glazed 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 Maple-Balsamic Glazed 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 Maple-Balsamic Glazed Carrots with Thyme?
American vegetarian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
