Maple-Bourbon Roasted Carrots with Thyme
Sweet and earthy roasted carrots glazed in a warm maple-bourbon sauce, elevated with fresh thyme for a simple yet sophisticated side dish. This american-inspired cocktails & beverages (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 33 minutes brings together maple syrup, bourbon, olive oil 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 120 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and cut into 2-inch lengths carrots
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 lb peeled and cut into 2-inch carrot lengths with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Roast for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and brush with 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp bourbon.
- Step 3: Return to oven and roast for 10-12 more minutes until carrots are tender-crisp and edges are caramelized, turning halfway through.
- Step 4: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Bourbon Roasted Carrots with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (8 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 Maple-Bourbon Roasted Carrots with Thyme?
Refrigerate any leftover maple-bourbon 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 Maple-Bourbon 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 Maple-Bourbon 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.
Is Maple-Bourbon Roasted Carrots with Thyme vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The maple and bourbon combo is magic.
- ★★★★★
So delicious, I made them twice this week!
- ★★★★★
Best carrots ever! My family devoured them.
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