Maple-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash
A sweet-savory side dish with roasted root vegetables and a hint of maple, perfect for fall dinners. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium carrots, medium parsnips, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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
- 4 medium carrots
- 2 medium parsnips
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 4 medium peeled and chopped carrots and 2 medium peeled and chopped parsnips with 2 tbsp unsalted butter until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Roast on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway, until golden and fork-tender.
- Step 3: Transfer roasted vegetables to a bowl. Add 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp fresh thyme, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mash with a potato masher until smooth but still slightly textured.
- Step 4: Adjust seasoning and serve warm, reserving any extra maple syrup for drizzling.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash 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-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash?
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 medium carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash?
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-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash 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-Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Mash vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the American come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
