Maple-Glazed Maple-Roasted Carrots with Thyme
Caramelized carrots coated in a sweet-tangy maple-thyme glaze, roasted until tender with a golden crust. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs carrots, maple syrup, olive oil 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
- 1 1/2 lbs carrots
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel and cut carrots into 2-inch sticks. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip and drizzle with 3 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp fresh thyme.
- Step 3: Return to oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until carrots are tender when pierced and edges are caramelized, stirring once halfway.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and toss with 1 tsp lemon zest. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow glaze to set.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Maple-Roasted Carrots with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Maple-Roasted 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 carrots from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Maple-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-Glazed Maple-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-Glazed Maple-Roasted Carrots with Thyme 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
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.