Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Fresh Thyme
Sweet roasted carrots coated with a sticky maple glaze and infused with fresh thyme, making a simple yet elegant side dish. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs maple syrup, olive oil, fresh thyme leaves 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 carrots, peeled and cut into 3-inch sticks
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 1.5 lbs peeled and cut carrots with 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated and glossy.
- Step 2: Spread carrots in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until carrots are tender and edges caramelize with a golden-brown glaze.
- Step 3: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional thyme if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Fresh Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Roasted Carrots with Fresh 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 maple syrup from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Fresh 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 Roasted Carrots with Fresh 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-Glazed Roasted Carrots with Fresh 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
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper. The carrots had the perfect balance of sweetness and herbal notes.
- ★★★★★
My family went crazy for these! The maple and thyme made them a standout side dish.
- ★★★★☆
Loved it! The thyme really enhanced the maple glaze. Just note: roasting time may vary by oven.
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