Sheet Pan Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet roasted carrots caramelized with maple syrup and fresh thyme, finished with a touch of lemon for brightness. This sheet pan ready in about 40 minutes pairs carrots, olive oil, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel and cut 1.5 lbs carrots into 1-inch thick diagonal slices. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are golden and tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp lemon zest, and toss gently to distribute. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Sheet Pan Maple-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 carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Maple-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 Sheet Pan Maple-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 should I serve with Sheet Pan Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme?

A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.

What others are saying