Why You Will Love This Baby Carrots Recipe
I would imagine at this point, you already know that I’m a huge fan of sheet pan meals - the prep is usually pretty minimal, everything bakes together, and clean up is a snap. This particular side dish recipe is extra easy because the veggies are already prepped and ready to go! Simply open a bag of baby carrots, mince up some garlic and you’re basically done. I also love how healthy this naturally vegan and gluten free veg dish is. The maple syrup is used sparingly, just enough to help the carrots become golden and caramelized. The rest is just heart healthy olive oil, salt & pepper, fresh (or dried) thyme, and a little T-I-M-E in the oven. In my experience, this is a perfect side dish for any cold weather dinner. Honestly, who doesn’t love roasted carrots?? Even the kids will go nuts for this naturally sweet side. This delicious roasted baby carrots recipe is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight, but is tasty enough to get to on your Thanksgiving buffet. So let’s get cooking, shall we?
Ingredients
You can easily count the number of ingredients this roasted vegetable side on two hands. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Baby Carrots - I love using baby carrots for this recipe because they are already peeled and cut to the perfect size! If you only have regular carrots on hand, however, don’t fret - simply peel and chop into chunky pieces.Maple Syrup - When fall rolls around, maple syrup finds its way into many things at my house: coffee or tea, smoothies, oatmeal, salad dressings, and even the roasted veggie side dishes! If you don’t have any on hand, feel free to substitute honey or agave syrup instead.Garlic - Fresh is best, if possible. If not, opt for ¼ teaspoon of dried garlic powder instead.Olive Oil - I love the flavor of extra virgin olive oil, but use whatever you have on hand.Thyme - Fresh thyme is lovely; it’s fragrant, delicate, and pretty to look at. Keep some growing on your windowsill for a never-ending supply! If you only have dried thyme on hand, use only about ¼ teaspoon.Salt & Pepper - They are key to every savory recipe, and even some sweet ones! Opt for fresh cracked peppercorns and pink Himalayan salt or Kosher salt.
How To Roast Baby Carrots
This recipe is straightforward! First, pre-heat the oven to 425°F. In a bowl, toss the baby carrots with minced garlic, salt, freshly cracked pepper, maple syrup, olive oil and fresh thyme. Transfer the tossed carrots on baking sheet pan and spread in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing once halfway through, or until the carrots are fork tender with caramelized edges. Remove the sheet pan from the oven, letting it sit for few minutes. Dish onto a serving plate, garnish with some fresh thyme and serve!
Optional Add-Ins
This yummy roasted baby carrots recipe is just the beginning! Feel free to add any medley of veggies to the mix. Here are some ideas to get you started:
BroccoliParsnipsCauliflowerFingerling Potatoes (also perfectly sized!!!)Sweet potatoes
If you are adding more veg to roast alongside the carrots, be sure to cut them to roughly the same size as baby carrots - about 2 bites worth. Also, do try my savory Roasted Carrots and Potatoes, Warm Roasted Purple Potato Salad and Roasted Parsnips, Roasted Cauliflower Parmesan for upcoming Thanksgiving dinner.
Variations
Once you start oven roasting your carrots, I have a feeling you won’t go back to pan sautéing them anytime soon. Don’t feel like you’re in a rut, either! Try:
Using honey or brown sugar instead of maple syrup.Drizzling it with some balsamic vinegar before roasting, or reduce balsamic into a syrup to serve.Using butter instead of olive oil.Adding warming spices like cinnamon instead of thyme.
If you come up with any particularly delicious combinations the world should know about, post it to Instagram and don’t forget to tag me!
Other Tasty Veggie Sides
Crispy Roasted Brussels SproutsOven Roasted AsparagusRosemary Roasted PotatoesRoasted Butternut SquashZa’atar Roasted Red Potatoes
If you made this recipe for my Maple Roasted Baby Carrots, please be sure to rate and review it below! If you’d like more deliciously easy recipe inspiration, follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or YouTube. You can also get all of my newest content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for my email newsletter.
📖 Recipe
