Description
Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries is a deliciously sweet and savory side dish featuring tender roasted carrots caramelized with pure maple syrup, fresh thyme, and bursting fresh cranberries. Perfect as a vibrant accompaniment for any meal, this recipe balances earthiness and bright tartness in a simple, oven-roasted preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into sticks)
Seasoning & Flavor
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fruit & Garnish
- ½ cup fresh cranberries (or dried cranberries if fresh is unavailable)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the carrots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you are using regular carrots, peel them and cut into sticks. For baby carrots, trim the ends if needed.
- Roast the carrots: Arrange the carrots on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup and toss well to make sure they are evenly coated. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper over the carrots to season. Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the carrots become tender and develop a caramelized finish.
- Add the cranberries: About 5 minutes before the carrots finish roasting, scatter the fresh cranberries over them and return the pan to the oven. Continue roasting for the remaining time until the cranberries soften and burst, adding a lovely tart contrast to the sweet carrots.
- Serve: Remove the roasted carrots and cranberries from the oven. Transfer them to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and warmth of the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries but add them earlier so they soften during roasting.
- Adjust the maple syrup amount to your preferred sweetness level.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature and pairs well with roasted meats or holiday meals.
- For a more savory twist, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin.
