If you’re looking for a vibrant and cozy side that brings both sweetness and a touch of tartness to your table, this Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. The tender carrots, perfectly caramelized with rich maple syrup, paired with the juicy burst of dried cranberries, create a dish that is as delightful to look at as it is to taste. It’s a simple yet elegant way to elevate everyday carrots, making them the star of any holiday meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the best dishes come from straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in building the final flavor. For this recipe, the blend of natural sweetness, earthy spices, and fresh herbs works together in perfect harmony to make the carrots truly shine.
- 2 pounds carrots (peeled and cut): Choose fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and a naturally sweet base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps roast the carrots evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup: The star sweetener that creates caramelization and deep flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild warmth to complement the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Brings a gentle spice that pairs wonderfully with maple and carrots.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adds bursts of tartness and chewy texture after roasting.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Freshens and brightens the dish as a finishing touch.
How to Make Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your carrots roast evenly and the cleanup is a breeze, setting the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Toss the Carrots
In a large bowl, combine your peeled and sliced carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Toss everything together until each piece is glistening with the coating. This step is where the magic starts, as the maple syrup begins to saturate the carrots for a beautifully sweet roast.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Place them in the oven and let them roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through to ensure all sides caramelize evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and have those lovely golden edges.
Step 4: Add the Cranberries
Once the carrots are out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the dried cranberries over the hot carrots. The warmth will soften the cranberries just enough to bring out their juicy sweetness without losing their chewy bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish right before you serve.
How to Serve Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the fresh parsley, you can elevate this dish with crunchy toasted pecans or a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese to introduce new textures and richness. These simple additions can transform the carrots into something extraordinary for your table.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or pork, adding a sweet counterpoint. It also works wonderfully alongside grain bowls, fluffy quinoa, or hearty winter salads, making it versatile for any season.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these carrots on a large festive platter for holiday dinners or in individual portions with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a zingy balsamic glaze on top. You can even layer them with roasted root vegetables for a gorgeous autumn-inspired medley.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick reheats and weekday meals.
Freezing
While these carrots are best fresh, you can freeze them if necessary. Place cooled carrots in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve their texture as much as possible.
Reheating
To bring life back to your stored carrots, reheat gently in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain their caramelized edges and prevents them from becoming mushy as microwave reheating sometimes does.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be used, but they will have a much sharper tartness and won’t soften as nicely when sprinkled on top. If you decide to use fresh, consider adding them partway through roasting for a different, more tangy flavor.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! The Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic side dish for a wide range of dietary needs.
Can I prepare this without cinnamon?
Absolutely! The cinnamon is optional and adds a warm spice note, but the recipe is delicious and balanced without it.
How do I get the carrots to caramelize properly?
Make sure to roast the carrots at a high temperature (400°F) and spread them out in a single layer without overcrowding. Flipping them halfway through ensures even caramelization on all sides.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Feel free to experiment by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried cherries to change up the burst of fruitiness.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to love how this Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe adds a vibrant splash of sweet and tart flavor to your meals. It’s effortless to make yet impressively delicious, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Give it a try and watch those carrots become the highlight of your plate!
Print
Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and festive side dish featuring tender roasted carrots glazed with sweet maple syrup and accented with tart dried cranberries, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Perfect for holiday meals or any occasion where a flavorful, vegan, and gluten-free vegetable side is desired.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or diagonally sliced
For the Glaze and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Carrots: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cut carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if desired, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the glaze for balanced flavor.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the glazed carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
- Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through cooking. This allows them to become tender and develop a slightly caramelized exterior.
- Add Cranberries: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the dried cranberries over the hot carrots, letting them soften slightly from the residual heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Add chopped toasted pecans or crumbled goat cheese for additional texture and flavor contrast.
- This dish is ideal for holiday meals or as a vibrant side complementing roasted meats.
