From the moment I slid that pan into the oven, the sweet aroma of maple mingled with tangy mustard filled my kitchen, promising a cozy side dish: Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots. After testing this recipe three times—once under-roasted, once over-glazed, and finally just right—I discovered the perfect balance of caramelized edges and tender cores. These carrots offer a sweet-savory twist that pairs beautifully with roast chicken or Roasted Broccoli and Carrots for an easy weeknight meal.
About Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots
This side dish transforms humble carrots into a vibrant, flavorful accompaniment. Across multiple trials, I fine-tuned the roast time and glaze ratio so each bite is tender, glossy, and lightly caramelized. It’s budget-friendly, seasonal with winter root veggies, and simple enough for busy weeknights.
- Quick prep—ready in about 30 minutes.
- Cost-effective—minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
- Kid-friendly—naturally sweet, minimal fuss.
- Ingredient insight: Mustard’s acidity helps balance maple’s sweetness.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Carrots (1 lb): The star—choose evenly sized sticks for uniform roast; baby carrots work too.
- Pure Maple Syrup (2 tbsp): Adds caramel sweetness—grade A for best flavor.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Provides tang and emulsification; swap for whole-grain if you like texture.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Ensures even roasting and glaze adhesion; use avocado oil for higher smoke point.
- Sea Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to taste helps bring out carrot’s natural sugars.
How to Make Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard until smooth and glossy.
- Add 1 lb peeled and halved carrots; toss until each piece is coated in the glaze.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then spread carrots in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until edges are caramelized and carrots are fork-tender.
- Remove from oven and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- During my second trial I under-roasted—be sure carrots are slightly golden at the tips for optimal sweetness.
- A common slip is overcrowding the pan; give each carrot room so they crisp rather than steam.
- Swap maple for honey in a pinch—use the same amount but expect a warmer sweetness.
- To double the batch, roast on two sheets, switching racks at the 12-minute mark.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze glazed carrots in a freezer-safe bag for 1 month. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave on medium power in 1-minute bursts. In my kitchen test, carrots kept their glossy coating and texture even after refrigeration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots alongside roast chicken or a simple grain bowl. They’re lovely with Simple Avocado Toast with Egg for a light brunch twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know when glazed carrots are done? They should be fork-tender with slightly caramelized edges after 20–25 minutes at 425°F.
- Can I use baby carrots instead? Yes—baby carrots work well; reduce roast time by 2–3 minutes if they’re smaller.
- Is it okay to substitute honey for maple syrup? Absolutely—use equal parts honey for a slightly different yet delicious sweetness.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes—mix carrots with glaze, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then roast as directed.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave on medium power until heated through.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots have become my go-to side when I need bright flavors with minimal effort. The contrast between sweet maple and tangy mustard is something I look forward to each time. Give them a try, tweak to your taste, and let me know how they turn out!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Roasted Broccoli and Carrots – similar veggie side with roasting technique
- Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey – shares carrot-centric flavor pairing
- Best Carrot Cake Cookies – uses carrots in dessert for carrot lovers
Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
Main
- 1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add carrots and toss until evenly coated in the glaze.
- Spread carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until carrots are tender and edges begin to brown.
- Remove from oven, transfer to a serving platter, drizzle any pan juices over the carrots, and serve immediately.