Description
These Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries offer a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that’s easy to prepare. Roasting the carrots caramelizes their natural sugars, while the addition of pure maple syrup, warm cinnamon, and tart dried cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe makes an elegant and healthy accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds of carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sweeteners
- 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
Additions and Garnish
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Coat Carrots with Oil: In a large bowl, combine the sliced carrots and olive oil. Toss well to ensure all the carrot sticks are evenly coated with the oil, which promotes even roasting and crisp edges.
- Add Maple Syrup: Add the pure maple syrup to the bowl and continue tossing the carrots so the sweet glaze covers each piece thoroughly, enhancing caramelization.
- Season Carrots: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon over the carrots. Toss again to distribute these spices uniformly, giving the carrots a warm, balanced flavor.
- Arrange Carrots: Spread the prepared carrots out evenly on the lined baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures they roast uniformly without steaming.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking to promote even browning. Roast until the carrots are tender and caramelized on the edges.
- Add Cranberries: Remove the roasted carrots from the oven and immediately sprinkle the dried cranberries over the hot carrots. Toss gently on the baking sheet to combine while maintaining the shape and texture of the cranberries.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the carrots and cranberries to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add color and a fresh herbal note before serving.
Notes
- For best results, slice carrots uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute dried cherries or raisins for cranberries if desired.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and maple syrup to taste for a sweeter or spicier profile.
- If you prefer a vegan option, confirm that your maple syrup is pure and unprocessed.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Maple roasted carrots, roasted carrots with cranberries, holiday side dish, roasted vegetables, healthy carrot recipe, sweet roasted carrots
