If you have a soft spot for comforting, vibrant dishes that bring warmth and a hint of sweetness to your table, then this Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe is a must-try. The natural sweetness of maple syrup perfectly complements the earthiness of roasted carrots, while the tart cranberries add bursts of color and flavor that make every bite exciting. It’s such a delightful side dish that feels cozy yet fresh, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but they each play a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture in this dish. From the tender carrots to the balancing spices and bright cranberries, every element is essential for that memorable taste.
- 1 ½ pounds of carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks: Fresh carrots provide a naturally sweet and earthy base that becomes tender when roasted.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to roast the carrots evenly while adding a subtle richness.
- 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup: Adds a luscious sweetness and promotes caramelization during roasting.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick that rounds out the taste.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces a warm, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with maple and cranberries.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: Brings a tart, chewy contrast that brightens the dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh herbal touch and vibrant green color to finish.
How to Make Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also helps with easy cleanup. A hot oven is key to getting that perfect roast on the carrots.
Step 2: Coat the Carrots with Olive Oil
In a spacious bowl, toss your sliced carrots with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure each stick is lightly coated to help them roast evenly and develop a beautiful golden color. This simple step sets the stage for a tender and flavorful carrot.
Step 3: Sweeten with Pure Maple Syrup
Next, drizzle 1 ½ tablespoons of maple syrup over the carrots and toss again. The maple syrup not only sweetens the dish naturally but also creates that irresistible caramelized finish on roasting, giving the carrots a glossy, appetizing coating.
Step 4: Season with Salt, Pepper, and Cinnamon
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon over the maple-coated carrots. These spices work together to create a balance, with cinnamon lending warmth and depth while the pepper lifts the flavor profile. Toss thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
Step 5: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the prepared carrots out in a single layer on your lined baking sheet. Keeping them spaced ensures they roast perfectly without steaming, helping every piece get those lovely caramelized edges.
Step 6: Roast to Perfection
Place the tray in the oven and roast the carrots for 20 to 25 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through. This turning helps the carrots cook evenly and develop the right balance of tenderness with caramelized crispness.
Step 7: Add Cranberries While Warm
Once the carrots are done, remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the dried cranberries over the hot vegetables. Toss them gently right on the baking sheet so that the cranberries warm slightly, becoming juicier and melding beautifully with the roasted carrots.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your colorful carrot and cranberry mixture to a serving dish and finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. Your Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds vibrancy and a slight peppery note, but you can also experiment with chopped toasted pecans or a handful of crumbled goat cheese for an added texture and creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a holiday turkey. The sweet and tart elements make it a perfect complement to savory mains and hearty grain bowls. It also shines alongside wild rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving the Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe on a rustic wooden board or in a colorful serving bowl. Adding a few whole roasted baby carrots for garnish or a drizzle of extra maple syrup at the end can make it extra special for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roasted carrots and cranberries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their natural flavors and maintains their texture.
Freezing
While this recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze the carrots (without the parsley garnish) in a freezer-safe container or bag. Use within 2 months for optimal flavor. Note that the texture might soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or in a microwave until warm. Toss lightly before serving to refresh the flavors, and consider adding a pinch more fresh parsley to brighten it up.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, fresh cranberries can work, but they will be tarter and juicier. If using fresh, consider adding them in the last 10 minutes of roasting to soften them without losing their bright flavor.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or agave nectar are good alternatives. Each will bring sweetness with slightly different flavors, so adjust to your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients like olive oil and maple syrup, so no changes are necessary.
What type of carrots should I use?
Any fresh carrots work well, but smaller or baby carrots can be roasted whole for a different look. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure tenderness.
How can I add more texture to the dish?
Try sprinkling toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts just before serving. They add a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft roasted carrots and chewy cranberries.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and bright flavors to the table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for special occasions. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it with you—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries is a deliciously sweet and savory side dish featuring tender roasted carrots glazed with pure maple syrup and aromatic spices, finished with a burst of tart dried cranberries and fresh parsley garnish. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for adding a colorful and flavorful touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds of carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sweeteners & Garnish
- 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 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 for 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 helps with roasting and caramelization.
- Add Maple Syrup: Drizzle the pure maple syrup over the carrots in the bowl and toss again until the carrots are fully coated, adding a sweet glaze.
- Season Carrots: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon over the carrots. Toss once more to evenly distribute the spices for a balanced flavor.
- Arrange Carrots on Baking Sheet: Spread the prepared carrots onto the lined baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them roast evenly and develop a tender texture with caramelized edges.
- Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. The carrots should become tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Add Dried Cranberries: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the dried cranberries over the hot carrots. Toss the mixture gently on the baking sheet so the cranberries warm slightly and mix well.
- 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 extra flavor, you can add a splash of fresh orange juice before roasting.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish for the best color and taste.
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with dried cherries or raisins for variety.
- If carrots are very thick, cut them thinner to ensure even roasting.
- Make sure to toss carrots halfway during roasting to prevent burning and achieve uniform caramelization.
