🥕 Roasted Carrots with Maple and Pecans
These Roasted Carrots with Maple and Pecans are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty. Tender oven-roasted carrots are glazed with pure maple syrup, finished with warm spices, and topped with crunchy toasted pecans for a simple yet elegant side dish that’s ideal for holidays or cozy weeknight dinners.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & savory flavor combo
- Simple ingredients, big flavor
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Perfect for Thanksgiving & Christmas
- Naturally gluten-free & vegetarian
- Pairs beautifully with roasted meats or fish
📝 Ingredients
- 1½–2 lb. carrots, peeled and cut into sticks (or whole baby carrots)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, extra pecans
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Season Carrots
In a large bowl, drizzle carrots with olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and spices. Toss well to coat. Place carrots on the sheet pan.
3️⃣ Roast
Spread carrots in a single layer on baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Pecans
Remove pan from the oven, sprinkle pecans over carrots, and gently toss.
5️⃣ Finish Roasting
Return to oven and roast another 10–15 minutes, until carrots are tender and caramelized and pecans are toasted.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with herbs and serve warm.
⏱️ Time & Servings
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 30–35 minutes
- Total: ~40 minutes
- Serves: 4–6
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Roasted chicken or turkey
- Glazed ham
- Beef tenderloin
- Cranberry orange glazed salmon
- Quinoa or wild rice for a vegetarian plate
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Cut carrots evenly for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — use two pans if needed.
- For deeper caramelization, flip carrots halfway through.
- Add pecans later so they don’t burn.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup.
❄️ Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven or skillet for best texture.
❤️ Make It Special
This dish is perfect for holiday tables, family dinners, or anytime you want a colorful, cozy side that looks as good as it tastes.
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Enjoy!
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