If you are searching for a vibrant, sweet, and tangy side dish to brighten up your table, this Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe is absolutely the one to try. Imagine tender, caramelized carrots, kissed by the warmth of cinnamon and pure maple syrup, accented with bursts of tart cranberries that pop with every bite. It’s not only stunning in color but offers a comforting blend of flavors that make every mouthful a little celebration. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy with minimal fuss and maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each one plays an essential role in building the dish’s sweet and savory profile, as well as its inviting color and aroma.
- Carrots (1 1/2 pounds): Fresh and peeled, they provide the perfect base with their natural sweetness and crisp texture when roasted.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to roast the carrots evenly while adding a subtle richness.
- Pure maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds a deep, natural sweetness and lovely caramelization.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warm spice notes that enhance both carrots and cranberries.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a gentle heat contrast that keeps the dish lively.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Offer tart bursts that beautifully complement the sweet maple glaze.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch and a pop of green for presentation.
How to Make Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Carrots
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Peel and cut the carrots into sticks or coins according to your preference. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss the carrots in this flavorful blend until they are coated evenly. This step is crucial as it ensures every bite is infused with the perfect balance of sweet and spice.
Step 2: Roast the Carrots
Spread the seasoned carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This prevents steaming and helps them roast to tender, lightly caramelized perfection. Pop them into the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure even browning. You’ll notice the natural sugars in the carrots and maple syrup developing into a beautiful glaze around the edges.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries
In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the carrots. This timing allows the cranberries to warm through and soften slightly without losing their shape or chewy texture. It’s the perfect moment for a delightful pop of tartness that contrasts gorgeously with the caramelized carrots.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the glazed carrots and cranberries to a serving dish. If you have fresh parsley on hand, sprinkle it over the top to bring that bit of fresh herbal aroma and a bright green burst of color. Serve warm and watch how quickly this dish becomes a favorite at your meal table.
How to Serve Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a simple yet fantastic garnish that brings herbal brightness and visual appeal to the dish. You could also try toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the top for a crunchy contrast that complements the soft carrots and chewy cranberries.
Side Dishes
This side dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, making it a natural fit for holiday dinners. For vegetarian or vegan meals, serve it alongside quinoa, couscous, or a hearty grain salad to round out the plate. Its sweet-savory profile balances well with dishes that are rich or slightly spicy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the carrots in a rustic wooden bowl or a bright white platter to highlight their vivid colors. You can also drizzle just a little extra maple syrup on top right before serving for an added glossy finish and a touch more sweetness. Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes the flavors pop even more dramatically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the next day’s taste even richer.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked carrots and cranberries, but keep in mind the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the carrots in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through to help maintain a bit of their roast crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them mushy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be used but keep in mind they are much tarter and juicier than dried ones. You might want to toss them in during the last few minutes of roasting just to soften them without losing the fresh bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! The recipe as it stands is naturally nut-free, but if you want to add nuts for crunch, just pick your favorite or omit altogether without impacting the core flavors.
Can I substitute maple syrup with honey or another sweetener?
Honey works as a substitute if you are not strictly vegan, but maple syrup provides a unique depth and subtle smokiness that honey does not. Agave syrup or brown rice syrup could also be experimented with for similar effects.
How do I ensure the carrots are evenly roasted?
Cutting the carrots into similar-sized pieces and spreading them in a single layer on the baking sheet ensures even roasting. Flipping them halfway through cooking helps all sides get perfectly caramelized.
Can this dish be served cold or at room temperature?
Yes, it makes a delicious addition to salads or as a cold side dish. Just be aware the texture will be less tender and the maple glaze might firm up slightly when chilled.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a little celebration of seasonal flavors that’s sure to delight your family and friends. Its simplicity and depth make it easy enough for an everyday meal yet special enough for holiday gatherings. Give it a try and watch how these humble ingredients transform into something truly memorable on your plate.
Print
Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This easy and flavorful Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries recipe combines sweet maple syrup and tart dried cranberries for a deliciously caramelized vegetable side dish. Roasted to tender perfection and lightly spiced with cinnamon, this vibrant dish is perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or coins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Carrots: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cut carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the seasoned carrots 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 the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them once halfway through cooking to promote even browning and tenderness.
- Add Cranberries: About 5 minutes before the carrots are done, sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the top so they warm through without burning.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the carrots from the oven, transfer them to a serving dish, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For added texture, consider tossing in chopped pecans or walnuts before roasting.
- To introduce a savory note, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the carrots prior to roasting.
- This recipe works wonderfully as a festive holiday side or a nutritious weeknight vegetable dish.
