Description
Delicious and vibrant Maple Roasted Carrots with Cranberries, perfect as a festive side dish. Carrots are roasted with olive oil, pure maple syrup, and warm spices, then topped with sweet dried cranberries and fresh parsley for a delightful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or thick slices
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fruits & Garnish
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Toss Carrots with Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and cut carrots with olive oil, pure maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure the carrots are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange and Roast: Spread the seasoned carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking and caramelization. The carrots should become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add Cranberries: During the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly over the carrots. This will warm the cranberries slightly, enhancing their flavor without overcooking them.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the roasting pan from the oven, transfer the carrots and cranberries to a serving dish, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra crunch and depth of flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving.
- This dish makes a colorful and festive side perfect for holiday meals or cozy fall dinners.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey if preferred, keeping the dish naturally sweet.
- Carrots can be cut into sticks or thick slices depending on your texture preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
