Caramelized Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sweet & Zesty Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sweet, tender carrots drizzled with a rich maple brown butter glaze dance with irresistible flavor.

Caramelized maple brown butter glazed carrots offer a luxurious side dish that elevates any meal.

The nutty aroma of browned butter mingles perfectly with sweet maple syrup.

Roasted to golden perfection, these carrots bring a touch of elegance to your plate.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of caramelized sweetness and earthy vegetable richness.

The simple ingredients transform humble carrots into a restaurant-worthy accompaniment.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet sophisticated vegetable side that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storing Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots Properly

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover glazed carrots in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm carrots gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water to restore original texture and prevent drying out.
  • Advance Preparation Hack: Chop and season carrots up to 24 hours before roasting. Keep seasoned carrots in a sealed container inside the refrigerator, ready to pop into the oven when needed. Simplifies meal planning and reduces day-of cooking stress.
  • Freezing Option: While best enjoyed fresh, these maple brown butter carrots can be frozen for up to 2 months. Package in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 132 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List For Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots

For Roasting Base:
  • Carrots: Vibrant, sweet root vegetable that caramelizes beautifully when roasted; choose firm, bright orange carrots without blemishes.
  • Olive Oil: Helps carrots roast evenly and adds subtle richness; use extra virgin for best flavor.
For Flavor Enhancement:
  • Butter: Creates nutty brown butter base with deep, complex flavor; use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
  • Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and gorgeous caramelization; opt for pure maple syrup instead of artificial versions.
  • Thyme: Adds earthy, herbal notes that complement the carrots' sweetness; fresh thyme leaves provide more intense flavor.
For Seasoning and Finishing:
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness; use kosher or sea salt for better texture.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth; freshly ground provides more robust taste.
  • Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and light herbal freshness; choose curly or flat-leaf varieties.

Cooking Items For Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting carrots evenly and creating a caramelized finish.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Small Saucepan: Perfect for browning butter and creating the delicious maple glaze.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Helps toss carrots with brown butter and maple syrup mixture.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring butter and mixing ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife: Needed to prepare and cut carrots.
  • Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and syrup measurements.

How To Prepare Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots

  • Craft Nutty Brown Butter

Grab a small saucepan and let butter dance over medium heat. Swirl it gently until it transforms into a golden, fragrant liquid with a rich, toasty aroma. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

  • Infuse Maple Magic

Pull the saucepan off the heat and introduce maple syrup, letting it mingle with thyme leaves for a burst of woodland flavor.

  • Coat Carrots with Liquid Gold

Tumble carrots into a mixing bowl and drench them with the brown butter and maple concoction. Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring every carrot gets a luxurious massage.

  • Roast to Caramelized Perfection

Spread carrots across a baking sheet in a single, elegant layer. Slide into a scorching 425F oven and let them transform for 20-25 minutes. Give them a quick stir midway to ensure even caramelization.

  • Serve with Flair

Transfer the glistening, golden carrots to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy immediately while they’re hot and irresistible.

Tasty Ideas For Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots

  • Flavor Boost: Toast some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds and sprinkle over the carrots for added crunch and nutty depth.
  • Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme to create unique flavor profiles that complement the maple and brown butter.
  • Dietary Swaps: For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use maple syrup as the glaze. Coconut oil will provide a similar richness to butter while keeping the recipe plant-based.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the brown butter glaze for a subtle warmth that enhances the sweetness of the maple and carrots.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the brown butter glaze and chop carrots a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator and roast just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Serve Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots With Style

  • Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange these golden-brown carrots on a rustic wooden platter, surrounded by sprigs of fresh thyme and scattered parsley for a stunning thanksgiving or Christmas side dish.
  • Gourmet Salad Topper: Chop the roasted carrots and sprinkle over mixed greens, adding a sweet and nutty dimension to your favorite salad with an extra crunch.
  • Elegant Appetizer Twist: Serve these glazed carrots as an upscale appetizer alongside a creamy goat cheese dip or whipped feta, creating a sophisticated small plate perfect for dinner parties.
  • Breakfast Bowl Companion: Slice the carrots and mix into morning grain bowls or alongside scrambled eggs for a nutritious and flavor-packed breakfast with a delightful caramelized touch.
Print
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Caramelized Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe

Caramelized Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Maple brown butter glazed carrots bring sweet and nutty elegance to any dinner table. Simple ingredients combine for a delightful side dish that elevates seasonal vegetables with rich, caramelized flavors you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsps (45 mL) unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425F (220C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating an ideal roasting environment for the carrots.
  2. Brown Butter Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, carefully monitoring its transformation into a golden, nutty liquid. Swirl continuously until the butter develops a deep amber hue and releases a rich, toasted aroma, avoiding any burning.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Remove butter from heat and delicately blend in maple syrup and thyme leaves, crafting a luxurious glaze that will enhance the carrots’ inherent sweetness.
  4. Coating Process: Introduce carrots to a large mixing bowl, drench with the warm brown butter-maple mixture. Season thoroughly with salt and pepper, massaging the glaze to ensure complete and even coverage of each carrot.
  5. Roasting Technique: Distribute carrots in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, pausing midway to rotate and redistribute, promoting uniform caramelization and ensuring tender, perfectly roasted vegetables.
  6. Finishing Touch: Extract carrots from the oven when they display a beautifully caramelized exterior and tender interior. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting a vibrant and flavorful vegetable creation.

Notes

  • Prevent Burning Butter: Watch the butter carefully during browning, swirling constantly to achieve a golden-brown color without scorching, which can turn the flavor bitter and ruin the entire glaze.
  • Uniform Carrot Sizing: Cut carrots into similar-sized pieces to ensure even roasting and consistent cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Space carrots separately on the baking sheet to allow proper heat circulation, ensuring crisp edges and beautiful caramelization instead of steaming the vegetables.
  • Adjust Sweetness Levels: Modify maple syrup quantity based on carrot sweetness and personal preference – younger, fresher carrots might require less sweetener compared to mature, starchier varieties.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 132
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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