Fresh & Sweet Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots Recipe for Fun Dinners

Sweet, tender carrots find their perfect match in a luscious maple pecan glaze that dances with rich, golden flavors.

Roasted until edges caramelize, these carrots bring a sophisticated twist to any dinner table.

The subtle sweetness of maple syrup mingles beautifully with toasted pecans, creating a side dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of earthy vegetables and indulgent coating.

Nuts add a satisfying crunch that elevates the humble carrot into something truly special.

Serve these glazed carrots alongside roasted meats or as a standout vegetable option that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 136 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Carrots: Select firm, bright orange carrots without blemishes for the best texture and sweetness; slicing them evenly ensures uniform cooking and elegant presentation.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for the glaze; use unsalted butter to control recipe's overall saltiness.
• Maple Syrup: Delivers natural sweetness and signature flavor; choose pure maple syrup for authentic taste and deeper complexity.

• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic undertone that complements maple's sweetness; freshly ground cinnamon offers more intense flavor.
• Salt: Balances and highlights the glaze's sweet notes; use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and depth; freshly ground pepper provides more vibrant taste.

• Pecans: Bring nutty crunch and toasty flavor; select whole pecans and chop just before toasting to maintain maximum freshness and prevent rancidity.

Tools To Prep Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Large skillet or saucepan: Essential for boiling and glazing carrots, providing ample space for cooking.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing carrots safely and efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for precise carrot slicing.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and coating carrots with glaze.
• Dry skillet: Used for toasting pecans to enhance their flavor.
• Serving dish: Helps present the beautifully glazed carrots.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for adding accurate amounts of salt, pepper, and spices.

Steps To Cook Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Boil the Carrots

Place sliced carrots in a large pan, cover with water, and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and let them simmer until they’re tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.

• Create Maple Magic

In the same pan, melt butter and blend in maple syrup. Stir gently and let the mixture warm up and slightly thicken, releasing a sweet aroma.

• Coat and Flavor

Return carrots to the pan, tossing them in the maple mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the carrots dance in the glaze for a few minutes until they’re glistening and heated through.

• Roast the Nutty Crunch

In a separate skillet, toast chopped pecans over medium heat. Watch carefully as they turn golden and release their rich, toasty fragrance. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

• Plate and Serve

Transfer the glossy carrots to a serving dish. Sprinkle the warm, crunchy pecans over the top. Bring to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Flavor Tips For Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots Cooking Tips & Variations
• Carrot Cut Choices: Experiment with different carrot cuts like julienne, coins, or chunks to change the dish's texture and visual appeal. Baby carrots work wonderfully for a quicker cooking time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep carrots and glaze separately up to a day in advance. Reheat gently in the skillet before serving to maintain their tender-crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
• Dietary Swap Options: For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil. Gluten-free eaters can confidently enjoy this recipe as it naturally contains no wheat-based ingredients.
• Spice Adventure: Enhance the flavor profile by adding ground ginger, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat kick. Each spice introduces a unique dimension to the classic maple-pecan combination.
• Nut Alternative: If pecans aren't available, substitute with toasted almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch and nutritional boost. Always toast nuts to unlock their deep, rich flavors.

Serving Ideas For Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Sweet Side Companion: Pair these glazed carrots with roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a delightful meal complement that brings warmth and richness to your dinner plate.
• Nutty Texture Boost: Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top right before serving to add a delicious crunch and enhance the overall dining experience with a satisfying nutty element.
• Elegant Presentation Trick: Garnish the carrots with fresh chopped parsley or chives to create a vibrant pop of color and add a fresh herbal note that brightens the sweet maple glaze.
• Holiday Table Star: Serve this dish during thanksgiving or winter gatherings as a festive side that showcases the perfect balance of sweet maple, warm cinnamon, and toasted pecans.

How To Store Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare extra glazed carrots during weekend meal prep for quick weeknight side dishes. Store in airtight containers for easy reheating within 3-4 days.
• Refrigerator Revival: Keep glazed carrots in sealed containers, maintaining freshness for up to 4 days. Gently reheat in microwave or skillet with a splash of water to restore moisture and prevent drying.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze cooled carrots in freezer-safe containers for future meals. Recommended storage time is 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat carefully to maintain texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare glaze and toast pecans separately in advance. Store pecans in airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate glaze. Combine ingredients just before serving for maximum flavor and crunch.

Caramelized Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Maple pecan glazed carrots elevate humble root vegetables into a delectable side dish perfect for holiday tables. Sweet Canadian maple syrup and toasted pecans create a luxurious glaze that highlights carrots’ natural earthiness.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into ¼-inch thick pieces
• ½ cup (60 g) pecans, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Blanch Carrots: Submerge sliced carrots in simmering water until tender-crisp, then drain and reserve, maintaining their vibrant appearance and textural integrity.
2. Craft Maple Glaze: Melt butter in a skillet, introducing maple syrup and cinnamon to create a golden, fragrant reduction that promises rich, complex flavors.
3. Combine and Caramelize: Gently fold carrots into the maple mixture, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the ingredients to meld and caramelize over medium heat, intensifying their inherent sweetness and depth.
4. Toast Pecans: Activate pecans in a dry skillet, stirring constantly until they release their nutty essence and transform into a delicate, bronzed delicacy. Monitor closely to prevent burning these delicate morsels.
5. Plate and Garnish: Transfer the glossy, maple-infused carrots to a serving platter, generously adorning them with the freshly toasted pecans, whose golden-brown fragments will provide a satisfying crunch and earthy complexity to the dish.

Notes

• Preserve Carrot Texture: Avoid overcooking carrots by monitoring water temperature and cooking time, ensuring they remain crisp-tender and maintain their vibrant orange color.
• Control Maple Glaze Consistency: Simmer maple syrup mixture carefully to prevent burning, watching for a smooth, glossy coating that clings perfectly to the carrots without becoming too thick or runny.
• Toast Pecans Carefully: Roast nuts on low-medium heat, constantly stirring to prevent burning, and remove from skillet immediately when they release a rich, nutty fragrance to maintain their delicate flavor.
• Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Substitute butter with coconut oil for vegan options, or use alternatives like agave syrup for different flavor profiles while maintaining the dish’s core essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 136
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg