These maple-glazed carrots are so simple to make, but they’re a total flavor explosion! Who knew carrots could be this exciting?
Maple syrup gives them this irresistible sweetness that’ll make you forget you’re eating veggies. And then, there’s a hint of apple cider vinegar. It’s the perfect little zing to make your tastebuds dance!
I guarantee these babies will steal the show at any dinner party.
They’re fancy enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights!
Why You’ll Love These Maple Glazed Carrots
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only 10 minutes of preparation and about 15 minutes of cooking.
- Irresistible Taste: Maple syrup and butter combine to create a rich, sweet glaze to enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Versatile Side Dish: These carrots complement various main courses, from roasted chicken to holiday ham. They’re a versatile choice for any occasion.
- Kid-Friendly Appeal: The sweet, buttery glaze can entice even the pickiest eaters. This dish is a great way to introduce more vegetables into children’s diets.
Ingredients
- Carrots: These vibrant veggies are peeled and cut into perfect 2-inch sticks for even cooking and maximum glaze coverage.
- Unsalted Butter: A rich, creamy base helps the maple syrup cling to the carrots and creates a luscious glaze.
- Pure Maple Syrup: It elevates the carrots to the next level with its deep, complex sweetness. Go for dark or robust varieties for the best flavor.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper: These seasonings balance sweetness and enhance every delicious flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A tangy twist cuts through the richness and makes the glaze sing.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: An optional but recommended finishing touch to add a pop of freshness and color to the final dish.
How to Make Maple Glazed Carrots
These carrots are one of the easiest side dishes in my repertoire!
1. Boil. Place the carrot sticks in a large skillet and add just enough water to barely cover them (about 1 cup). Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer until carrots are tender when pierced with a fork, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the carrots.
3. Make the glaze. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Add the carrots back to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the maple glaze.
4. Cook. Cook, stirring frequently, until the glaze reduces and thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. The carrots should look shiny and glazed.
5. Add vinegar. Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. The vinegar balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
6. Serve. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Maple Glazed Carrots
Here are some of my tried-and-true tips for getting perfect carrots.
- Keep things uniform. Cut the carrots into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcook. Simmer the carrots until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Bring out the babies. For a quicker preparation, you can use baby carrots instead of peeling and cutting whole carrots.
- Vinegar is a must. Don’t skip the apple cider vinegar at the end. It helps balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Try tasty variations. Add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or cayenne pepper to the glaze. You can also substitute honey for the maple syrup. Top it with garnishes like parsley, thyme, or chives.
- Serve them in style. They pair well with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef. They also make a great addition to a holiday table or vegetarian meal.
How to Store
Here’s how to keep your leftover carrots fresh.
To Store: Place in an air-tight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Allow them to cool to room temperature before sealing the container to maintain their texture.
To Freeze: Arrange the cooled carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Heat the carrots gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm. Or, microwave them in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
4
servings5
minutes15
minutes130
kcalThese maple-glazed carrots are an easy side dish the family will love! They’re sweet, healthy, and the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, preferably dark or robust
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Place the carrot sticks in a large skillet and add just enough water to barely cover them (about 1 cup). Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and simmer until carrots are tender when pierced with a fork, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the carrots.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Add the carrots back to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the maple glaze.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the glaze reduces and thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. The carrots should look shiny and glazed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar. The vinegar balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
