Succulent Maple Herb Roasted Carrots With Cranberries Recipe

Festive Maple Herb Roasted Carrots with Cranberries Recipe

Vibrant orange maple herb roasted carrots glisten with a delightful cranberry twist that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

These gorgeous root vegetables emerge from the oven with caramelized edges and a stunning rustic charm.

Sweet maple syrup mingles perfectly with fragrant herbs, creating a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Fresh cranberries add bursts of tart brightness to the warm, golden carrots.

Each bite delivers a complex layer of sweetness and earthiness that transforms a simple side dish into something extraordinary.

The combination of herbs and maple delivers a sophisticated yet comforting profile that feels both elegant and homey.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible roasted carrots that elevate any meal from ordinary to memorable.

Kitchen Tools for Roasting Maple Herb Carrots

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing and coating carrots with seasonings.
  • Baking Sheet: Crucial for even roasting and creating golden carrots.
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Pastry Brush: Perfect for adding the final maple herb glaze.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing and arranging carrots.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for trimming and cutting carrots if needed.

How to Roast Maple Carrots with Sweet-Tart Cranberries

  • Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a toasty 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect roasting.

  • Carrot Seasoning

Toss carrots in a generous bowl with a splash of olive oil, sweet maple syrup, and a sprinkle of aromatic herbs. Coat every carrot with the delicious mixture, saving a small amount for later magic.

  • Roasting Adventure

Spread the seasoned carrots across the baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them into the hot oven and let them transform into golden, tender morsels for about 15-20 minutes.

  • Final Flourish

Pull the roasted carrots from the oven and lovingly brush them with the reserved herb mixture. Artfully scatter dried cranberries around the carrots, creating a vibrant and inviting dish that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

Tips for Sweetness, Texture, and Color Balance

  • Mix different root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes with carrots for a vibrant, colorful side dish.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a subtle heat that complements the sweet maple syrup.
  • Sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the roasted carrots for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped chives or mint just before serving to brighten the dish and add a fresh, aromatic touch.

How to Plate Maple Roasted Carrots Beautifully

  • Garnish with Green Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the roasted carrots to add a bright, fresh pop of color and extra herbal flavor that complements the maple sweetness.
  • Pair with Protein Partners: Serve these carrots alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or sliced turkey for a complete and balanced meal that highlights the dish's warm, sweet-savory profile.
  • Create a Festive Side Dish: Arrange the carrots on a rustic wooden platter for holiday gatherings, letting the vibrant orange and ruby red cranberries create an eye-catching presentation that feels both elegant and inviting.
  • Add Crunchy Texture Boost: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the carrots just before serving to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender roasted vegetables.

How to Store Roasted Carrots to Keep Them Tender

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep them in the coolest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm the carrots in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy edges and prevent sogginess. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the texture intact.
  • Prep Ahead: Chop and season carrots up to 24 hours before roasting. Store the seasoned carrots in a sealed container in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
  • Freeze for Later: Freeze roasted carrots in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Maple Herb Roasted Carrots with Cranberries

For Roasting Base:
  • Carrots: Choose vibrant orange, firm carrots without blemishes for sweet, earthy flavor and nutritional boost.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior and ensures even roasting of vegetables.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Maple Syrup, Dried Oregano, Parsley, Basil, Garlic Powder, Cinnamon, Allspice: Creates a complex, warm herb mixture that transforms simple carrots into a gourmet side dish with layers of aromatic complexity.
For Garnish:
  • Dried Cranberries: Adds bright, tangy contrast and beautiful color pop to the roasted carrots, bringing unexpected sweetness and textural interest.
Print
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Succulent Maple Herb Roasted Carrots With Cranberries Recipe

Succulent Maple Herb Roasted Carrots With Cranberries Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

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

Description

Maple herb roasted carrots with cranberries brings earthy sweetness to your dinner table. Roasted with fresh herbs and a drizzle of maple syrup, you’ll savor each caramelized bite of this simple, elegant side dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) carrots, washed with skin on and tops trimmed
  • ½ cup (120 mL) pure maple syrup
  • 2 cups (300 g) dried cranberries
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp (2 g) dried oregano
  • 1 tsp (2 g) dried parsley
  • 1 tsp (2 g) dried basil
  • ½ tsp (1 g) garlic powder
  • ½ tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch ground allspice

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless roasting and cleanup.
  2. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat carrots in a vibrant blend of olive oil, maple syrup, oregano, parsley, basil, garlic powder, cinnamon, and allspice, ensuring complete and even coverage of the herb mixture.
  3. Layering: Arrange seasoned carrots in a single, spacious layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing ample room for caramelization and golden browning.
  4. Roasting: Bake carrots for 15-20 minutes, watching for tender texture and rich golden-brown coloration that signals perfect roasting.
  5. Glazing: Remove from oven and brush with reserved maple herb mixture, intensifying the carrots’ flavor and creating a glossy, appetizing finish.
  6. Serving: Transfer roasted carrots to a decorative platter, elegantly scattering dried cranberries throughout to add bursts of color and complementary tartness.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Reserve half the seasoning mixture before roasting to create a final glaze that intensifies flavor and adds a glossy finish.
  • Even Roasting Matters: Spread carrots in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure each piece caramelizes perfectly and develops a golden exterior.
  • Timing is Key: Watch carrots closely between 15-20 minutes to prevent burning while achieving tender, golden-brown perfection.
  • Color and Texture Boost: Sprinkle dried cranberries after roasting for a sweet-tart contrast and visually stunning presentation that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 48 g
  • Sodium: 6 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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