Sweet Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe for Cozy Nights

Sweet maple syrup meets nutty brown butter in this delightful carrots creation that’ll make vegetables the star of your plate.

The combination might sound simple, but magic happens when ingredients dance together.

Caramelized edges and a glossy finish give these carrots a restaurant-worthy appearance.

Kitchen alchemy turns ordinary produce into something extraordinary with just a few clever techniques.

Roasting brings out natural sweetness, while brown butter adds a rich, toasty undertone that complements the maple’s warmth.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crisp texture and deep, complex flavors.

Trust me, you won’t look at carrots the same way again – this recipe is about to become your new favorite side dish.

Why Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots Are Sweet And Buttery

• Effortless Elegance: This maple brown butter glazed carrots recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet side dish with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Preparation takes less than 10 minutes, and the total cooking time is just 25 minutes, offering a fast and delicious vegetable option for busy families or last-minute dinner plans.
• Flavor Explosion: The brown butter technique creates a rich, nutty depth, while maple syrup adds sweetness, elevating basic carrots into a restaurant-worthy side dish that will impress dinner guests and family members alike.
• Healthy Indulgence: Packed with nutrients from carrots and using natural sweeteners, this recipe provides a nutritious alternative to heavy side dishes without sacrificing incredible taste and visual appeal.

What You’ll Need For Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots

Main Ingredients:

• Carrots: Sweet, colorful vegetable that becomes caramelized and tender when roasted.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that adds earthy and slightly minty flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for garnishing and adding fresh flavor.

• Butter: Rich ingredient that creates a nutty brown butter flavor when carefully heated.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that caramelizes and provides deep, rich sweetness.

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the carrots.

How To Cook Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425F (220C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Golden Brown Butter Magic

Grab a small saucepan and place it on medium heat. Drop in the butter and let it melt gracefully. Keep swirling the pan gently as the butter transforms. Watch for a gorgeous golden color and breathe in that nutty aroma. This magical process takes about 3-5 minutes – stay alert and avoid burning!

Step 3: Infuse Flavor Brilliance

• Maple syrup
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional but delightful)

Step 4: Coat Carrots With Deliciousness

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss your carrots inside. Pour the luxurious brown butter and maple mixture over them. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently mix until every carrot is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Roast To Perfection

Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the hot oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until they’re tender and caramelized. Halfway through cooking, give them a quick stir for even roasting.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Transfer the roasted carrots to a gorgeous serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve these golden beauties while they’re warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips For The Best Glaze On Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots

• Prevent Burning Butter: Watch the butter carefully while browning, as it can quickly go from golden to burnt. Remove from heat the moment it turns amber and smells nutty to maintain that perfect caramel flavor.
• Optimize Carrot Roasting: Cut carrots into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Larger pieces might remain undercooked while smaller pieces could burn, so aim for consistent thickness.
• Enhance Maple Glaze: Use pure maple syrup for the richest flavor. Avoid artificial syrups, which can make the glaze too sweet and lack depth compared to authentic maple syrup.
• Master Caramelization Technique: Spread carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote proper caramelization. Overcrowding prevents browning and results in steamed instead of roasted vegetables.
• Customize Herb Options: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or sage if thyme isn't available. Each herb brings a unique flavor profile that can transform the dish's overall taste.

How To Store Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots For Later

• Preserve these delectable maple brown butter glazed carrots by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
• Gently reheat in the oven or microwave to maintain their caramelized edges and prevent soggy results.
• Cool the carrots completely before transferring to storage to prevent condensation and potential mushiness.
• When reheating, add a tiny splash of water to help revive their moisture and bring back their original deliciousness.
• Avoid freezing these roasted carrots, as their delicate texture may become watery and lose the beautiful caramelized coating that makes them so special.

Great Dishes To Pair With Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots

• Savor Sparkling Wine Pairing: Enhance the sweet and nutty maple brown butter glazed carrots with a crisp prosecco or champagne, cutting through the richness and complementing the caramelized flavors.
• Match with Herbal White Wine: Select a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc with herbal notes that will beautifully echo the thyme and highlight the carrots' earthy sweetness.
• Complement with Roasted Protein: Serve alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin, where the maple glaze creates a harmonious flavor bridge between the main protein and vegetable side dish.
• Balance with Nutty Side Dish: Pair with wild rice pilaf or quinoa studded with toasted almonds, which will mirror the brown butter's nuttiness and provide textural contrast to the tender carrots.

Flavor Variations For Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots

• Honey Rosemary Roasted Carrots: Swap maple syrup for honey and replace thyme with fresh rosemary. The fragrant herb adds a woodsy aroma that complements the sweet honey glaze perfectly.
• Balsamic Glazed Carrot Medley: Replace maple syrup with balsamic vinegar and add a touch of dijon mustard. Mix in different colored carrots for a vibrant, tangy side dish that pops with flavor.
• Spicy Moroccan Carrot Blend: Incorporate ground cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the brown butter. Sprinkle toasted almonds on top for a crunchy, warm North African-inspired variation.
• Citrus Ginger Glazed Carrots: Infuse the brown butter with fresh orange zest and grated ginger. Finish with a squeeze of orange juice and chopped cilantro for a bright, zesty profile that lightens the dish.

FAQs About Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots

• What makes brown butter so special in this recipe?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that transforms ordinary carrots into an extraordinary side dish. When butter is cooked until golden brown, it develops a deep, complex taste that elevates the entire recipe and creates a more sophisticated flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of carrots for this recipe?

Absolutely! While regular orange carrots work perfectly, you can experiment with rainbow carrots for a beautiful and colorful presentation. Just ensure they’re similar in size for even roasting and make sure to wash and trim them before preparing.

• Is maple syrup necessary, or can I substitute it?

Maple syrup is key to creating the sweet and caramelized glaze, but in a pinch, you could use honey or agave nectar. Each substitute will slightly change the flavor, but they’ll still create a delicious glazed effect on the roasted carrots.

• How do I know when the brown butter is perfectly done?

Look for a golden brown color and a nutty aroma. The butter will start to foam and the milk solids will turn light brown. Be careful and watch closely to prevent burning, which can happen quickly. Remove from heat as soon as it reaches a rich, golden color.

Maple Brown Butter Glazed Carrots Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Maple brown butter glazed carrots deliver a luxurious side dish that elevates simple vegetables into a gourmet experience. Golden carrots kissed with nutty brown butter and sweet maple syrup create an irresistible flavor profile you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

Butter and Sweetener:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) pure maple syrup

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to a searing 425F (220C), arranging a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal roasting preparation.
2. Craft a luxurious brown butter by gently melting butter in a saucepan, allowing it to transform into a golden-hued liquid with a rich, nutty essence. Watch carefully to prevent scorching, swirling periodically until the color deepens and an aromatic fragrance emerges.
3. Remove the transformed butter from heat, delicately incorporating maple syrup and fragrant thyme leaves, creating a harmonious glaze that will elevate the carrots’ natural sweetness.
4. Tumble the prepared carrots into a spacious mixing bowl, cascading the warm brown butter and maple elixir over them. Season generously with salt and pepper, then massage the glaze thoroughly to ensure each carrot is completely coated.
5. Arrange the glistening carrots in a uniform layer across the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Slide into the preheated oven, allowing them to roast for 20-25 minutes. Midway through cooking, gently redistribute the carrots to promote even caramelization and tender transformation.
6. Once the carrots emerge with a beautiful caramelized exterior and tender interior, transfer them to a serving vessel. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch, presenting a dish that celebrates the natural beauty of roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Ensure carrots are uniform in size for even cooking, cutting larger ones into smaller pieces to match thinner carrots.
• Brown butter carefully by watching the color and listening for crackling sounds, removing from heat just as it turns golden to prevent burning.
• Experiment with herb variations like rosemary or sage instead of thyme for different flavor profiles.
• Adjust maple syrup quantity based on desired sweetness, using less for a more savory result or more for a caramelized finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg