Sweet Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots Recipe: A Cozy Side Dish

Crisp autumn winds whisper culinary magic through maple pecan glazed carrots that dance with sweet and nutty notes.

Our kitchen today celebrates simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Sweet maple syrup mingles effortlessly with toasted pecans, creating a symphony of rustic flavors.

Carrots become the star, their natural earthiness elevated by a luxurious glaze that sparkles with warmth.

Seasonal produce takes center stage in this delightful side dish that feels both elegant and comforting.

Roasted until caramelized and glistening, these carrots promise a memorable experience you won’t soon forget.

Grab your skillet and let’s make something deliciously unforgettable together.

Tips For Better Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Perfectly Tender Carrots: Avoid overcooking by checking carrot tenderness around 8 minutes. Crisp-tender carrots maintain their nutritional value and provide a delightful texture that complements the sweet maple glaze.
• Master the Maple Glaze: Use pure maple syrup for the most authentic flavor. Low-heat simmering helps develop a rich, caramelized coating without burning the sugars or creating a bitter taste.
• Toast Pecans with Care: Watch pecans closely during toasting to prevent burning. Constant stirring ensures even browning and releases their rich, nutty aroma, enhancing the overall dish's complexity.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Vegans can use maple syrup and plant-based butter alternatives to maintain the recipe's delicious essence.
• Quick Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle fresh thyme or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for unexpected depth. Fresh herbs and subtle heat can elevate the carrots from simple to spectacular.

How To Store Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Refrigerate leftover maple pecan glazed carrots in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the carrots completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain their crisp texture.
• Seal the container tightly to preserve the sweet maple flavor and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the carrots seem dry to help restore their original moisture and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Avoid freezing these glazed carrots, as the delicate texture and maple glaze can become watery and lose their appealing consistency when thawed.

What To Serve With Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Boost Flavor with Wine Pairing: Complement the sweet maple and nutty pecan notes by selecting a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which will enhance the carrots' delicate sweetness and balance the rich glazed texture.
• Create Protein Harmony: Serve these glazed carrots alongside roasted chicken or honey-glazed ham, where the sweet and savory elements will create a delightful taste experience that elevates both the protein and vegetable.
• Add Herbal Fresh Touch: Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley to introduce a bright, earthy dimension that cuts through the sweetness and adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Craft Delightful Dessert Contrast: Follow the glazed carrots with a light, tangy dessert like lemon sorbet or orange-infused cheesecake, which will provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, sweet maple pecan flavors.

Easy Spins On Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Honey Walnut Carrot Blend: Swap maple syrup with golden honey and replace pecans with toasted walnuts for a rich, nutty alternative that brings warmth to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Ginger Carrot Glaze: Add fresh grated ginger and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create a zesty version with a subtle kick that elevates the natural sweetness of carrots.
• Orange Almond Carrot Medley: Incorporate orange zest and replace pecans with sliced almonds, introducing a bright citrus note and crunchy texture to the glazed carrots.
• Herb-Infused Carrot Elegance: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary during the glaze stage, providing an aromatic herb dimension that complements the sweet maple undertones.

Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots FAQ Guide

• Why use maple syrup for glazing carrots?

Maple syrup adds a beautiful natural sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy flavor of carrots. Its rich, caramel-like taste creates a more sophisticated glaze compared to regular sugar.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or almonds work wonderfully in this recipe. Each nut brings its own unique texture and flavor profile to the glazed carrots.

• Is this recipe good for people watching their sugar intake?

While maple syrup is a natural sweetener, it still contains sugar. For a lower-sugar version, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or use a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener.

• How do I know when the pecans are perfectly toasted?

Look for a golden-brown color and a fragrant, nutty aroma. The nuts should smell slightly toasted but not burnt. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes over medium heat, with frequent stirring.

Why Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots Taste So Sweet

• Quickly Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary carrots into a gourmet side dish with minimal effort, bringing restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen in just 20 minutes.
• Boost Nutrition with Delicious Sweetness: Combine the natural goodness of carrots with heart-healthy pecans and antioxidant-rich maple syrup, creating a nutritious dish that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Learn simple methods like simmering, glazing, and toasting nuts that can be applied to multiple recipes, building your culinary confidence with each preparation.
• Impress Guests with Minimal Skill: Achieve a professional-looking side dish that appears complex but requires basic cooking skills, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs.

Ingredients For Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that provides a tender base for the dish, best when fresh and uniformly sliced.

• Butter, Maple Syrup: Rich, sweet combination that creates a glossy and flavorful coating for the carrots, pure maple syrup recommended for best taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and complements the sweetness of the maple, optional but enhances overall flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the sweet glaze, freshly ground pepper preferred.
• Pecans: Crunchy nut that adds texture and nutty flavor, toasting brings out a deeper, more intense taste.

How To Make Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Boil Tender Carrots

Grab your sliced carrots and place them in a spacious skillet. Pour water until carrots are just covered. Crank up the heat to medium-high and bring to a rolling boil. Lower the temperature and let the carrots simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. You want them soft but still holding their shape. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 2: Craft Luxurious Maple Sauce

• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Stir the mixture with love, letting it bubble and thicken for 1-2 minutes. The sauce should look glossy and inviting.

Step 3: Glaze with Passion

Return carrots to the skillet, folding them into the maple mixture. Ensure every carrot gets a beautiful coating. Let them dance in the glaze for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Toast Nutty Pecans

In a separate dry skillet, toss chopped pecans over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until they release a warm, rich aroma and turn golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Transfer glazed carrots to a stunning serving dish. Shower the toasted pecans over the top, creating a delightful crunchy layer. Serve immediately while warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Maple Pecan Glazed Carrots Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet maple magic meets earthy carrots in this Canadian-inspired side dish. Glazed with pure maple syrup and toasted pecans, these carrots offer a perfect balance of caramelized richness and nutty crunch that will elevate your dinner plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally into ¼-inch thick pieces
• ½ cup (60 grams) pecans, coarsely chopped

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Fat and Cooking Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Immerse sliced carrots in a simmering water bath, allowing them to become tender yet maintain a slight crispness. Carefully drain and set aside, preserving their vibrant color and texture.
2. Transform the skillet into a canvas for a luscious maple symphony. Gently melt butter, introducing maple syrup and a whisper of cinnamon, creating a golden, aromatic elixir that promises depth and warmth.
3. Reunite the carrots with the glistening maple mixture, coating each piece with a luxurious glaze. Season with salt and pepper, allowing the flavors to intertwine and intensify during a brief, gentle dance over medium heat.
4. Awaken the pecans in a dry skillet, stirring them attentively until they release their nutty aroma and develop a delicate, toasted bronze hue. Exercise vigilance to prevent scorching these delicate morsels.
5. Cascade the glazed carrots onto a serving platter, crowning them with the freshly toasted pecans. Their golden-brown fragments will provide a delightful crunch and rich, earthy undertones to the dish.

Notes

• Select fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color for the best flavor and texture.
• Use pure maple syrup instead of artificial flavors to create a rich, authentic sweetness.
• Choose whole pecans and chop them yourself for maximum crunch and fresher taste.
• Adjust cooking time carefully to prevent carrots from becoming too soft or mushy during boiling.
• Toast pecans slowly and watch closely to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that maintains delicious flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to enhance the warm, comforting spice profile of the dish.
• Cut carrots into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent glazing.
• Experiment with different nut options like almonds or walnuts for unique flavor variations.
• Reduce maple syrup for a lower-sugar version without compromising the delightful sweetness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg