There’s something absolutely transformative about the marriage of sweet maple syrup with tangy mustard that elevates humble carrots into a sophisticated side dish worthy of any holiday table. These Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots represent the perfect balance of flavors—where the natural earthiness of roasted carrots meets the complex interplay of maple sweetness and mustard’s sharp bite. This recipe emerged from the desire to create a side dish that could hold its own alongside rich main courses while adding both color and flavor complexity to the plate. The dual-mustard approach, using both whole grain and smooth Dijon, creates layers of flavor and texture that transform ordinary carrots into something memorable and crave-worthy.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots
- Perfect flavor balance – Sweet maple syrup meets tangy mustard for complex, sophisticated taste
- Beautiful presentation – Glossy glaze creates restaurant-quality visual appeal
- Holiday-worthy elegance – Impressive enough for special occasions, simple enough for weeknight dinners
- Crispy-tender texture – Roasting technique ensures carrots are caramelized outside, tender inside
- Make-ahead friendly – Easy to double or triple for large gatherings
- Naturally colorful – Vibrant orange carrots with glossy glaze create stunning table appeal
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb carrots, washed and peeled – Choose similar-sized carrots for even cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil – High smoke point oil for proper roasting
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Aromatic base that complements both maple and mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy herb that enhances roasted flavors
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances natural sweetness and balances flavors
- Cracked black pepper to taste – Gentle heat that rounds out the flavor profile
For the Maple Mustard Glaze (divided use):
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided – Use real maple syrup for authentic flavor
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard, divided – Adds texture and robust mustard flavor
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, divided – Provides smooth, sharp counterpoint to sweetness
For Serving:
- Fresh thyme sprigs – Beautiful garnish and aromatic finish
- Goat cheese, crumbled (optional) – Creamy richness that complements the glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare for Roasting:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cut Carrots Uniformly Rinse carrots and pat dry. Peel and trim ends, then cut on the bias (diagonally) into 1½-inch pieces. Cut larger pieces in half lengthwise to ensure uniform cooking.
Create the Initial Glaze:
Step 3: Make Coating Mixture In a large bowl, whisk together oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ tablespoon whole grain mustard, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard until well combined.
Step 4: Season and Toss Add prepared carrots, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and cracked pepper to the bowl. Toss until carrots are thoroughly coated with the glaze mixture.
Roast to Perfection:
Step 5: Arrange for Roasting Using a slotted spoon, transfer carrots to the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, reserving any excess liquid in the bowl for later basting.
Step 6: Initial Roasting Roast for 15-20 minutes until carrots begin to caramelize and become tender.
Step 7: Baste for Flavor During the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, brush carrots with the reserved liquid from the bowl. Continue roasting until carrots are tender and beautifully glazed.
Finish with Fresh Glaze:
Step 8: Make Finishing Glaze While carrots finish cooking, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ tablespoon whole grain mustard, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
Step 9: Final Glaze and Serve Remove carrots from oven and immediately drizzle with fresh glaze. Toss to coat, then garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and crumbled goat cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Perfect Holiday Companions These glazed carrots work beautifully alongside:
- Roasted turkey or chicken – The glaze complements poultry without competing
- Pork tenderloin or ham – Sweet-savory flavors pair naturally with pork
- Beef roasts – Adds color and acidity to balance rich meats
- Vegetarian mains – Provides substance and flavor complexity
Presentation Ideas Serve in a shallow bowl or platter to showcase the glossy glaze, garnished with fresh herbs for restaurant-quality presentation.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning for Success These carrots work well for advance preparation:
Component Prep Cut carrots and make glaze components up to 24 hours ahead, storing separately in refrigerator until ready to cook.
Scaling Up Recipe doubles or triples easily for large gatherings. Use multiple sheet pans and rotate positions halfway through cooking for even browning.
Storage and Leftovers
Keeping Them Fresh Store leftover glazed carrots in refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as they sit.
Reheating Success Reheat in 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore some of the original texture, or gently warm in a skillet over medium heat.
Custom Variations and Add-Ons
1. Honey Mustard Version Replace maple syrup with honey for different sweetness profile and floral notes.
2. Spicy Addition Add pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to glaze for gentle heat that complements the sweet-tangy flavors.
3. Herb Enhancement Try fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme for different aromatic profiles.
4. Nut Garnish Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over finished carrots for added crunch and richness.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~95
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g (mostly natural)
Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots FAQs
Why drain the glaze before roasting? Excess liquid can burn on the hot pan and prevent proper caramelization. Draining allows carrots to crisp while the basting adds flavor back.
Can I use baby carrots? Yes, though they may cook faster. Whole carrots cut properly provide better texture and presentation.
What if I don’t have whole grain mustard? You can use all Dijon mustard, though you’ll miss the textural interest of the mustard seeds.
How do I know when carrots are done? They should be tender when pierced with a fork but still have slight firmness, with caramelized edges.
Final Thoughts: Share the Love!
These Maple Mustard Glazed Carrots prove that vegetables can be the star of the show when treated with creativity and respect for their natural qualities. The combination of sweet maple and tangy mustard creates a sophisticated flavor profile that elevates humble carrots into something special enough for holiday tables yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment. Whether you’re looking to add color and flavor to your dinner spread or seeking a side dish that guests will remember and request, these glazed carrots deliver that perfect balance of comfort and sophistication that makes vegetables exciting rather than obligatory.
