Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon Recipe

I absolutely love how this Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon Recipe transforms simple carrots into a dish bursting with flavor and warmth. The combination of buttery richness, sweet maple syrup, and the subtle hint of cinnamon creates a comforting side that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions alike. Whenever I serve these carrots, I get so many compliments—it’s like a little festive magic in every bite.

You’ll find that this recipe is incredibly easy to pull off, making it a reliable go-to even on busy weeknights. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, and the maple cinnamon glaze adds that extra layer of depth that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your recipe box.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon Recipe works together to build layers of flavor—choose quality butter and real maple syrup for the best results.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the sodium and ensures the sweetness shines through.
• Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a subtle depth you won’t get from sugar.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic is key here; it balances sweetness with a pleasant savory kick.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a touch gives that cozy, warm flavor that complements the maple perfectly.
• Carrots: You can use either sliced peeled carrots or baby carrots; both work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle bite that contrasts the sweet glaze nicely.
• Chopped parsley or cilantro: A fresh herb garnish adds a pop of color and freshness on the plate.

Variations

I love how versatile this Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon Recipe is—you can easily make it your own by swapping herbs or adding a pinch of spice. Don’t hesitate to experiment depending on the season or what you have in your pantry.

• Add Heat: I sometimes sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a touch of warmth that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
• Herb Switch: Instead of parsley, I’ve used fresh thyme or rosemary, which adds a piney note that’s lovely with roasted carrots.
• Make It Vegan: Swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute and you’re good to go without sacrificing flavor.
• Spice Variation: I once added a tiny bit of ground nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a more autumnal twist that my family adored.

How to Make Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Maple Cinnamon Glaze

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—that high heat is essential to get those edges nice and caramelized. In a small pot over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter completely. Once melted, stir in the maple syrup, minced garlic, and ground cinnamon. Let it cook together for about 30 seconds until everything is fragrant and blended, then immediately remove from heat to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 2: Coat the Carrots

Place your peeled and cut carrots (or baby carrots) in a large mixing bowl. Pour that warm maple cinnamon butter mixture over the carrots and toss everything together until each piece is fully glossy and coated. I find it easiest to use a large spoon or clean hands for this part—just make sure every carrot gets some love from the glaze.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the glazed carrots out evenly in a single layer across a large baking sheet (or two smaller ones if needed). This helps them roast evenly and develop those delicious caramelized edges. Roast for 20-30 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through to brown both sides. Keep an eye on them starting at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking—thinner carrot slices and baby carrots will cook faster and should be fork-tender by then.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving

Once roasted, taste your carrots and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. I often garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of fresh color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy that wonderful balance between sweet, savory, and warmly spiced in every bite!

How to Serve Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh chopped parsley as a garnish because it adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the whole dish. Cilantro works beautifully too for something a little more vibrant. If you want to spice things up visually, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch and texture.

Side Dishes

These oven roasted carrots are a perfect partner for roasted chicken, maple-glazed ham, or a hearty lentil stew. For veggie lovers, they complement quinoa bowls or grain salads really well. I’ve also served them alongside creamy mashed potatoes to great rave reviews.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to arrange the carrots artistically on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh herbs around for a festive look. You can drizzle a bit more warm maple syrup on top before serving to give them a glossy, irresistible finish. If you’re entertaining guests, try serving in small individual ramekins for a fancy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover roasted carrots covered in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay delicious for up to 3–4 days. I like to let them come to room temperature before reheating for the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing cooked carrots isn’t my favorite because they tend to get a bit mushy after thawing. However, if you want to try, flash freeze the carrots on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag to avoid clumping. Use within 1-2 months for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the carrots in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, which helps revive the caramelized edges. Microwaving is quicker but can make them a little soft, so the oven method is my go-to when I want to keep that roasted texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Oven Roasted Carrots with Maple Cinnamon Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns a humble vegetable into something truly memorable. It always reminds me of family dinners where simple ingredients brought joy to the table. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the same cozy, sweet-spiced magic—I promise it’s one side dish you’ll want to make again and again!

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