Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 lb carrots (cut into 1½ inch pieces)
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This preparation step ensures even roasting and easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Carrots. Wash and peel the carrots thoroughly. Slice them diagonally into 1½ inch pieces, keeping the pieces evenly sized so they cook uniformly.
- Season the Carrots. Place the carrot pieces in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss everything together until each carrot piece is lightly coated with oil and seasonings.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet. Spread the seasoned carrots out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between pieces to promote even roasting. If the pan is crowded, use two pans to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
- Roast the Carrots. Roast the carrots in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes. Stir once halfway through cooking to allow even browning. Roast until the carrots become tender and start to brown caramelize on the bottom.
- Add Maple Syrup. Remove the pan from the oven and drizzle the carrots evenly with 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Gently toss the carrots on the pan to coat them nicely.
- Finish Roasting. Return the maple-coated carrots to the oven and roast for another 4 to 6 minutes until they are fork-tender and caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Serve. Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor. Serve the dish warm as a delicious side.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh thyme or rosemary for parsley to add a different herbal note.
- For extra crispiness, spread carrots out in a single layer without overlapping.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure carrot pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian