Name: Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large carrots (about 1 pound); 3 large apples (about 1 pound), cored and chopped into ½” cubes; 1 onion, diced into ½” pieces; 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder); ¼ cup olive oil (or aquafaba for oil-free option); ¼ cup maple syrup; 3 tablespoons stone ground Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon thyme

If you’re looking for a warm, cozy side dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, you’ve just found it! This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe brings together tender roasted carrots with sweet apples, all glazed in a luscious maple and Dijon mustard dressing that’ll have your taste buds dancing. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to become one of your go-to recipes.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Perfect blend of sweet and savory: The natural sweetness of apples and maple syrup pairs beautifully with the tangy Dijon mustard, creating a mouthwatering glaze.
Easy and quick to prepare: With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and simple steps, this dish can come together in under 45 minutes.
Versatile for any meal: Whether it’s a weekday dinner side or a special holiday spread, this recipe fits seamlessly.
Healthy and flavorful: Roasting brings out the best textures and intensifies flavors without extra fuss or heavy sauces.

The image shows a close-up of a spoon holding a mix of roasted vegetables over a white marbled surface. The spoon contains three main layers: a round orange carrot slice on the top left with a slightly charred texture, a golden-yellow square chunk of roasted potato with a bit of speckled herbs on the front, and a darker brown piece of roasted onion with a glossy, soft texture behind the carrot and potato. The background is filled with more roasted carrot slices, potato chunks, and bits of onion, all having a golden to dark brown color and slightly crispy edges, showing a mix of roasted colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, roasted carrots and apples with maple Dijon, sweet and tangy roasted vegetables, healthy roasted apple and carrot side, easy fall vegetable side dish

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that all contribute to delicious flavor and vibrant color. Each component plays a special role: carrots bring earthiness and texture, apples add sweetness and juiciness, while the Dijon and maple syrup create a beautiful caramelized glaze. Plus, the mellow onion and savory garlic deepen the profile.

Flat lay of bright orange carrots sliced on the bias, crisp cubes of red and yellow apples, a whole golden onion, several peeled garlic cloves, a small glass jar of amber maple syrup, a spoonful of coarse stone ground dijon mustard, and fresh sprigs of green thyme, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, roasted carrots and apples with maple Dijon, sweet and tangy roasted vegetables, healthy roasted apple and carrot side, easy fall vegetable side dish

Carrots: Choose large, fresh carrots for sweetness and firmness that holds up well during roasting.
Apples: Opt for baking-friendly varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold to avoid mushiness.
Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the other ingredients.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a robust kick; garlic powder works fine if you prefer less intensity.
Olive oil or aquafaba: Olive oil lends richness while aquafaba makes this recipe oil-free yet still delicious.
Maple syrup: The natural sweetness that caramelizes perfectly for that irresistible glossy finish.
Stone ground Dijon mustard: Provides that signature tangy sharpness that balances the maple’s sweetness perfectly.
Herbs and seasoning: Thyme, salt, and pepper round out the flavors for a well-balanced dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Produce

Start by washing and prepping your carrots and apples. Core the apples and chop them into half-inch cubes—this size ensures they roast evenly without turning to mush. Slice the carrots on a slight bias into quarter-inch thick pieces for maximum surface area to soak up that maple Dijon glaze. Dice the onion into similar-sized chunks and finely chop the garlic to infuse the whole dish with wonderful aroma and depth.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze

In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil or aquafaba with maple syrup, stone ground Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. This dynamic combo forms the heart of the dish—bringing warmth, tang, and a touch of sweet earthiness that complements the natural flavors of the veggies and fruit.

Step 3: Toss and Roast

Add the chopped carrots, apples, onions, and garlic to the bowl with the glaze and toss gently but thoroughly so everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture in a single layer across one or two metal sheet pans—crowding the pan will steam rather than roast, so give these ingredients their space to get beautifully caramelized. Pop them into a preheated 425°F oven for about 15 minutes until the bottoms start browning, then flip everything to brown the other side. Roast for another 10–15 minutes until the carrots are tender and all those flavors meld into a glossy, irresistible finish.

How to Serve Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

This close-up image shows roasted vegetables spread on a white marbled surface. The vegetables include sliced carrots that are richly orange with some pieces visibly charred to a dark brown, adding a rough texture. There are also pale yellow potato chunks with a soft, slightly translucent appearance, and bits of red onion with deep purple color and a shiny, cooked texture. The mix is seasoned with small specks of herbs and spices, giving a lightly speckled look over all the vegetables. The overall colors are warm and earthy, with a mix of bright orange, pale yellow, and purple tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, roasted carrots and apples with maple Dijon, sweet and tangy roasted vegetables, healthy roasted apple and carrot side, easy fall vegetable side dish

Garnishes

To elevate this dish, sprinkle on some fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley just before serving for a burst of herbal brightness. Toasted pecans or walnuts also add a lovely crunchy contrast that pairs beautifully with the soft, caramelized morsels.

Side Dishes

This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or pork, adding a sweet-savory note that complements savory mains beautifully. It also makes a fantastic side to grain bowls, mashed potatoes, or a hearty quinoa salad for a balanced vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive flair, serve the roasted mixture in a hollowed-out pumpkin or squash bowl. Alternatively, layer the carrots and apples over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy couscous and drizzle with extra maple-Dijon glaze to really wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to batch cook. Cool completely and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Use within 2 months for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes to revive that caramelized crispness. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through, but the oven method keeps texture intact best.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Pears are a fantastic alternative because they hold up well to roasting and add a similarly sweet, juicy element. Just be sure to choose firmer varieties to avoid mushiness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, it’s fully vegan, especially if you use aquafaba instead of olive oil to keep it oil-free. All the other ingredients are plant-based and wholesome.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a holiday meal?

Definitely! You can prepare the veggies and glaze a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Roast just before your meal for the freshest texture, or reheat leftovers gently after roasting.
How do I get the carrots and apples nicely browned and caramelized?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated to a high temperature (425°F), spread the pieces out so they aren’t crowded, and give them enough time before flipping. Roasting directly on a metal pan helps achieve that lovely crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe is such a delightful surprise—it brings a little elegance to simple ingredients and makes for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side. I promise once you try it, it’ll become a favorite you want to revisit again and again. So go ahead, give it a whirl, and enjoy every sweet, tangy, caramelized bite with your loved ones!

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe