Description
Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples combines sweet and savory flavors into a warmly spiced, caramelized side dish. Roasting at a high temperature creates tender carrots and apples with a beautifully browned exterior, enhanced by a tangy maple Dijon glaze and aromatic thyme. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal accompaniment.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Fruits
- 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)
Glaze and Seasonings
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Core the apples and chop into ½-inch cubes. Slice the carrots diagonally into ¼-inch thick pieces. Dice the onion into ½-inch chunks and finely chop the garlic cloves.
- Make the Glaze: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and thyme until well combined.
- Toss Vegetables and Apples: Add the chopped carrots, apples, onion, and garlic to the glaze mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Preheat Oven and Roast: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the mixture evenly on two separate metal sheet pans in a single layer to avoid crowding, which helps achieve crispness.
- Initial Roast: Place the pans in the oven and roast for 15 minutes until the side touching the pan starts to brown.
- Flip and Continue Roasting: Carefully flip the mixture to brown the other side. Continue roasting for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze is caramelized.
Notes
- Use apples that hold their shape when baked such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold for the best texture.
- For an oil-free version, substitute olive oil with an equal amount of aquafaba (chickpea liquid).
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated to achieve proper browning and caramelization.
- Roast directly on metal sheet pans for extra crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pans by using two separate sheet pans, allowing even cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat best in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy; microwaving in 30-second intervals is also an option.
