Maple-Orange Candied Carrots

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Maple-Orange Candied Carrots are a delightful side dish that brings together the natural sweetness of carrots with the zesty brightness of oranges and the rich depth of maple syrup. This recipe is perfect for adding a touch of elegance and warmth to your meal, especially during the cooler months when root vegetables are at their peak.

Ingredients for Maple-Orange Candied Carrots

Carrots provide a naturally sweet and earthy base, becoming incredibly tender and flavorful when roasted. Pure maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the natural sugars in the carrots. Fresh orange juice contributes a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the sweetness and adds freshness. Unsalted butter helps create a silky glaze, adding richness and flavor depth. Ground cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of spice, perfect for cozy, comforting dishes. A touch of salt heightens the flavors, while black pepper adds a subtle kick. Finally, fresh orange zest provides a burst of citrus aroma and flavor as a garnish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use baby carrots for a quicker prep time and a slightly different texture.
  • If your carrots are particularly large, slice them thinner to ensure even cooking.
  • For a deeper caramelization, you can broil the carrots for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture.

Serving Suggestions

These candied carrots pair wonderfully with roasted meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. They also complement vegetarian mains like a hearty grain dish or a creamy risotto. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a holiday turkey or ham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, honey can be a great substitute, but it will add a different flavor profile. Expect a slightly more floral sweetness.
What if I don’t have fresh orange juice?
You can use bottled orange juice, but fresh juice will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid over-seasoning.

Maple-Orange Candied Carrots Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready once you’ve prepped everything. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your sliced carrots, maple syrup, orange juice, melted butter, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good toss, making sure the carrots are evenly coated with that delicious glaze.

Next, transfer the carrot mixture into a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to help trap the steam and cook the carrots evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake will soften the carrots without browning them too much.

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and stir the carrots. This step is crucial for ensuring all the carrots are evenly cooked and coated in the glaze. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes. By now, the carrots should be tender, and the glaze should have thickened to a sticky, shiny coating.

Before serving, sprinkle with some fresh orange zest. This final touch adds a pop of color and a burst of citrus aroma that complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors.
  • A great way to make carrots exciting and flavorful.
  • Beautifully complements holiday meals or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh orange zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced carrots, maple syrup, orange juice, melted butter, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and stir the carrots to ensure even cooking.
6. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the glaze is sticky.
7. Garnish with fresh orange zest before serving.

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