Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lb carrots (about 10 medium), washed and scrubbed
Glaze & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch coarse sea salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- ¼ cup walnut pieces
- 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 5-6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the carrots to a beautiful tender and caramelized texture.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well combined and smooth, creating a flavorful glaze for the carrots.
- Toss Carrots with Glaze: Place the washed and scrubbed carrots in a large mixing bowl. Pour the glaze over the carrots and toss thoroughly until each carrot is evenly coated. Season with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Arrange and Roast: Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until carrots are tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Add Walnuts and Toast: In the final 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle walnut pieces over the carrots to toast them lightly, enhancing their crunch and flavor. Continue roasting until nuts are fragrant and slightly golden.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the carrots from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Crumble goat cheese evenly over the hot carrots and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top to add a burst of earthy aroma and freshness.
- Serve: Serve warm as a delicious, sweet-savory side dish that pairs well with roasted meats or vegetarian mains.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the walnut pieces separately in a dry pan before adding to the carrots.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup to make the dish sweeter or less sweet depending on preference.
- Goat cheese can be substituted with feta or omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh thyme can be replaced with rosemary or sage for a different herb profile.
- Leftover roasted carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian