Description
Maple-Roasted Carrots with Goat Cheese, Pecans & Cranberry Balsamic Glaze are tender roasted carrots coated in a lightly sweet maple glaze and finished with creamy goat cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and a glossy cranberry balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb (680 g) carrots, peeled and trimmed
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup (80 g) cranberry sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Pinch of salt
4 oz (115 g) soft goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup (40 g) pecans, roughly chopped
2 tbsp dried cranberries
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the peeled and trimmed carrots in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until the carrots are evenly coated.
3. Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between them so they roast properly and develop caramelized edges.
4. Roast for 25–35 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through cooking, until they are tender in the centre and beautifully caramelized around the edges.
5. While the carrots roast, combine the cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and set aside.
6. Place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.
7. Transfer the roasted carrots to a large serving platter. Drizzle approximately two-thirds of the cranberry balsamic glaze over the warm carrots, distributing it evenly.
8. Scatter the crumbled goat cheese over the warm carrots. The gentle heat will soften the cheese slightly and create a creamy contrast with the caramelized vegetables.
9. Sprinkle the toasted pecans and dried cranberries evenly over the carrots and goat cheese.
10. Drizzle the remaining cranberry balsamic glaze lightly over the top. Finish with fresh parsley and thyme leaves.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature as a colourful side dish, vegetarian appetizer, or flavorful addition to a family dinner.
Notes
Choose carrots that are similar in size and thickness so they cook evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the carrots enough space to roast and caramelize instead of steaming.
Turn the carrots halfway through roasting to encourage even browning on multiple sides.
Watch the carrots toward the end of roasting because maple syrup can brown quickly.
Toast the pecans for a few minutes in a dry skillet to bring out their buttery flavour and crunch.
Use soft goat cheese so it softens beautifully over the warm carrots.
Add the cranberry balsamic glaze toward the end to preserve its bright flavour and glossy texture.
Baby carrots can be used instead of regular carrots, although roasting time may vary depending on their size.
Honey can replace maple syrup in both the roasted carrots and the glaze for a slightly different sweetness.
Feta or crumbled blue cheese can replace the goat cheese. Feta gives a saltier flavour, while blue cheese provides a stronger contrast.
Toasted walnuts can be substituted for pecans for a slightly more earthy flavour.
The carrots and glaze can be prepared ahead of time. Reheat the carrots gently before serving, then add the goat cheese, pecans, cranberries, herbs, and glaze.
These carrots can be served warm or at room temperature, making them convenient for holiday meals and entertaining.
Serve alongside roasted chicken, turkey, pork, salmon, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, quinoa, farro, couscous, lentils, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American