If you’re looking for a holiday side dish that’s elegant, naturally sweet, and irresistibly caramelized, these Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots are the perfect addition to your table. Tender roasted carrots are coated in a glossy maple-butter glaze and topped with toasted pecans that add a delightful crunch. Every bite is sweet, nutty, buttery, and warmly spiced — a stunning complement to Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham, weeknight chicken, or any cozy fall dinner.
This dish looks gourmet, tastes luxurious, and comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or adding something special to an everyday meal, these carrots will shine on the plate and impress guests with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots
This recipe is flavorful, simple, and unbelievably satisfying.
- Perfect balance of sweet maple and nutty pecans.
- Oven-roasting brings out natural carrot sweetness.
- Beautiful presentation for holidays and gatherings.
- Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for special occasions.
- Naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to dairy-free.
- Warm, comforting, and full of fall flavor.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Unlike basic roasted carrots, this version takes things up a notch with a maple-butter glaze that caramelizes into a shiny, irresistible coating. Toasted pecans add crunch and richness while the oven intensifies all the flavors. This recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a standout side dish that adds both color and flavor to your holiday spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs carrots (whole or cut into sticks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thyme
How to Make Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots (Detailed)
1. Prep the Carrots
Peel carrots or scrub well if keeping skins on. Leave whole for dramatic presentation or slice into sticks for quicker roasting.
2. Make the Maple Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Melted butter
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
- Black pepper
3. Coat & Arrange
Spread carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Pour the glaze over carrots and toss to coat evenly.
4. Roast
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25–35 minutes (depending on size), flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
5. Add Pecans
During the last 5–7 minutes, sprinkle pecans over the carrots so they toast lightly without burning.
6. Serve
Transfer to a serving platter and spoon any extra glaze from the pan on top. Garnish with parsley or thyme.
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 21g
- Fat: 11g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
Tips for the Best Roasted Carrots
- Use fresh, firm carrots for best texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — crowded carrots steam instead of roasting.
- Flip halfway for even caramelization.
- Add pecans at the end so they toast but don’t burn.
- Warm the maple syrup slightly to help it coat evenly.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more maple or reducing it.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Maple Carrots: Add chili flakes or cayenne.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary or thyme.
- Orange Zest: Add citrus brightness for a holiday twist.
- Cranberry-Pecan Version: Add dried cranberries in the last few minutes.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Brown Butter Maple Carrots: Brown the butter before mixing — incredible flavor!
What to Serve with Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots
- Thanksgiving turkey
- Christmas ham
- Baked chicken
- Pork chops
- Prime rib
- Roasted salmon
- Holiday casseroles
- Warm rolls and mashed potatoes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too little glaze: Carrots need enough to caramelize.
- Roasting at low temperature: They won’t brown properly.
- Adding pecans too early: They may burn.
- Not flipping carrots: Leads to uneven roasting.
- Using old carrots: They won’t caramelize as well.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate for 3–4 days in airtight container.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F to restore crisp edges.
- Freeze for up to 2 months, though pecans may soften.
- Leftovers are delicious in salads, wraps, and grain bowls.
Conclusion
These Maple Pecan Roasted Carrots are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, nutty, and caramelized. Whether served for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a regular weeknight dinner, they add a beautiful pop of color and flavor to the table. Easy, elegant, and irresistibly delicious — this festive side dish is sure to become a new family favorite.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use baby carrots?
Yes — increase roast time slightly since they retain more moisture.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep and glaze the carrots ahead, then roast before serving.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely — it will have a slightly deeper sweetness.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
No — they toast in the oven, but you can toast separately for extra flavor.
How do I get more caramelization?
Use higher heat (425°F) for the last 5 minutes.