Perfect Maple Bacon Carrots Recipe – Easy Sweet and Savory Side Dish
Tender roasted carrots caramelized with golden maple syrup and topped with crispy, smoky bacon bits. A sweet and savory side dish perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- Fresh medium-sized carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Thick-cut bacon, sliced into small pieces
- Salt, a pinch
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Peel the carrots and trim the tops down to about an inch for presentation. Slice them in half lengthwise if they’re thick.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to prepare the glaze.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with the glaze until evenly coated.
- Spread the glazed carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle reserved bacon grease over the carrots.
- Roast the carrots in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon over the roasted carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the tray from the oven and let the carrots cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Keep an eye on the carrots during roasting to avoid burning. Spread them in a single layer to ensure even caramelization. For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Maple Bacon Carrots, roasted carrots, sweet and savory side dish, holiday side dish, easy carrot recipe