Maple Bacon Roasted Carrots are a good choice when you want something a little different from the usual roasted vegetables.
The carrots get lightly caramelized edges in the oven, and the bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that goes well with the maple syrup. There’s enough sweetness to notice, but these are still very much a savory side dish.
This is an easy recipe to add to a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner menu, especially when you need another vegetable besides the usual casseroles.
It also goes well with baked ham, roasted chicken, pork chops, or a simple Sunday dinner.
You’ll need a large mixing bowl to coat the carrots and a baking sheet for roasting. Everything cooks on the same pan, so there’s no need to prepare the bacon separately.
Fresh thyme gives the finished carrots a little herbal flavor without overpowering the maple and bacon. The parsley is optional, but it’s a nice addition if you’re serving these for a holiday meal.
With just 15 minutes of prep time, most of the work happens in the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Roasted Carrots Recipe
Sweet and Savory
Maple syrup adds a little sweetness, and bacon gives the carrots a smoky, salty flavor.
One-Pan Roasting
The carrots and bacon roast on the same baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
Great for Holiday Dinners
A good Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish that goes especially well with turkey or ham.
Lightly Caramelized Edges
Roasting brings out the carrots’ natural sweetness and gives them nicely browned edges.
Simple Ingredients
You only need a few basic ingredients and seasonings, with 15 minutes of prep time.
Ingredient Substitutions
Carrots
Baby carrots can replace whole carrots. Choose similar-sized pieces so they roast evenly. Larger baby carrots may need to be cut in half lengthwise.
Pure Maple Syrup
Honey can replace the maple syrup in equal amounts. It will give the carrots a slightly different sweetness, and you may need to watch the edges more closely for browning.
Olive Oil
Avocado oil works well in place of olive oil. Use the same amount.
Bacon
Turkey bacon can replace regular bacon for a lighter option. It generally won’t become as crisp when roasted with the carrots, but it still adds a savory flavor.
Garlic Powder
Use 1 minced garlic clove instead of the garlic powder. Add it during the final 10 minutes of roasting to help prevent burning.
Fresh Thyme
Use about ¼ teaspoon dried thyme instead of fresh thyme. Add it to the carrots with the other seasonings before roasting.
Fresh Parsley
Fresh chives can replace parsley if you want a mild onion flavor. You can also leave the garnish off entirely.
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Maple Bacon Roasted Carrots
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the carrots are evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over and around the carrots.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Stir the carrots and bacon, then roast for another 10 minutes, or until the carrots are tender, lightly caramelized, and the bacon is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme and parsley, if using, before serving.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Cut Evenly – Keep carrot pieces about the same thickness so they cook evenly. Avoid Crowding – Spread carrots in a single layer so they roast instead of steam. Check the Bacon – Regular-cut bacon works better than thick-cut bacon for this recipe. Watch the Glaze – Check near the end of roasting to prevent the maple syrup from burning.Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer – Freeze for up to 2 months. The carrots will soften after thawing. Oven – Reheat at 375°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Air Fryer – Reheat at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Make Ahead – Cut carrots up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Store chopped bacon separately.Nutrition
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