Why Make This Recipe

Maple Roasted Beets & Carrots is a delightful dish that brings together the earthy sweetness of beets and the bright flavor of carrots. Roasting these root vegetables makes them tender and brings out their natural sugars, enhancing their taste. Adding maple syrup adds a delicious caramelized glaze that makes this dish special. It’s perfect as a side for family dinners, holiday meals, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with something simple yet flavorful.

How to Make Maple Roasted Beets & Carrots

Ingredients:

4 medium-sized beets, peeled and cut into wedges
4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Optional: Crumbled goat cheese for serving

Directions:

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting.
Peel and cut the beets into wedges and slice the carrots into thick rounds. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, black pepper, and thyme. Whisk until well blended.
Add the beets and carrots to the bowl. Toss them in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
Spread the coated vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. This helps them roast evenly.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the beets and carrots are tender and caramelized.
The vegetables are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
Remove from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Beets & Carrots

These roasted beets and carrots are great on their own, but you can also serve them alongside grilled meats or as part of a salad. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese on top before serving. This adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the vegetables.

How to Store Maple Roasted Beets & Carrots

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. You can enjoy them cold in salads or reheated in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Maple Roasted Beets & Carrots

Ensure that your beets and carrots are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup for more or less sweetness.
For added flavor, experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or parsley.

Variation

You can add other root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips to this recipe for added variety. Just make sure to cut them similarly to ensure they roast evenly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beets and carrots?

Yes, frozen vegetables can work, but they may not roast as evenly, and you’ll want to reduce the roasting time since they are typically blanched before freezing.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and toss them in the dressing a few hours before roasting. Just cover them and store in the fridge until you’re ready to roast.

Can I use other types of sweeteners instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey or agave syrup can be great substitutes. Just be mindful of the flavor differences they may bring to the dish.