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Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Carrots (Easy 30-Minute Recipe)

apple cider glazed roasted carrots - featured image

These sweet, tangy, and tender roasted carrots are glazed with a reduced apple cider and maple syrup mixture, making them the perfect side dish for cozy nights or holiday feasts. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone going back for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (about 450g) carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise (if thick, quarter them)
  • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon (1g) cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (about 4 sprigs), for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the carrots: Peel 1 pound of carrots and cut off the tops. Halve them lengthwise. If your carrots are thick, quarter them so they’re all about the same size. Place them in a mixing bowl.
  3. Toss with oil and seasonings: Drizzle the carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. If using cinnamon, add it now. Toss everything with your hands until the carrots are well coated. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Roast the carrots: Roast for 15 minutes.
  5. Make the apple cider glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of apple cider and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until reduced by about half, 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. It’s ready when it looks syrupy and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Finish the glaze: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt if needed.
  7. Glaze the carrots: After the carrots have roasted for 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Pour the glaze over the carrots and gently toss them with a spatula to coat. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 10-12 minutes, until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze is bubbling and slightly caramelized.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the carrots sit on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip reducing the apple cider—it concentrates the flavor and creates a thicker glaze. Cut carrots evenly for even cooking. Use room temperature butter for a smooth glaze. Watch the glaze closely as it reduces to prevent burning. Line your pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Don’t overcrowd the pan; use two pans if doubling the recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted carrots, apple cider glaze, fall side dish, easy carrot recipe, 30-minute recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free