Elevate your side dish game with these irresistible Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Roasted Carrots. This dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted carrots with the smoky, savory flavor of crispy bacon, all coated in a luscious maple syrup glaze. The result is a beautiful and delicious side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners, special occasions, or simply when you want to impress your guests with something unique and flavorful. The added touch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary takes this dish to the next level, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots cut into sticks)
- 8 slices bacon
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Carrots:
- If using regular carrots, peel them and cut into even-sized sticks, about 4-5 inches long. If using baby carrots, you can use them as they are. Toss the carrots in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until evenly coated.
- Wrap the Carrots with Bacon:
- Wrap each carrot (or small bunch of baby carrots) with a slice of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling the bacon around to the other end. Place the wrapped carrots seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Glaze the Carrots:
- Brush each bacon-wrapped carrot generously with half of the maple syrup. Reserve the remaining syrup for later.
- Roast the Carrots:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the carrots with the remaining maple syrup.
- Finish Roasting:
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the carrots are tender. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your carrots and bacon.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the maple glazed bacon-wrapped roasted carrots warm as a delicious side dish. They pair perfectly with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or as a standout appetizer at your next gathering.
Conclusion:
These Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Roasted Carrots are a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that will leave everyone reaching for more. The caramelized maple glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, while the crispy bacon adds a satisfying texture and salty contrast. This dish is as easy to make as it is impressive to serve, making it an ideal choice for holiday feasts or special dinners. Try this recipe for a unique and delicious way to enjoy carrots, and watch them become the star of your table!
Maple Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Roasted Carrots: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots or regular carrots cut into sticks
- 8 slices bacon
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- o Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Carrots:
- o If using regular carrots, peel them and cut into even-sized sticks, about 4-5 inches long. If using baby carrots, you can use them as they are. Toss the carrots in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until evenly coated.
- Wrap the Carrots with Bacon:
- o Wrap each carrot (or small bunch of baby carrots) with a slice of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling the bacon around to the other end. Place the wrapped carrots seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Glaze the Carrots:
- o Brush each bacon-wrapped carrot generously with half of the maple syrup. Reserve the remaining syrup for later.
- Roast the Carrots:
- o Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the carrots with the remaining maple syrup.
- Finish Roasting:
- o Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the carrots are tender. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your carrots and bacon.
- Garnish and Serve:
- o Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- o Serve the maple glazed bacon-wrapped roasted carrots warm as a delicious side dish. They pair perfectly with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or as a standout appetizer at your next gathering.