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.