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    Home ▸ Vegan Sides

    Easy Vegan Maple Roasted Carrots

    Last modified: October 29, 2022. Originally posted: October 29, 2022 By Sophia DeSantis

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    A collage of the ingredients needed to make a maple roasted carrot recipe with the carrots on parchment before baking and then after with a white drizzle and overlay text in the center.
    A line of roasted carrots on a piece of parchment paper with a white drizzle over them.

    Maple roasted carrots are the perfect side to any meal! This recipe is a touch sweet and salty with a hint of smoke, and is vegan even with the creamy lemon sauce!

    I love how easy this recipe is. You can even just mix everything in the baking dish and just bake, no need to mix in an extra bowl unless you really want to!

    A piece of parchment paper with a line of roasted carrots with a white drizzle and brown baked parts on the parchment.
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    This post was sponsored by NOW Foods but the content and opinions expressed are fully my own.

    This post was originally published on 10/31/2016

    I love to pair these maple roasted carrots with my vegan lentil meatloaf. Something about the smokiness in both, mixed with a hint of sweet and lots of salty is just amazing!

    Ingredients

    Making these roasted carrots with maple syrup is simple and doesn't take a lot of prep. You don't even have to make the sauce drizzle if you're really pressed for time (or thyme, hahaha!) because this recipe is great without it too!

    Here is what you need to make these amazing carrots:

    •  Carrots
    • Maple syrup 
    • Olive oil - or veggie broth if oil free
    • Thyme
    • Smoked paprika
    • Sea salt
    • Lemon juice

    Here is what you need to make the sauce:

    • Water
    • Almonds
    • Fresh lemon juice 
    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Sea salt
    • Thyme
    A wooden cutting board on a marble surface and thyme, seasonings, maple syrup, carrots, lemon and olive oil in bowls on them.

    How to Make Maple Roasted Carrots

    As a super easy and kid approved vegan side dish, these are a go to for me. Great for all ages, little guys can mash these right into their mouth, just cook them a little softer.

    1. Put the carrots in a dish and mix in other ingredients.
    2. Bake.
    3. While baking, put sauce ingredients into blender to make lemon thyme drizzle.
    4. Serve with drizzle.
    Front view of hand pouring maple syrup over carrots in a glass baking dish.
    A group of carrots next to each other on a piece of parchment paper with herbs on them.
    Front view of a thyme sprig in front of a glass jar of creamy sauce with a spoon in it.
    A side shot of a group of roasted carrots with a white drizzle and thyme on a white plate.

    What to Serve with Roasted Carrots

    Truth be told, even when I ate meat, I wasn't much of a turkey or roast or whatever person. I always was one of those people that loaded up on sides. To me, those made a meal. Here are a few other great sides we love, both for holidays and every day:

    • Vegan Broccoli Salad with Cranberries
    • Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
    • Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole
    • Vegan Broccoli Casserole
    • Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    • Baked Lima Bean Recipe (Gigantes Plaki)
    • Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes
    • Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes
    • Easy Cauliflower Casserole
    • Easy Vegan Quinoa Stuffing 
    • Protein Packed Stuffing
    • Healthy Cranberry Sauce
    • Baked Broccoli Cauliflower Veggie Tots

    We can't forget the dessert though! After eating all these healthy veggies, we need to finish it off with the best vegan dessert ever:

    • Simple Vegan Pumpkin Pie
    • Layered Pumpkin Caramel Pie
    • Creamy Layered Pumpkin Dessert
    • Healthy Vegan Apple Crisp

    Variation Ideas

    The flavors used in this maple glazed carrots recipe go well with other foods as well! Try this recipe out while substituting with these:

    • Brussels sprouts
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Butternut squash
    • Cauliflower
    • Potatoes
    • Beets
    • Parsnips

    You can also play around with different seasonings, these flavors will taste great too:

    • Cinnamon
    • Chili Powder
    • Paprika
    • Dill
    • Parsley
    • Red Pepper

    Preparation Tips

    • Since you are baking maple syrup, and it's a sugar, there is a chance it can burn. This will mostly happen if it pools in one area of the pan. So you need to watch it carefully and take it out at the right time.
    • Use your hands to coat the carrots well with the maple syrup to ensure they are completely covered.
    • Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent against sticking.

    Tips on choosing carrots

    Since this is such a simple recipe, you want to make sure that the ingredients you use are top notch. When it comes to the carrots, you want them flavorful. So make sure that you get fresh full size carrots. Look for those with a rich orange color.

    You can also use multicolored carrots to add an extra pop of color to your table.

    As much as I love the baby carrots, those would not be my first choice. They would bake up too soft, which isn't my favorite.

    Tips on choosing maple syrup

    The other main star is the maple syrup, and let me tell you that there IS a difference between kinds of maple syrup. The first thing you need to look at is the ingredients. There should only be one, maple syrup! No sugar, no additives.

    One of my top faves when it comes to maple syrup is NOW Foods maple syrup. It is made of pure maple syrup, the flavor is top notch and it's organic. The perfect complement to this recipe!

    Front view of a hand holding a tan and brown bottle of maple syrup over a white wood surface.

    Make Ahead and Storage Suggestions

    Because there isn't much to this maple roasted carrot recipe there isn't a whole lot of prep that can be done in advance, but you can shave a few minutes off the day of!

    • Wash and peel the carrots and make the lemon thyme drizzle the day before so it's ready to go!
    • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    • Technically roasted carrots can be frozen, however the texture will change once defrosted. Only freeze them if you plan on incorporating in another recipe like soup or a casserole.
    • Reheat the roasted carrots either in the microwave or oven. Add a little bit of broth into the bottom of the pan to avoid them drying out and burning if you use the oven.

    More Vegan Carrot Recipes

    These maple roasted carrots are incredible, but it's not the only way we like to eat them! Try out these other plant based recipes featuring the orange veggie:

    • Japanese Carrot Ginger Dressing
    • Roasted Carrot Hummus Recipe
    • Vegan and Gluten Free Carrot Cake
    • Healthy Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
    • Carrot Dogs
    • Healthy Vegan Carrot Soup
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    Roasted carrots lined up on parchment paper with brown spots on it and a white drizzle over the carrots.

    Easy Vegan Maple Roasted Carrots

    Sophia DeSantis
    Maple roasted carrots are the perfect side to any meal! This recipe is a touch sweet and salty with a hint of smoke, and is vegan even with the creamy lemon drizzle!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 3
    Calories 157 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 bunch carrots , about 6 carrots
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup , I use NOW Foods brand
    • 2 teaspoons olive oil , or 2 tablespoons veggie broth if oil free
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme , or 1 teaspoon dried
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon lemon juice

    Lemon Thyme Sauce

    • 1 cup water
    • ½ cup raw almonds
    • 4 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon plus 1 ½ teaspoons)
    • 1 ¾ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400°F/205°C.
    • Wash and peel carrots (if needed). Place carrots into a baking dish.
    • At this point you can put all the other ingredients into the dish (not the sauce, just the carrot flavorings) and simply use your hands to mix and coat well. Or you can put the flavor toppings into a small bowl, mix well, then pour over the carrots to coat.
    • Bake carrots for 35 minutes. You can bake less or more depending on how cooked you prefer them. (see tip 1 in notes).
    • While they are baking, make sauce by putting all ingredients, except for thyme, into a high speed blender and blending until smooth. Then put in thyme and pulse to break up and incorporate. Refrigerate until ready to use.
    • When the carrots are done, remove from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Then drizzle on lemon thyme sauce and devour! The sauce is great used as a dip too.

    Notes

    • You can also transfer the carrots onto a parchment lined cookie sheet before roasting, just make sure to get all the flavor onto the carrots.
    • Be aware that the maple syrup does tend to burn while baking, so if it collects or pools in a certain area you may get some burning. The carrots should be fine, you can easily throw away or clean off the burned syrup pieces.
    • I preferred the flavor of the fresh thyme on the carrots, but feel free to use dried.
    • Serving size is 2 carrots.
    • The sauce is optional, the recipe is great without it too!
    • The sauce makes 1 ½ cups. Nutrition info includes using half of this sauce.
    Tips to prep ahead
    • Make sauce.
    Baby/toddler food idea
    • Make sure they are cooked well.
    • Cut into small pieces and serve with sauce as a dip.

    Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 610mgPotassium: 490mgFiber: 5gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 19265IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 98mgIron: 1.5mg

    Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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    1. The Vegan 8

      November 02, 2016 at 6:24 pm

      Ok, do you remember telling you one of my obsessions in a message months ago how much I love roasted carrots and how I will eat an entire bag at once?! Yup, that is how much I love roasted carrots and I would DEVOUR these in seriously just 5 minutes. I make some roasted carrots with cinnamon and maple which are rather sweet, but I'm loving the idea of lemon juice and smoked paprika. Smoked paprika is like in my top 3 spices! OMG. I bet they smell amazing. And oh lord, here you go again with sauce....I LOVE fresh thyme, LOVE it and looks like I got another addiction coming up...hahahaha! They look completely beautiful, too.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 06, 2016 at 12:03 pm

        Ha! We may or may not have eaten an entire bag...whoops! You would love the smoky flavor in these!! The fresh lemon and thyme counter the smoky and sweet really well. Thank you mama!!

        Reply
    2. swathi

      November 01, 2016 at 5:34 pm

      Looks delicious love this treat,

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:44 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Julie | This Gal Cooks

      November 01, 2016 at 4:59 pm

      Gorgeous photos, Sophia! These carrots look delish; I may need to add them to my Thanksgiving side dish list!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:43 pm

        Thank you so much! It's a great holiday side dish!

        Reply
    4. Sarah

      November 01, 2016 at 4:49 pm

      Yes, yes and yes! Perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Heck, perfect fall meal/comfort food side dish. This looks and sounds wonderful.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:43 pm

        Thanks Sarah! It's going on my Thanksgiving table for sure!

        Reply
    5. Anjali @ Vegetarian Gastronomy

      November 01, 2016 at 4:04 pm

      Love love LOVE maple roasted carrots! I could eat them by the tray-full...that lemon thyme drizzle sounds delicious with them! Love the photographs!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:42 pm

        Thanks Anjali! I love photographing bright veggies!

        Reply
    6. Dianne's Vegan Kitchen

      November 01, 2016 at 2:58 pm

      That lemon thyme drizzle is calling my name! I'd pour that on just about anything!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:42 pm

        Thanks Dianne!! I have been dipping quite a bit in it!

        Reply
    7. Jenn

      November 01, 2016 at 2:16 pm

      Mmmm, I love roasted carrots and that lemon thyme sounds so so good! I could imagine that working on so many different dishes!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:41 pm

        Thank you Jenn!! And yes!! We have already used it in so many things!!

        Reply
    8. Hauke Fox

      November 01, 2016 at 12:54 pm

      Oh dear, this looks sooo tasty. Roasted carrots are the best! Made a batch today as well, without this awesome looking sauce unfortunately.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:38 pm

        Thanks Howie! I bet your carrots were delicious!

        Reply
    9. Mandy

      November 01, 2016 at 11:59 am

      Smoky + maple! Sold! These would be a perfect Thanksgiving side dish!! And carrots are actually one of Willow's favorite so I'm sure she would love these! That lemon thyme drizzle sounds absolutely divine ❤️

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:34 pm

        Thank you Mandy!! Willow would love these. My kids literally can eat an entire bunch of carrots. LOL!

        Reply
    10. Alisa Fleming

      November 01, 2016 at 9:24 am

      That's the maple syrup I use, too! I LOVE roasted carrots and that hint of maple - yum!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:33 pm

        Isn't it SO good! I am a sucker for good maple syrup. The smoky pairs really well with it. Thanks Alisa!

        Reply
    11. Mel |avirtualvegan.com

      November 01, 2016 at 9:04 am

      Just pass me the whole dish...I could literally eat them all. I adore roasted carrots and that sauce sounds delicious!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:31 pm

        Thank you Mel!! They go fast over here. I make them by the bunch!

        Reply
    12. Linda @ Veganosity

      November 01, 2016 at 7:08 am

      Smoky and maple definitely go together! I love the sound of those two flavors in roasted carrots. They look delicious!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:31 pm

        Thanks Linda!! The smoky adds such a great layer of flavor!

        Reply
    13. Nicole Dawson

      October 31, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      I'm a huge fan of roasted carrots. I just love how they naturally sweeten when roasted and then with that little extra drizzle of sweetener, it's like a veggie candy. Looks wonderful Sophia.

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:30 pm

        Me too!! I only like them roasted and the tang of the sauce is such a good complement!

        Reply
    14. Becky Striepe

      October 31, 2016 at 10:47 am

      This looks absolutely perfect for the Thanksgiving table!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:28 pm

        Thanks Becky!

        Reply
    15. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

      October 31, 2016 at 5:21 am

      O yes! A wintery dinner side dish must to have on the table!

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        November 01, 2016 at 9:28 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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