Ingredients
Carrots
- 2 pounds carrots
Seasoning & Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the carrots to a tender, caramelized finish.
- Prepare the carrots: Cut off the tops of the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch thick pieces to promote even roasting and enhance surface area for caramelization.
- Combine ingredients: Place the sliced carrots onto a sheet pan, then add olive oil, maple syrup, sea salt, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly coat all the pieces with the seasoning mixture.
- Roast the carrots: Spread the coated carrots out in an even layer on the pan to ensure uniform cooking. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes until tender, stirring or flipping the carrots halfway through cooking (around 15 minutes) to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Serve and store: Once roasted, serve the carrots immediately for optimal flavor and texture. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, space the carrot pieces apart on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
- You can substitute maple syrup with honey if preferred.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your desired level of spiciness.
- These roasted carrots pair beautifully with roasted meats, grains, or as a standalone side.
- To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
