If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a beautiful pop of color and warmth, look no further than the Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots Recipe. This delightful side dish combines tender roasted carrots and crisp apples coated in a luscious maple and Dijon mustard glaze, flavored with aromatic cinnamon and fresh thyme. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that brings cozy, comforting vibes to your table and is sure to become a favorite for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but packed with quality and flavor, each playing a crucial role in creating the signature taste and texture of this dish. From the natural sweetness of the apples and maple syrup to the robust tang of Dijon mustard, every component shines through beautifully.
- 4 medium-sized carrots: Peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces for the perfect tender bite after roasting.
- 2 medium-sized apples: Cored and cut into wedges; Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, Honeycrisp offers a sweeter note.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to evenly coat the ingredients and ensures a wonderful caramelization.
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup: Adds rich sweetness and depth that pairs amazingly with the mustard and cinnamon.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Brings a sharp, zesty kick that balances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces warm spice and complements the sweetness of the apples and maple syrup.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other ingredient.
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional): Adds an herby freshness and lovely garnish to finish the dish.
How to Make Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right for roasting, allowing the carrots to become tender while the apples soften without turning mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots and Apples
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your peeled and sliced carrots with the apple wedges. This is where your vibrant color combination begins, setting the stage for a delicious meal.
Step 3: Make the Maple Dijon Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper in a separate small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing is the heart of the Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots Recipe, creating that irresistible flavor coating.
Step 4: Coat the Carrots and Apples
Pour the dressing over the carrots and apples and toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated. This step is key to delivering that signature blend of flavors in every bite.
Step 5: Arrange and Roast
Spread the coated apples and carrots in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with even roasting and easy cleanup. Make sure they’re not overcrowded to get that perfect caramelized finish.
Step 6: Roast to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You want the carrots tender and slightly caramelized while the apples turn golden and soft—this is where the magic happens!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if you like for a touch of elegance and fresh herbal aroma.
How to Serve Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme leaves are a simple yet wonderful garnish that adds a pop of green color and an herbal note to the sweet, tangy flavors. You might also consider a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra texture and nutty richness.
Side Dishes
This roasted apples and carrots recipe pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, pork, or turkey. It also fits well alongside grain bowls, quinoa salads, or even as a standout feature on a vegetarian holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive look, serve the roasted carrots and apples in a rustic cast iron skillet or a beautiful ceramic dish. Drizzle a little extra maple syrup before serving for added shine and sweetness. This dish also looks fantastic served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to develop even more overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the roasted apples and carrots, but keep in mind that the texture of the apples may soften further upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve texture, or use a microwave for convenience—just be careful not to overheat to maintain the best flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples depending on your taste preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan as it uses maple syrup for sweetness and olive oil for roasting. Just make sure your Dijon mustard does not contain any non-vegan ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely. Adding root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes can create a more robust medley. Just adjust roasting times based on the vegetables you include.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard on hand?
You can substitute with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard, but Dijon provides a smoother, slightly spicy flavor that’s key to this dish’s signature taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it works wonderfully for meal prep. The flavors intensify when stored, making it a tasty and convenient side dish to enjoy throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the combination of the maple’s sweetness, the tang from Dijon mustard, and the natural earthiness of roasted carrots and apples. The Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots Recipe is not only a delicious way to enjoy simple ingredients but a reminder that a few thoughtful touches can transform everyday produce into an unforgettable dish. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again for friends and family!
Print
Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples and carrots with a tangy maple Dijon glaze, enhanced by warm cinnamon and fresh thyme. Roasted to tender perfection, this side dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for any meal or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Produce
- 4 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium-sized apples, cored and cut into wedges (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Condiments & Spices
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the apples and carrots.
- Combine Carrots and Apples: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced carrots and apple wedges, ready for seasoning.
- Prepare Maple Dijon Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Coat Ingredients: Pour the maple Dijon dressing over the carrots and apples. Toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated apples and carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Roast: Bake for 25-30 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking, until carrots are tender and caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if using, before serving.
Notes
- Use firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture after roasting.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- Optional thyme garnish adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
- Roasting time may vary slightly depending on oven and size of carrot pieces.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
