Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and just the right touch of tang, then you’re going to fall head over heels for these Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples. This dish is a beautiful balance of tender roasted carrots and crisp apples, all cloaked in a luscious glaze made from maple syrup and stone ground Dijon mustard. The combination creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and a little unexpected. Whether you’re serving it alongside your holiday feast or just jazzing up a weekday dinner, this recipe is an absolute winner that adds color, texture, and a hint of sophistication to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe delights in its simplicity, relying on a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the natural sweetness of carrots and apples to the depth of mustard and the aromatic thyme, every element adds a layer of flavor or texture that elevates this dish.

• Carrots (4 large, about 1 pound): Choose firm, bright carrots for the perfect sweetness and texture after roasting.
• Apples (3 large, about 1 pound): Opt for a firm variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji to keep a nice bite.
• Onion (1 medium): Adds a subtle sweetness and savory base that balances the fruit.
• Garlic (5 cloves or 1 teaspoon garlic powder): Fresh garlic imparts aromatic warmth that complements the glaze perfectly.
• Olive oil (¼ cup): Creates a luscious coating that helps everything roast up beautifully.
• Maple syrup (¼ cup): The star sweetener bringing caramelized richness to the dish.
• Stone ground Dijon mustard (3 tablespoons): Adds tangy depth and a touch of spice to balance the sweetness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ties the dish together.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
• Thyme (1 teaspoon): A fragrant herb that elevates the earthy notes and brightens the overall flavor.

How to Make Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables

Start by coring the apples and chopping them into half-inch cubes—this size allows them to roast evenly without turning mushy. Next, slice the carrots on the diagonal into quarter-inch pieces, which helps create a tender yet sturdy bite. Dice the onion into half-inch chunks, setting the stage for those sweet caramelized undertones, and finally, finely chop the garlic to infuse the entire dish with its irresistible aroma.

Step 2: Whisk the Glaze Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, and stone ground Dijon mustard, then sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and thyme. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This glaze is the heart of the dish, creating that signature sweet-and-savory flavor that makes these Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples so memorable.

Step 3: Toss Everything to Coat

Add your chopped carrots, apples, onion, and garlic to the bowl with the glaze. Give everything a generous toss until every piece is coated in that beautiful, sticky mixture. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and a hint of caramelized sweetness once roasted.

Step 4: Roast and Rotate for Even Caramelization

Transfer the coated mixture to a roasting pan set at 425°F. Roast for 15 minutes without stirring to let the bottoms brown beautifully—the starting point for that perfect caramelization. Then, carefully flip the mixture to expose the other side and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes. The carrots should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the glaze should have thickened and caramelized, coating everything in a shiny, flavorful finish.

How to Serve Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples

Garnishes

To finish things off elegantly, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves over the top. The pop of green adds a fresh visual contrast and a subtle herbal lift. For an added crunch, toasted pecans or walnuts make an excellent garnish that complements the caramel notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish shines next to roasted meats like chicken or pork, where the apple’s natural sweetness complements savory flavors perfectly. It also pairs wonderfully with herbed quinoa or a simple wild rice pilaf, adding both texture and a splash of vibrant color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation at your next dinner party, serve the Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples on a rustic wooden board or in a beautiful earthenware dish. Drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup or a balsamic glaze over the top just before serving to amp up the visual appeal and flavor. You can even fold the cooled mixture into a warm grain bowl for a nutritious, cozy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and meld over time, making for an even more delicious experience the next day.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but for the best texture, freeze it without the apples, as they may become too soft upon thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the glaze’s texture without drying out the carrots. Alternatively, you can reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil to preserve moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! While firmer apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work best to hold their shape, softer apples like Gala can be used if you prefer a slightly softer texture. Just keep an eye on roasting time to avoid over-softening.

Is there a substitute for stone ground Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have stone ground Dijon, regular Dijon mustard works perfectly well. Whole grain mustard in place of the stone ground will add a nice texture and slightly different flavor, too.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan if you use olive oil. If you prefer, you can substitute the olive oil with aquafaba for a unique twist and a slightly lighter glaze.

How spicy is the maple Dijon glaze?

The glaze has a gentle, balanced tang from the mustard with a hint of warmth from the black pepper, but it is not spicy or overwhelming. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a flavorful but mild profile.

Can I roast the ingredients separately?

While roasting everything together saves time and lets the flavors meld, roasting the carrots and apples separately can give you better control over their textures if you prefer your apples less soft.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, they’ll become one of your go-to side dishes. The combination of flavors and textures brings such joy to the table, and the simple ingredients make it easy to whip up any time you want to add something special to your meal. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself to this comforting delight today!

Print