Maple Bacon Roasted Carrots
These Maple Bacon Roasted Carrots are sweet, smoky, sticky, and ridiculously easy. Each carrot gets wrapped in bacon, brushed with a maple glaze, and roasted until the edges caramelize and the bacon turns perfectly crisp.
Servings: 6
Calories: 240kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds medium carrots peeled and trimmed (similar thickness)
- 8 slices bacon or more if needed
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wrap each carrot with a slice of bacon, starting at the thicker end and spiraling toward the tip. Place seam-side down on the prepared pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush carrots generously with the glaze.
- Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the carrots are tender and caramelized.
- Brush with any remaining glaze, sprinkle with fresh thyme, and serve warm.
Notes
- Carrots: Medium carrots work best because they cook evenly and let the bacon crisp properly. If yours vary in size, slice the thicker ones in half lengthwise.
- Bacon: Use regular-cut bacon, not thick-cut. Thick bacon takes longer to crisp and can leave the carrots overcooked.
- Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup is key here. The flavor is richer and caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds just the right amount of smoky warmth. You can swap in regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Make Ahead: Wrap the carrots and mix the glaze earlier in the day. Store separately in the fridge, then brush and roast when ready.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven to bring the bacon back to life.
- Serving Tip: A little extra glaze brushed on after roasting makes the carrots glossy and irresistible.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 571mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 25352IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg
