Best Quick Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Carrots Recipe
These quick apple cider glazed roasted carrots are a simple, delicious side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. The cider caramelizes on the edges, creating a sticky, tangy-sweet coating that makes everyone at the table quiet for a solid minute.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (about 450g) carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise if thick
- ½ cup (120ml) apple cider
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper, freshly ground
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the carrots: Peel 1 pound of carrots and trim off the tops. If the carrots are thick (more than ¾ inch across), cut them in half lengthwise. Leave smaller carrots whole. Cut them into 3-inch lengths so they fit nicely on the pan.
- Make the glaze mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Toss the carrots: Add the prepared carrots to the bowl with the glaze mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to coat each piece evenly.
- Arrange on the sheet pan: Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not crowd them. Pour any remaining glaze from the bowl over the top.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes: Roast for 10 minutes, then remove the pan, flip the carrots with tongs, and add the fresh thyme sprigs if using. Return to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes until tender and edges are caramelized.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven. If the glaze seems too thin, transfer carrots to a serving dish and simmer the pan juices in a small saucepan for 2-3 minutes until thickened, then pour back over the carrots. Otherwise, transfer straight to a serving platter. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Don’t skip flipping the carrots halfway through for even caramelization. Use real apple cider, not apple juice, for the best glaze. Check carrots at 20 minutes as oven temperatures vary. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter. For a lower-sugar option, skip the maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 2
Keywords: roasted carrots, apple cider glaze, quick side dish, easy vegetable recipe, weeknight dinner, caramelized carrots, gluten-free, vegetarian