Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients List

• 1 lb rainbow carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
• 2 large honeycrisp apples, cored and cut into wedges
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts for crunch

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large rimmed baking sheet
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups & spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and dried thyme until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced carrots and apple wedges with the maple-dijon mixture until evenly coated. ✨
4. Spread the mixture in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Ensure the apples are not overcrowded to allow for proper caramelization.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the carrots are fork-tender and the apples are golden brown. 😋
6. Remove from the oven, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with walnuts if desired before serving warm.

💡 Pro Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have rainbow carrots, regular orange carrots work perfectly. You can swap thyme for rosemary if you prefer a piney, savory note.
• Caramelization: Do not crowd your pan! If the pieces are too close together, they will steam instead of roast.

Variations

For a heartier meal, add roasted chicken strips seasoned with similar herbs to turn this side dish into a complete protein-packed sheet pan dinner.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of mustard? Yes, whole grain mustard offers a wonderful texture, though Dijon provides the smoothest flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.