Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples bring together the perfect balance of sweet and savory in one simple sheet pan dish. Tender carrots pair with juicy apples, all coated in a maple syrup and Dijon mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. This recipe makes a standout side for holidays or weeknight dinners, adding color and flavor to any table. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and easy steps, you’ll love how quickly this dish comes together with delicious results.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples

• Big flavor, little effort. Maple and Dijon create a glossy glaze that tastes cozy and bright.
• Weeknight easy, holiday worthy. One pan, simple prep, fast cleanup, and perfect next to a pumpkin scones recipe for a full fall menu.
• Perfect texture. Carrots roast until tender with caramelized edges, apples stay juicy.
• Flexible. Swap spices, add herbs, or finish with nuts, bacon, or feta.
• Crowd friendly. The sweet savory combo pleases kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Needed

For the Vegetables

• Carrots: 1 pound, halved if thick
• Apples: 2 medium, cored and thickly sliced

For the Maple Dijon Glaze

• Maple syrup: 1 tablespoon, pure
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Dijon or stone ground mustard: 1 tablespoon
• Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
• Ground coriander: 1/8 teaspoon
• Allspice: 1/8 teaspoon

Notes & Substitutions

• Apples: Honeycrisp and Fuji stay firm, while Gala and McIntosh soften more.
• Carrots: Baby carrots work, but whole carrots cut evenly roast best.
• Oil: Use avocado oil if you prefer.
• Dairy-free/vegan: Already naturally dairy-free.
• Flavor twist: Try cinnamon or nutmeg in place of allspice for a warmer profile.

How to Make Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples

Before You Start

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the glaze caramelize.
2. Prep the pan. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or line with parchment.
3. Cut the produce. Slice apples into thick wedges and halve larger carrots so everything roasts evenly.

Step-by-Step

1. Make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, olive oil, mustard, salt, pepper, coriander, and allspice until smooth.
2. Toss to coat. Place carrots and apples on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with the glaze and mix with your hands or a spatula so every piece gets covered.
3. Spread evenly. Arrange in a single layer with space between pieces. Crowding steams instead of roasts.
4. Roast and flip. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the carrots and apples. Return for another 15 minutes until tender with caramelized edges.
5. Serve hot. Transfer to a platter and spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the top.

Air Fryer Option

• Preheat to 375°F. Roast in the basket for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Expert Tips

• Use a dark sheet pan. It encourages caramelization and richer browning.
• Size matters. Cut apples and carrots into similar thickness so they roast at the same pace.
• Glaze timing. Toss everything just before roasting so the apples don’t release too much juice early.
• Rack placement. Middle rack gives the best balance of even cooking and browning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan. Crowding traps steam and leads to soggy results.
• Skipping the flip. Turning the pieces halfway ensures golden edges on all sides.
• Overbaking apples. Thin slices break down too quickly keep them thick.

A Smart Shortcut

• Make the glaze ahead. Mix maple, Dijon, and spices up to two days early and keep chilled in a sealed jar. Shake before using.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Ideas

• Pair with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or baked salmon, and pour a mug with pumpkin spice coffee creamer for a cozy brunch spread.
• Add to grain bowls with quinoa or farro, or follow with pumpkin streusel muffins for dessert.
• Sprinkle with toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for crunch, then keep things fresh with a mango smoothie bowl on the side.
• Finish with crumbled feta or goat cheese for a savory contrast.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three to four days, per USDA FSIS guidance.
• Freeze portions at 0°F after cooling; frozen leftovers stay safe, though quality is best if used within a few months, notes USDA FSIS.
• Warm in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes to revive caramelized edges. Reheat leftovers until hot and steaming and reach 165°F internally for safety, as recommended by USDA FSIS. Microwave if in a pinch, but texture softens.

Variations

• Spice twist: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger in place of allspice.
• No-mustard option: Use balsamic vinegar with maple syrup instead.
• Savory herb version: Toss in fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary before roasting.
• Vegan holiday flair: Add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds after roasting.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	113
Carbohydrates	22 g
Protein	1 g
Fat	3 g
Saturated Fat	0.4 g
Polyunsaturated	0.5 g
Monounsaturated	2 g
Sodium	562 mg
Potassium	383 mg
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	14 g
Vitamin A	15,198 IU
Vitamin C	9 mg
Calcium	41 mg
Iron	0.4 mg

Nutritional Benefits:

Carrots supply beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid that supports vision, according to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Apples offer dietary fiber and vitamin C, with much of the fiber in the skin, as noted by Harvard’s Nutrition Source. The glaze adds sweetness without heavy fat, making this a lighter holiday side.

Tip: Use an online calculator like MyFitnessPal or Cronometer if you adjust ingredients to keep nutrition estimates accurate.

Conclusion

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples deliver a sweet and savory balance that feels both cozy and elegant. With simple prep and one sheet pan, you get caramelized carrots, tender apples, and a glaze that shines on any table. This recipe works for busy weeknights as well as festive gatherings, giving you flexibility without fuss.

Tried it? Leave a star rating and a comment to share your experience. Don’t forget to save or share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so others can enjoy it too. What twist will you add to make it your own?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)