Maple-Glazed Baby Carrots

These maple-glazed baby carrots prove that the best side dishes don’t have to be complicated. With just four ingredients plus a pinch of salt and pepper, this recipe comes together entirely in the microwave and is ready in under 10 minutes. It’s the ultimate veggie side dish when you need something quick on busy weeknights, but it also feels special enough to serve for the holidays.

The sweet, buttery glaze makes these microwave-glazed carrots a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Maple syrup gives them a cozy, festive flavor that shines at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but they are great with any celebratory meal. And since they cook entirely in the microwave, you’ll free up precious oven and stovetop space for the rest of your feast.

Ingredients for Maple-Glazed Baby Carrots

• Baby carrots: Their small size means quick and easy prep, with no peeling or chopping required. If you notice white stuff on baby carrots, they’re still safe to cook and eat; it’s just a layer of dried-out plant cells. If you only have full-size carrots, just peel and slice them into uniform sticks or coins so they cook evenly.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and gives the glaze a silky finish. Use salted butter for added seasoning, or stick with unsalted butter for better control over the salt level.
• Maple syrup: The star of the glaze brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the natural sugars in the carrots. Be sure to use pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup for the best flavor.
• Fresh thyme: If desired, sprinkle thyme over your glazed carrots for a fresh, earthy note that balances the sweetness. No thyme on hand? Chopped fresh parsley works just as well.

Directions

Step 1: Steam the carrots

Place the carrots in a 1-1/2-quart microwave-safe dish with about 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the dish tightly with a lid or microwave-safe storage wrap and microwave the carrots on high for four to six minutes or until they’re crisp-tender. Carefully drain any excess liquid.

Editor’s Tip: Baby carrots cook fast, so start checking them around the 4-minute mark. They’re done when they’re tender enough to pierce with a fork but still have a little bite.

Step 2: Add the butter

Add the butter to the hot carrots. Microwave them for 30 seconds, or until the butter is melted. Gently stir the carrots to coat.

Step 3: Glaze the carrots with maple syrup

Drizzle the maple syrup over the buttered carrots and toss to coat them. Sprinkle the glazed carrots with salt and pepper to taste. If you decide to use thyme or another fresh herb, sprinkle it over the carrots before serving them.

Recipe Variations

• Try a citrus twist: Add a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of orange zest to the carrots for a bright, sunny flavor that complements the sweet glaze.
• Top them with nuts: Sprinkle toasted nuts such as pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds over the carrots just before serving them for added crunch.
• Add warming spices: Stir a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger into the maple syrup for an extra cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall and winter holidays.
• Skip the dairy: Use vegan butter instead of regular butter for a silky finish and buttery taste without any dairy.
• Make the dish more colorful: Use rainbow baby carrots for a mix of orange, gold and purple hues. Can’t find them? Peel and slice whole rainbow carrots instead.

How to Store Microwave Glazed Carrots

Let the carrots cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to four days. To reheat glazed carrots, gently warm them in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until they’re heated through. If the glaze looks a little thick, stir in a splash of water or maple syrup to thin it out and bring back its glossy finish.

Can you freeze maple-glazed baby carrots?

Yes, you can freeze maple-glazed baby carrots. For the best texture, undercook the carrots slightly before freezing them so they don’t turn mushy when thawed. Once cooled, transfer the carrots to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to three months. Freeze the carrots in smaller portions if you want to reheat just a serving or two for quick meals. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then reheat them.

Can you make maple-glazed baby carrots ahead of time?

Yes, you can steam and glaze the baby carrots up to two days in advance. Let them cool to room temperature, then cover and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat them in the microwave or stovetop.

Maple-Glazed Baby Carrot Tips

Can you make maple-glazed baby carrots on the stovetop?

Yes, if you’d rather skip microwaving, you can easily make maple-glazed baby carrots on the stovetop. The process is similar to our recipe for glazed carrots with brown sugar.

Place the baby carrots in a saucepan and add water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the carrots for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re tender. Drain the water, then return the carrots to the pan and add the butter, letting it melt over low heat. Drizzle in the maple syrup, toss to coat the carrots and season them with salt and pepper.

Can you roast maple-glazed baby carrots?

Maple-glazed carrots turn out beautifully in the oven, with an even deeper caramelized flavor. To make them, preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the carrots with melted butter, maple syrup, salt and pepper, then spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast them for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.

What can you serve with maple-glazed baby carrots?

Maple-glazed baby carrots pair beautifully with both weeknight dinners and festive holiday meals. Their sweet, buttery flavor complements savory mains like grilled chicken, baked ham, pork tenderloin or a Thanksgiving turkey. They add a pop of color alongsid starchy sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing or rice pilaf, and fit right in with holiday classics like green bean casserole and cranberry sauce.