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Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots: Best Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish

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These Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots are roasted to tender perfection and coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze made with maple syrup and bourbon. An easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that transforms ordinary carrots into the star of your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise (if thick, quarter them)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Bulleit)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (if carrots are not very sweet)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the middle. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Peel 2 pounds of carrots and trim off the tops. Cut them in half lengthwise; if some are thick, quarter them so all pieces are roughly ½ inch thick at the widest part.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrot pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Toss with your hands to coat evenly. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, not crowded.
  4. Roast for 20 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, flip the carrots with tongs for even browning.
  5. While the carrots roast, make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 tablespoons melted butter, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and the leaves from 2 sprigs of fresh thyme. Stir and let simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. If using brown sugar, add it now. Remove from heat.
  6. After 20 minutes, remove the carrots from the oven. Pour the glaze over them and toss gently with tongs to coat. Spread back into a single layer. Return to the oven and roast for another 8-10 minutes, until the carrots are fork-tender and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
  7. Let the carrots rest on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky salt if desired.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or apple juice. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or coconut oil. If the glaze starts to burn, add a splash of water or maple syrup to thin it. Cut carrots evenly to ensure uniform cooking. The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon glazed carrots, thanksgiving side dish, roasted carrots, easy carrot recipe, holiday side dish, maple glazed carrots, bourbon carrots

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/maple-bourbon-glazed-carrots-best-easy-thanksgiving-side-dish/