Name: Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large carrots (about 1 pound), sliced on the bias into ¼-inch thick pieces; 3 large apples (about 1 pound), cored and chopped into ½-inch cubes; 1 onion, diced into ½-inch pieces; 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder); ¼ cup olive oil (or aquafaba for oil-free option); ¼ cup maple syrup; 3 tablespoons stone ground Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon thyme

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s bursting with warmth, sweetness, and just a hint of tang, this Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Picture tender carrots and apples, roasted to golden perfection and glazed with a luscious maple-Dijon combo that’s both cozy and sophisticated—trust me, it’s utterly irresistible!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of maple syrup perfectly complements the tangy Dijon mustard, making each bite a delightful taste adventure.
Super Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of everyday staples to create a dish that feels extra special.
Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep with tons of flavor means you can whip this up any night of the week without stress.
Versatile Side Dish: Whether for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, this recipe pairs beautifully with so many main courses.

A close-up image shows a metal spoon with a mix of roasted vegetables, held over a white marbled background scattered with more roasted pieces. The spoon holds three main pieces: two thick slices of orange carrot with dark char marks, and a small golden-brown chunky potato piece with a textured herb seasoning. Some bits of dark red onion are also visible, giving a contrast in color and a slightly crispy look. The background shows more roasted carrots, potatoes, and onions, all similarly browned and textured, giving a warm, cooked feeling. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, roasted carrots and apples, maple Dijon roasted vegetables, healthy roasted side dish, seasonal roasted carrots and apples

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile. Crisp apples balance the earthy sweetness of carrots, while the garlic and thyme add aromatic depth. The maple syrup marries everything with a beautiful glaze, and the Dijon mustard gives just the right sharp zing.

Flat lay of fresh large orange carrots sliced on the bias, crisp apples cut into cubes showing their pale flesh, a whole peeled onion diced into chunks, several cloves of garlic, a small jar of golden maple syrup, a spoonful of grainy Dijon mustard, and sprigs of fresh thyme artfully spread out, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, roasted carrots and apples, maple Dijon roasted vegetables, healthy roasted side dish, seasonal roasted carrots and apples

Carrots: Slice on the bias for more surface area to caramelize beautifully in the oven.
Apples: Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Jonagold to hold their shape during roasting.
Olive oil or aquafaba: Olive oil adds richness; aquafaba is a fantastic oil-free alternative that still helps the glaze stick.
Maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and creates that irresistible caramelized finish.
Stone ground Dijon mustard: Gives a textured, tangy kick that makes this dish uniquely vibrant.
Fresh thyme: Adds herbal warmth that complements the sweet and savory elements perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are best, but garlic powder works well if pressed for time.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Fruit

Start by coring the apples and chopping them into half-inch cubes—they’re the sweet stars here, so getting the size right helps them cook evenly. Cut your carrots on the bias into thin, quarter-inch slices to maximize caramelization. Dice the onion into small chunks, and finely chop or mince the garlic to infuse every bite with flavor. This careful prep will set you up for success!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze

In a large bowl, combine olive oil (or aquafaba), maple syrup, and stone ground Dijon mustard with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This is the magic glaze that will envelop your carrots and apples in irresistible flavor and help them get that beautiful roasted shine.

Step 3: Coat and Toss

Add the chopped carrots, apples, onions, and garlic to the bowl with your glaze. Use a spatula or your hands (if you don’t mind a little mess) to toss everything until every piece is evenly coated. This step ensures each bite bursts with the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Spread the coated mixture evenly on a metal baking sheet—remember, don’t crowd the pan or you’ll miss out on that gorgeous browning. Roast at 425°F for 15 minutes, then flip everything to roast the other side. Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the carrots are tender and the glaze turns slightly caramelized. The higher temperature is key for that irresistible crispy-tender texture!

How to Serve Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

The image shows a close-up of roasted vegetables on a white marbled surface. There are thick slices of orange carrots with some caramelized dark brown spots from roasting. Mixed with the carrots are chunks of soft yellow potatoes and pieces of translucent golden onion. Scattered among these are bits of deep purple-red onion that add a pop of color. The vegetables are coated in herbs and spices, giving the dish a slightly shiny, seasoned look, while some parts have a light crisp texture from the roasting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, roasted carrots and apples, maple Dijon roasted vegetables, healthy roasted side dish, seasonal roasted carrots and apples

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even more, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves right before serving. A dash of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender roasted veggies.

Side Dishes

This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe pairs brilliantly with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a big holiday turkey. It also stands out alongside quinoa or wild rice for a vegetarian meal that feels hearty and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful centerpiece, serve this colorful mixture in a rustic ceramic bowl atop fresh greens or baby arugula. You can also layer it over a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover roasted carrots and apples can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping the dish chilled preserves that wonderful glaze without sogginess, so it stays just as delightful the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious dish longer, it freezes well too! Pack leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For the tastiest reheating, pop your leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through and wonderfully crisp again. Microwaving works in a pinch—just heat in 30-second bursts to keep the glaze fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Choose apples that hold their shape when roasted, like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady. Avoid softer varieties that may turn mushy during cooking.
How can I make this recipe vegan or oil-free?

Simply swap the olive oil for aquafaba—the liquid from canned chickpeas. It provides moisture and helps the glaze stick without adding oil.
What’s the best way to get the carrots crispy?

Roast on a metal pan without overcrowding, and preheat your oven to a high temperature (425°F). Give the carrots time to brown on one side before turning them for even caramelization.
Can this recipe be doubled for larger gatherings?

Definitely! Just use two baking sheets to keep the vegetables in a single layer; crowding the pan will prevent proper roasting and browning.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe is everything you want in a side dish: simple, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and it might just become your go-to for gatherings or cozy weeknights alike. Enjoy every sweet, tangy, caramelized bite!

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe