Save
Maple Bacon Carrots are the ultimate blend of savory and sweet comfort food. Tender roasted carrots become melt-in-your-mouth delicious when wrapped in smoky bacon and lacquered with rich maple syrup. This is one of those side dishes that always gets devoured first whether it is a family dinner or a holiday celebration.
The first time I made this recipe was for a Thanksgiving potluck and they disappeared within minutes. Now I am always asked to bring them to every gathering and no batch is ever quite big enough.
Ingredients
- Carrots: look for ones under half an inch thick that are firm and smooth smaller carrots cook evenly and get perfectly tender
- Thin sliced bacon: wraps easily and cooks up crispy use a good quality brand for the best flavor and texture
- Pure maple syrup: gives the dish a deep sweetness and beautiful glossy finish avoid pancake syrup for the real deal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Carrots:
- Peel the carrots and trim the ends making sure they are clean and even sized for uniform cooking
- Wrap with Bacon:
- Tightly wrap a single slice of thin bacon around each carrot starting from the thicker end and spiraling down avoid overlapping the bacon so it crisps up all over
- Arrange for Roasting:
- Set a wire rack on a baking sheet then lay the wrapped carrots on top spacing them for good air flow this helps render the bacon fat and caramelize the carrots
- First Bake:
- Roast in a preheated 400 degree oven for about twenty five minutes until the bacon is almost crisp and the carrots are tender to a fork
- Glaze with Maple Syrup:
- Carefully brush or drizzle each carrot with maple syrup coating every side for the best shine and flavor make sure not to rush this step
- Final Bake:
- Return carrots to the oven for eight to ten minutes more watch closely for bubbling syrup and deep bacon color this is when the magic happens
- Serve:
- Transfer to a platter while still warm the maple glaze will set slightly and create irresistible sheen
Maple syrup is my favorite ingredient here because it gives the dish such a warm comforting flavor and an eye catching finish. I remember my kids sneaking extra carrots before dinner just to get more of that crispy bacon and glossy caramelized glaze.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a hot oven for several minutes which will help the bacon crisp again do not microwave as this will make the bacon rubbery.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use turkey bacon for a lighter dish but it will not get quite as crisp. For added spice a pinch of chili flakes can be mixed with the maple syrup before glazing.
Serving Suggestions
These maple bacon carrots pair beautifully with roasted chicken or ham and make a wonderful addition to any holiday table. They are also fantastic served alongside a fresh green salad for balance.
Cultural and Historical Context
The combination of maple syrup and bacon is rooted in American comfort food traditions especially in the Northeast where maple sugaring has a long history. Wrapping vegetables in bacon is a popular farmhouse technique to add richness and flavor.
FAQs about Recipes
- → What type of bacon works best for wrapping carrots?
Thinly sliced bacon is ideal, as it crisps faster while the carrots become tender, without overlapping too much.
- → Can I substitute another sweetener for maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can be used in place of maple syrup for a similar sweetness and glaze effect.
- → How do I ensure the bacon cooks evenly around the carrots?
Wrap bacon snugly without overlapping and place carrots on a wire rack so heat circulates and fats render evenly.
- → Is peeling the carrots necessary?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture and better glaze adherence, but young, thin carrots can be scrubbed and left unpeeled.
- → How do I know when the dish is done?
Bacon should be crisp and deep golden, while carrots become fork-tender. A final glaze bakes until glossy and sticky.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes, reheat in a hot oven to help bacon crisp up again without over-softening the carrots.