Name: Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound 4 large carrots; 1 pound 3 large apples (such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jonagold); 1 onion; 5 cloves garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 cup olive oil or aquafaba; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 3 tablespoons stone ground dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon thyme

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe is exactly what you need. Sweet apples, tender carrots, and that tangy Dijon mustard glazed with maple syrup come together to create a flavor combo that’s both comforting and a little unexpected. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to fall or winter side dish — or honestly, anytime you want something simple yet special. Stick with me, and I’ll share all the little tips I’ve learned along the way to make this recipe foolproof and absolutely delicious.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Sweet & Tangy: The maple syrup adds sweetness while the Dijon mustard introduces a subtle tang that keeps things vibrant.
Texture Play: Roasting gives the carrots a tender bite and the apples caramelize beautifully without falling apart.
Easy Yet Elegant: Few ingredients but big, bold flavors that impress with minimal effort.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether a weekday dinner or holiday feast, this recipe adapts easily to your needs.

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, roasted carrots with maple and Dijon, fall side dishes with apples and carrots, easy roasted vegetable recipes, cozy autumn side dish - This close-up image shows a mix of roasted vegetables scattered on a white marbled surface, featuring orange carrot slices with some charred black spots, small yellow potato pieces, and purple-red onion chunks. The vegetables have a light shine from cooking oil and are sprinkled with herbs and seasoning, giving a textured and slightly crisp look. The colors are warm with a mix of vibrant orange, soft yellow, and deep reddish-purple tones blending together photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Once you get your hands on the right ingredients, the magic starts. The natural sweetness of apples and carrots plays beautifully against the pungent Dijon mustard and warm maple syrup, creating layers of flavor that are both familiar and surprising. Plus, with basic pantry staples like garlic and thyme, this recipe is achievable whether you run to the store or are cooking from what you have on hand.

Carrots: Choose firm, fresh carrots for sweetness and texture; slicing them on the bias helps them roast evenly and look pretty.
Apples: I love using firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn—they hold their shape when roasted, giving a satisfying bite.
Onion: Adds a savory depth and slight sweetness after roasting; diced into small pieces so they caramelize nicely.
Garlic: Fresh is best here, finely chopped to evenly infuse the glaze, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Olive Oil or Aquafaba: Olive oil adds richness and helps with roasting, and aquafaba is a great oil-free option that still gives a luscious glaze.
Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully in the oven—don’t skimp here.
Stone Ground Dijon Mustard: The star pairing that adds tang, a bit of heat, and a lovely texture with its coarse seeds.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony without overpowering.
Thyme: Its earthy, herbal notes elevate the dish and balance sweetness perfectly.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep the base recipe as is because it nails that balance of flavors, but feel free to personalize it! Maybe you want a little more heat or a different herb. This dish is forgiving and welcomes your creative flair.

Spice it Up: I’ve added a pinch of cayenne pepper before roasting for a subtle kick—if you like a touch of heat, you’ll enjoy this twist.
Herb Swap: Sometimes I trade thyme for rosemary or sage, especially around the holidays—it brings a different but equally lovely aroma.
Oil-Free Version: Swap olive oil for aquafaba if you want to keep it lighter or vegan; it still lends a great glaze without losing texture.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the maple syrup up or down depending on how sweet you want your dish; I usually stick to the recipe, but you do you!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Produce Like a Pro

Start by coring your apples and cutting them into neat ½-inch cubes. Slicing the carrots on the bias into about ¼-inch thick pieces not only looks pretty but helps them cook evenly. Dice your onion into ½-inch pieces and finely chop the garlic so it blends nicely with the glaze. Taking a bit of time here pays off in the texture and finish of the dish.

Step 2: Make the Maple Dijon Glaze

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil (or aquafaba), maple syrup, stone ground Dijon, salt, pepper, and thyme until you have a smooth, silky glaze. This is where the flavor magic really begins, so make sure to taste it—you want a nice balance of sweet and tangy.

Step 3: Toss and Coat Everything

Add your chopped carrots, apples, onions, and garlic to the bowl and toss everything until every piece is thoroughly coated in that luscious glaze. Don’t be shy here—getting a good coating means more caramelization and flavor.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (you want it hot). Spread the mixture in an even layer directly on a rimmed metal baking sheet—no crowding! You want these ingredients to roast, not steam. Roast for about 15 minutes, then flip everything to brown the other side. Continue roasting for another 10 to 15 minutes until the carrots are tender when pierced with a fork and the glaze has thickened and caramelized. The smell alone will have you drooling!

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

High Heat is Key: Preheating your oven to 425°F ensures a beautiful caramelization without turning the apples mushy.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use two sheet pans if needed so everything roasts evenly and crisps up instead of steaming.
Flip Gently: When you turn your mix halfway through, do it carefully to keep the pieces intact and evenly coated.
Choose the Right Apples: I always use firm apples that keep their shape, which really makes the dish stand out texturally.

How to Serve Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little fresh thyme or parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Sometimes I toss on a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch—it adds a lovely contrast to the softness of the roasted fruits and veggies.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a simple grilled sausage. I’ve served it alongside fluffy quinoa or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all those lovely juices, and it never disappoints. It’s a versatile side that complements both casual dinners and holiday spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I sometimes arrange the roasted carrots and apples on a platter lined with fresh herbs and scatter pomegranate seeds over the top for a festive touch. You can also serve it in individual ramekins topped with a dollop of herbed yogurt or crème fraîche for a slightly fancy twist that wows guests without extra stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep really well for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes I find it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

While I typically enjoy this dish fresh, I have frozen leftovers a couple of times. Just pop the cooled carrots and apples into a freezer-safe container or bag, and they last for about one month. When thawing, expect the texture to soften a bit but the flavors still hold up nicely for soups or stews.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes brings back some of the crispiness and caramelized edges I love the most. You can microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry, but it won’t have quite the same texture. I definitely recommend the oven method if you can.

FAQs

Can I use other types of mustard besides Dijon in this recipe?

You can, but stone ground Dijon mustard adds a nice texture and tang that really complements the sweetness of the maple syrup. If you prefer a milder flavor, yellow mustard can work, but the overall balance will change a bit.
What’s the best apple to use for roasting with carrots?

Firm apples that hold their shape when cooked are best. I’ve had great success with Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Jonagold. Softer apples like McIntosh tend to get mushy and won’t provide the same texture contrast.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Absolutely! I sometimes replace olive oil with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). It gives a lovely glaze without adding fat and works surprisingly well in roasting.
How do I avoid soggy roasted apples and carrots?

Make sure not to crowd the pan—spread everything out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Also, roast at a high temperature and don’t flip too early. This helps caramelize and crisp the edges instead of steaming them.
Can I add other vegetables to this roast?

Definitely! Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts can be great additions. Just be mindful of their roasting times so everything finishes evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something both comforting and a little elevated. It’s a simple recipe that feels special, bursting with flavor and texture that feels just right any time of year. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as eating it, and I can’t wait for you to discover how easy it is to impress yourself (and your guests) with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every caramelized bite!