Why Roasted Carrots Are a Must-Try
Carrots are a kitchen staple for a reason—they’re affordable, versatile, and absolutely delicious when roasted. The oven transforms them into tender, caramelised bites with a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with almost any flavour.
For this roasted carrot recipe, I’ve paired them with a miso and maple glaze that takes the flavour to a whole new level. The miso brings a savoury umami kick, while the maple syrup adds a rich, sticky sweetness. Together, they create a perfect balance that enhances the natural goodness of the carrots.
Reasons to Love These Maple and Miso Roasted Carrots:
- Healthy yet indulgent: Packed with vitamins but taste like a treat.
- Quick and easy: Prep takes just 10 minutes, and the oven does the rest.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, a salad topper, or even a light main course.
- Crowd-pleasing: A unique addition to your dinner table that everyone will love.
Tips for the Best Roasted Carrots Every Time
Roasting carrots may seem straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your dish from good to absolutely drool-worthy.
1. Use Fresh Carrots
Choose carrots that are firm and vibrant in colour. Baby carrots are ideal for this recipe because they’re tender and cook quickly, but regular carrots sliced into batons work just as well.
2. Get the Miso Paste Right
Light or yellow miso paste is best for this recipe. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that complements the maple syrup without overpowering it. If you love a stronger umami punch, red miso can be used—but be aware it’s more intense.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
To achieve that gorgeous caramelisation, the carrots need space. Spread them out in a single layer on your baking tray. Crowding the pan traps steam, which leads to soggy carrots.
4. Roast at the Right Temperature
A hot oven—180°C—is the sweet spot for these roasted carrots. It’s hot enough to caramelise the glaze but not so hot that it burns the delicate miso-maple coating.
5. Keep an Eye on the Glaze
Maple syrup can burn if left too long at high heat, so start checking your carrots at the 25-minute mark. You’re aiming for golden, caramelised edges and tender centres.
Customising Your Roasted Carrots
One of the best things about roasted carrots is how adaptable they are. Here are a few ways to make this dish your own:
Add More Veggies
Why stop at carrots? Toss in some parsnips, pumpkin wedges, or sweet potato slices for a colourful medley of roasted veg.
Spice Things Up
Add a pinch of chilli flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
Sprinkle with Crunch
Finish the dish with sesame seeds, crushed nuts, or crispy fried shallots for added texture.
Swap the Sweetener
If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or golden syrup are great alternatives.
Serving Ideas for Roasted Carrots
These Miso and Maple Roasted Carrots are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with many dishes. Here’s how to serve them:
As a Side Dish
These carrots are the perfect partner for roast chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty beef stew. They also shine alongside vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or baked polenta.
In a Salad
Toss your carrots with rocket leaves, quinoa, crumbled feta, and a simple lemon vinaigrette for a light but satisfying salad.
As a Festive Addition
Planning a holiday feast? These carrots make a great alternative to more traditional roasted veggies. Garnish with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Storing and Reheating Your Roasted Carrots
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These roasted carrots store beautifully and are easy to reheat.
In the Fridge
Store your roasted carrots in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat
Pop them in a preheated oven at 160°C for 10 minutes to bring back their crisp edges. You can also reheat them in a dry pan over medium heat for a quick fix.
Can You Freeze Roasted Carrots?
Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended. The texture of the carrots becomes mushy when thawed, and the glaze doesn’t hold up well.
Other Recipes to Try
Love this roasted carrot recipe? Here are some other ideas to add to your repertoire:
Share Your Creations!
I’d love to see how your Roasted Carrots turn out! Snap a picture and share it on Instagram with the tag @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s spread the roasted carrot love! 🥕
So, what are you waiting for? These roasted carrots are calling your name. Quick, delicious, and packed with flavour, they’re the perfect addition to any meal. Let’s get roasting!
Roasted Carrots with Maple and Miso
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Looking for a side dish that steals the show? These Miso and Maple Roasted Carrots are your new best friend. Sweet, salty, and perfectly golden, they’re an easy way to jazz up your dinner table. Bonus: they’re so simple to make you’ll have extra time to enjoy the compliments!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the carrots.
- Toss your carrots in the miso mix, making sure they’re coated evenly.
- Spread them out on a baking tray—don’t overcrowd!
- Roast at 180°C for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve them up and watch them disappear!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-cut carrots are fine, but frozen ones aren’t ideal as they release too much moisture, preventing caramelisation.
Soy sauce or tamari can be used in a pinch, but the flavour won’t be as complex.
It already is! Just make sure your miso paste and maple syrup are certified vegan.