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; 3 large apples about 1 pound; 1 onion; 5 cloves garlic; ¼ cup olive oil; ¼ cup maple syrup; 3 tablespoons stone ground Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon thyme

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 36 reviews

There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet apples and earthy carrots working together on your roasting pan, especially when they’re kissed with a tangy-sweet glaze. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe with you. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with layers of flavor that feel both fresh and familiar. Trust me, whether it’s a weeknight side or a highlight at your holiday table, you’re going to want to keep this one close to your heart (and oven)!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of maple syrup and apples pairs beautifully with the tangy kick of Dijon mustard and thyme.
Easy Technique with Big Impact: Roasting at a high temp lets the veggies and fruit caramelize, giving you that crave-worthy crisp-tender texture.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs effortlessly with everything from roast chicken to weeknight grains for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Simple, Honest Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely have on hand and highlights natural sweetness and savory notes without fuss.

Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples, roasted carrot and apple side dish, easy fall vegetable recipes, healthy roasted vegetable ideas, sweet and savory roasted vegetables - 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

I love how the ingredients in this Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe come together for both sweetness and savoriness, plus some herbal brightness that just finishes it off beautifully. When you’re shopping, pick apples that hold their shape well when roasting, and don’t skimp on the fresh thyme—it makes a subtle but essential difference.

Carrots: They add natural sweetness and earthy depth; slicing them on the bias helps them cook evenly and look lovely.
Apples: Pick firmer varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn so they roast up tender but still hold their shape.
Onion: Adds savory savor and mild sweetness that rounds out the flavors and melds beautifully when roasted.
Garlic: Use fresh if you can for the best aroma; if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder saves the day.
Olive Oil or Aquafaba: Helps the glaze coat and caramelize; aquafaba is a brilliant oil-free swap if you want to keep things lighter.
Maple Syrup: The star sweetener here that brings warmth and depth, and pairs perfectly with the Dijon.
Stone Ground Dijon Mustard: Gives the recipe that signature zesty tang and texture, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Thyme: I can’t recommend this herb enough—it lifts the whole dish with just a hint of green, woodsy notes.

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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

This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe is like a blank canvas for your flavor preferences. I often play with it depending on the season or what’s in my pantry, and you absolutely should too—make it your own!

Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone that complements the sweetness nicely.
Make it oil-free: Swapping olive oil for aquafaba is my go-to when I want a lighter version without sacrificing glaze and texture.
Herbal variations: Rosemary or sage can take this in a more savory direction, perfect for autumn dinners.
Nutty add-ins: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top after roasting add a great crunch and extra warmth.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Fruits and Veggies

First, core your apples and chop them into roughly half-inch cubes. I like chopping carrots on the bias into slim quarter-inch slices—it makes them cook up evenly and look pretty on the plate. Dice your onion to around half-inch chunks, and finely mince the garlic. Prepping everything evenly really helps the roasting process go smoothly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze

In a big bowl, whisk together olive oil (or aquafaba if you’re going oil-free), maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme until it’s nice and smooth. This glaze is the magic that brings all the flavors together and helps caramelize those apples and carrots.

Step 3: Toss and Roast

Add your chopped carrots, apples, onion, and garlic into the bowl with the glaze. Toss everything well so each piece is coated but not swimming. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on one or two rimmed sheet pans—don’t crowd them! Roast in a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes until the edges start to brown on the side touching the pan.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Roasting

Give everything a good flip to brown the other side, then roast for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until carrots are tender when you poke them with a fork and the glaze is sticky and caramelized. That caramelization is what gives this dish its signature depth and texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Ensures the carrots and apples roast quickly and caramelize instead of steaming.
Use Two Sheet Pans: Spreading them out avoids overcrowding and maximizes crispiness.
Flip at the Right Time: Let the veggies roast undisturbed for 15 minutes before flipping to get that deep golden crust.
Choose Firm Apples: Softer apples can turn to mush, so pick firmer varieties like Honeycrisp for the best texture.

How to Serve Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves just before serving; it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. For extra texture and nuttiness, sometimes I toss on toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped toasted walnuts.

Side Dishes

This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. I also enjoy serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or herbed quinoa, which soaks up that lovely glaze perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or holidays, I like to serve this colorful mix on a large wooden board or rustic platter surrounded by whole sprigs of thyme and small bowls of extra maple syrup or mustard for dipping. It always looks stunning and invites everyone to dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the roasted carrots and apples in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh and flavorful for about 3 days, which is perfect for quick lunches or easy side dishes during the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before with decent results. Just let the roasted mix cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid mushiness.

Reheating

For reheating, my favorite method is to pop leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to revive that lovely caramelized texture. Microwaving works too, but it can get a bit soggy—just heat in short intervals to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey or agave syrup can also work well in this recipe, though I find maple syrup gives the best depth and a slight woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with the Dijon. Just keep the measurement the same.
What if I don’t have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme is a good substitute; use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Or try rosemary or sage for a different but delicious herbal note.
How can I make this recipe vegan and oil-free?

This Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe is already vegan if you use aquafaba instead of olive oil. Aquafaba helps give the glaze that glossy finish without added fat.
Can I roast the ingredients together instead of separately?

You can roast everything on one sheet pan if you make sure it’s large enough and ingredients are spread in a single layer with room for air to circulate. Just watch closely to prevent overcrowding, which leads to steaming instead of roasting.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples Recipe holds a special place on my table because it feels like home — warm, inviting, and just a little unexpected. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, I hope you find as much joy in making and eating this as I do sharing it with you. Don’t hesitate—grab those carrots and apples and give it a whirl. You’ll be so glad you did!