Maple Butter Roasted Carrots and Cosmic Crisp® Apples

Take your roasted carrot game up a notch with these Maple Butter Roasted Carrots and Cosmic Crisp® Apples recipe. I love this roasted carrot recipe because it’s easy to make, the perfect combo of sweet and savory, and uses my favorite apple variety: Cosmic Crisp®. These roasted carrots and apples are the perfect side paired with your favorite main dish for a cozy weeknight dinner, or impress your guests for your next holiday gathering.

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Why You’ll Love These Maple Butter Roasted Carrots and Apples

Sweet and Savory: The natural sweetness from the pure maple syrup and Cosmic Crisp® apples complement the earthiness of the roasted carrots and fall herbs.

Easy Sheet Pan Side: Simply toss everything onto a sheet pan and bake! Fewer dishes, less cleanup, and less stress – a win-win!

Caramelized Flavor: Roasting the carrots and the apples bring out deeper caramel notes in both the carrots and the apples.

Cozy Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary take this dish to the next level with their aromatic and cozy flavors.

Maple Butter Finish: The finishing touch on this dish creates an indulgent coating that truly makes you want more after each bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

6 large carrots, washed and cut into about ½” thick slices

3 Cosmic Crisp® apples, sliced into ¼–½” thick wedges

2 tablespoons olive oil

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 sprig of rosemary

2–3 sprigs of fresh thyme

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup

How to Make Maple Butter Roasted Carrots & Cosmic Crisp® Apples

1. Preheat and prep
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper if that helps with cleanup and prevents sticking.
2. Toss carrots and apples
   Place the sliced carrots and Cosmic Crisp® apple slices on the sheet pan. Drizzle with the olive oil, then sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Lay the rosemary sprig and the thyme sprigs on top.
3. Roast the vegetables and fruit
   Roast in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes. Then stir everything gently to ensure even cooking, and roast for an additional 10 minutes. The goal is for the carrots to soften and the apples to begin caramelizing.
4. Make the maple butter glaze
   While the carrots and apples are roasting, whisk together the melted butter and pure maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth.
5. Glaze and finish under the broiler
   When the roasting time is up, carefully remove the baking sheet. Discard the rosemary and thyme sprigs. Pour the maple butter glaze over the warm carrots and apples, and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
   Then switch your oven to broil. Broil for 3–7 minutes, keeping a close eye on the pan, until the edges of the carrots and apples begin to char slightly and crisp. (Note: broiler times will vary depending on your oven, so watch carefully.)
6. Cool and serve
   Let the pan rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This lets the glaze set just a little and allows flavors to meld. Then transfer to a serving platter or bowl and enjoy warm.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Maple Butter Roasted Carrots & Apples

• Slice evenly: Try to cut the carrots and apples into similar thicknesses so they roast evenly while cooking.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add a fragrant, woodsy note. If you only have dried herbs, reduce the amount as they’re more potent when dry.
• Don’t skip the broiler: That final broil step is what makes this dish really shine — it crisps up the edges, deepens the caramelization, and gives a lovely textural contrast.
• Watch your oven: Every broiler is different, so stay close and don’t walk away when broiling.
• Maple syrup quality matters: Use pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup) for a rich, natural flavor in the glaze.
• Make ahead: You can prep the carrots and apples, toss them in olive oil and seasonings, and refrigerate for a few hours before roasting. Then just roast and glaze when ready to serve.

Why Choose Cosmic Crisp® Apples for Roasting?

Cosmic Crisp® apples are by far my favorite apples for roasting. They hold their shape as they cook, and their firm texture doesn’t turn mushy under heat. When roasted, they develop deep, sweet, caramel notes that pair beautifully with savory vegetables. Because of their sweetness and structure, these apples are ideal for this roasted apple side recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These maple butter carrots and apples make a versatile and show-stopping side dish. Here are some ideas for pairing:

• Holiday dinners: Serve alongside Thanksgiving turkey, roasted chicken, or glazed ham for a beautifully seasonal vegetable side.
• Weeknight meals: Pair with pork chops, grilled salmon, or roast chicken for a balanced weeknight meal.
• Comfort food pairing: Add to a cozy plate of mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for texture and sweetness.
• Vegetarian menu: Use this as a side for grain bowls (quinoa, farro) or roasted squash for a hearty, meatless meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme?
A: You can substitute with ½ teaspoon dried rosemary and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. The flavor will be a bit more concentrated, so use less. Alternatively you can use any other herbs that you have on hand or sound good!

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes — use a plant-based butter or ghee substitute in place of dairy butter for the maple glaze.

Q: How far ahead can I prep?
A: You can slice and toss the carrots and apples up to a few hours before roasting, then refrigerate. Right before roasting, bring them close to room temperature, then proceed as directed.