Maple Glazed Carrot Fries

$To make maple glazed carrot fries, you will need: - 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into fries - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick) - Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish These simple ingredients create a sweet and savory treat. The carrots shine when paired with maple syrup and spices. To get perfect fries, measure your ingredients carefully. Here are some tips: - Use dry measuring cups for solid ingredients. - Use liquid measuring cups for oils and syrups. - Level off dry ingredients with a knife. - For sticky ingredients like maple syrup, spray your measuring cup with a little oil for easy pouring. Being precise helps you achieve the best taste and texture. If you don't have all the ingredients, here are some easy swaps: - Swap olive oil for avocado oil or canola oil. - Use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for a different flavor. - If you lack ground cinnamon, try nutmeg for a warm spice. - Leave out the cayenne pepper if you prefer no spice. These substitutes still keep the flavor profile delicious! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with four large carrots. Peel them first, then cut them into fry shapes. Aim for a size that’s easy to hold. This helps them cook evenly. In a big bowl, mix the olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if you want some heat). Add the carrot fries and toss well. Make sure every fry gets coated. This glaze adds a sweet and spicy kick. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the carrot fries in a single layer. Give them space to get crispy. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. They should be golden and caramelized when done. Let them cool for a few minutes. Top with fresh parsley or cilantro for a nice touch. To get your carrot fries crispy, space them out on the baking sheet. If they touch, they steam instead of crisp. Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them toward the end. You want them golden brown. Want a flavor boost? Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika. These spices pair well with maple syrup. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme also add great taste. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like. Serve your carrot fries in a fun way! Use a colorful bowl or a wooden platter. Garnish them with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch or yogurt. Your guests will love the look and taste! Pro Tips Choose the Right Carrots: Use fresh, firm carrots for the best texture and flavor. Organic carrots often have a sweeter taste. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of maple syrup in the recipe for a more intense or subtle sweetness. Crispier Fries: For extra crispy carrot fries, soak the cut carrots in cold water for 30 minutes before baking. This helps to remove excess starch. Flavor Variations: Experiment with additional spices like paprika or garlic powder to create different flavor profiles for your carrot fries. {{image_2}} You can add a kick to your carrot fries. Mix in cayenne pepper for heat. Just a touch will do. You can also add some chili powder for more spice. The sweet maple syrup balances the heat well. This combo makes a fun twist on the recipe. Your taste buds will love it! Feel free to get creative with spices. Try adding garlic powder for depth. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Italian herbs like oregano or thyme work great too. Each spice adds a new layer to the dish. Mix and match to find your favorite blend! You can cook these fries in an air fryer. Just coat the fries as you would for the oven. Place them in the fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Air frying gives you a crispier texture without much oil. It’s a quick and easy option! After you enjoy your maple glazed carrot fries, cool them down to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and delicious for later meals. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrot fries on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore their crispiness. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose crunch. If you want to freeze carrot fries, make sure they are fully cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavor anytime! Yes, you can use baby carrots. They will cook faster, so check them often. Cut them in half lengthwise for better results. You want them to be crispy and caramelized, just like the large ones. To reduce sweetness, use less maple syrup. You can try two tablespoons instead of three. Adding more spices, like cinnamon or black pepper, helps balance the flavor too. This way, your fries will still taste great without being too sweet. Yes, these carrot fries are vegan. They contain no animal products. The maple syrup and olive oil both come from plants, making them perfect for a vegan diet. Enjoy these fries as a tasty, meat-free treat! In this post, we discussed how to make delicious maple glazed carrot fries. We covered the needed ingredients, helpful measuring tips, and easy substitutes. I shared simple steps for preparing, mixing, and baking. You learned tips for crispiness and flavor. We explored fun variations and how to store your fries correctly. Carrot fries can be a tasty and healthy snack or side dish. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and methods. Happy cooking!$

Maple Glazed Carrot Fries

A delicious and healthy side dish featuring crispy carrot fries with a sweet maple glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
1 bunch fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrot fries with olive oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss until the carrot fries are well coated.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Spread the coated carrot fries in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they have space between them for crispiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrot fries are golden brown and caramelized.
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Cayenne pepper is optional for those who like a bit of heat.

Keyword carrots, fries, healthy, maple syrup, vegetarian