Sweet & Savory Maple Dijon Roasted Apples and Carrots

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Looking for a side dish that brings both warmth and flavor to your dinner table? Sweet & Savory Maple Dijon Roasted Apples and Carrots might be the perfect answer. This dish strikes a beautiful balance between the natural sweetness of roasted apples and carrots and the bold, tangy depth of Dijon mustard and maple syrup. It’s not only gorgeous to serve but deeply comforting in every bite.

This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare. With minimal ingredients and quick prep, you get a side dish that elevates any meal—whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner. The oven works its magic, caramelizing the vegetables and fruit into a tender, golden, and slightly sticky medley that pairs well with roasted meats, plant-based mains, or even as a stand-alone warm salad.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the ingredients, having the right tools ready will make your prep efficient and enjoyable:

• Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – You’ll need these to slice your apples and carrots evenly. Consistent cuts ensure even roasting and presentation.
• Large Mixing Bowl – This is where the magic begins. Tossing your ingredients in a bowl guarantees every slice is coated with that flavorful maple-Dijon blend.
• Baking Sheet (lined with parchment paper) – Opt for a rimmed sheet to keep the juices from spilling. Parchment helps with easy cleanup and avoids sticking.
• Silicone Spatula or Tongs – To flip or stir the mixture mid-roast, preserving their shapes while ensuring they caramelize evenly.
• Measuring Spoons – Precision matters, especially with Dijon and maple syrup; too much or too little can tip the balance.

This minimal setup is all you need to make this rustic, elegant side come together beautifully.

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Ingredients for the Sweet & Savory Maple Dijon Roasted Apples and Carrots

• Carrots – Earthy, sweet, and sturdy enough to roast without falling apart. Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully in the oven.
• Apples – Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the tangy Dijon and balances the whole dish.
• Maple Syrup – The heart of the sweetness in this dish. It gives a glossy, caramelized finish and infuses the veggies with warmth.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and depth, cutting through the sweetness for balance. It enhances the savory side of this recipe.
• Olive Oil – Helps with roasting and brings a smooth richness that ties everything together.
• Fresh Thyme – Offers an aromatic, herbal lift that complements both the carrots and apples beautifully.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.

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How To Make the Sweet & Savory Maple Dijon Roasted Apples and Carrots

Step 1: Prep the Produce

Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into uniform pieces. Core the apples and slice into wedges, leaving the skin on for color and texture.

Step 2: Create the Maple Dijon Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in a few thyme leaves.

Step 3: Coat and Toss

Add the carrots and apples to the bowl and gently toss until every piece is well-coated with the mixture.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring the pieces aren’t overcrowded.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the carrots are tender and the apples are golden and slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with additional fresh thyme before serving. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

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Serving and Storing This Roasted Dish

Serve this dish straight from the oven while it’s warm and caramelized. It pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a lentil-based main for a vegetarian plate. For presentation, sprinkle with extra thyme or a light drizzle of maple syrup.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the apples too soft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apple works best?

Crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady hold their shape and balance the tangy Dijon well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep everything ahead and store the coated mixture in the fridge for a few hours. Roast right before serving.

Can I use baby carrots instead?

Yes! Just ensure they are halved or sliced for even cooking and better caramelization.

What protein pairs best with this side?

This dish complements roast chicken, pork, turkey, or even a baked tofu or nut roast.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, it uses no animal products and is completely plant-based.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Parsnips, sweet potatoes, or red onions can be added for more variety and color.

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Want More Vegetable Side Dish Ideas?

You might also like the Crispy Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower for a crunchy, savory twist. Or try the California Spaghetti Salad for a refreshing cold option.

Craving more roasted comfort? The Air Fried Potato Wedges are always a hit. For a touch of sweetness, Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples might be your next go-to.

For hearty, spoonable sides, the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup brings protein and soul-soothing flavors to your table.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your side dish boards for later. Just hit the Pin button!

If you make it, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you use Honeycrisp? Did you throw in a few parsnips? Leave a comment and share your twist!

Looking for more comforting recipes like this? You can follow all my daily dishes over on my Pinterest at LadyPlate.

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