Irresistible Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots in 25 Mins

Okay, listen, if you’re like me, sometimes you just need something easy, ya know? And nothing beats roasted veggies for simple deliciousness! Seriously, roasting brings out the *best* flavors. And that’s where this Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe comes in. It’s my go-to side dish when I want something that feels fancy but takes, like, zero effort.

It’s basically the perfect mix of sweet and savory. The maple syrup and dijon? Total magic! I actually stumbled on this combo by accident. I was making roasted carrots one night, and realized I was totally out of brown sugar. I saw some maple syrup and a half-empty jar of dijon in the fridge, and thought, “Eh, why not?” Best. Mistake. Ever. Now, Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots are a regular on my dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots Recipe

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed with this one! It’s got so much going for it. Here’s why I think you’ll make this Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe over and over:

Quick and Easy Preparation

I’m talking minimal chopping, a quick toss, and then the oven does all the work! If you’re short on time (aren’t we all?), this is your new best friend.

Delicious Sweet and Savory Flavor

The combo of sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, and those naturally sweet roasted apples and carrots? It’s a flavor explosion! Trust me, it just *works*.

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Friendly

Got vegetarian or gluten-free friends coming over? Perfect! This dish ticks all the boxes. Everyone can enjoy it, no special substitutions needed.

Versatile Side Dish

Honestly, you can pair this with almost anything. Chicken, pork, even tofu! It’s also amazing tossed into a salad. So versatile!

Ingredients for Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need: 1 pound of carrots, peeled and chopped – don’t stress about perfect shapes, just roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Grab 2 medium apples, cored and chopped too. Then, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup (the good stuff!), 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Easy peasy!

How to Make Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is so simple, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time.

Preparing the Vegetables

First things first, let’s chop those veggies! You’ll want to peel and chop about a pound of carrots. I usually go for roughly 1-inch pieces, just so they’re not too chunky. Then, core and chop 2 medium apples – I like to leave the skin on for extra color and nutrients (plus, it’s less work!). Don’t worry about being perfect; rustic is totally fine here!

Combining Ingredients

Now for the fun part! Grab a big bowl and toss those carrots and apples in there. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (the real stuff!), and a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Sprinkle with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Give it all a good toss until everything’s coated. Mmm, smells good already!

Roasting the Maple Dijon Roasted Apples and Carrots

Okay, before we get ahead of ourselves, make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C). This is important! Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them; they’ll steam instead of roast. Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the carrots are tender and the apples are slightly softened. Keep an eye on them – every oven is different! They should be slightly caramelized and gorgeous. Time to eat!

Tips for the Best Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots

Want to take these Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over time. They’re simple, but they make a big difference, trust me!

Ensuring Even Cooking

This is key! Make sure you spread the veggies in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you won’t get that nice caramelization. Nobody wants soggy carrots, am I right?

Preventing Burning

Keep an eye on those beauties while they’re roasting! Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around 20 minutes. If they’re starting to get too dark, just lower the oven temp a bit or tent the baking sheet with foil.

Adjusting Seasoning

Taste, taste, taste! Once the Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots are done, give them a little taste. Need more sweetness? Drizzle on a bit more maple syrup. Want a bit more zing? Add a tiny squirt of Dijon. A pinch more salt and pepper can also make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots

Okay, so you wanna get a little fancy or maybe you’re missing an ingredient? No problem! Here are a few thoughts on swapping things out in this Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe.

Apple Varieties

Honestly, just about any apple works here! But my faves are Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Honeycrisp are super sweet and crisp, which is just yum. Granny Smith gives you a bit of tartness, which balances the maple syrup perfectly. Use whatever you’ve got!

Dijon Mustard Alternatives

If you’re not a Dijon fan (gasp!), you can totally use other mustards. Whole grain mustard adds a nice texture and a slightly different flavor. Even a little spicy brown mustard would be good! Just start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.

Maple Syrup Substitutions

Out of maple syrup? No stress! Honey or agave nectar work great too. They’ll change the flavor a *little* bit, but still delicious. Just use the same amount as the maple syrup. I’ve even used brown sugar in a pinch (mix it with a little water first to make it drizzle-able!).

Serving Suggestions for Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing pan of Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots… now what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this yummy side dish.

Protein Pairings

This goes *so* well with roasted chicken or pork. The sweetness of the apples and carrots really complements savory meats. Tofu works great too, especially if you marinate it first!

Grain Accompaniments

Quinoa or rice are perfect for soaking up all those delicious maple-dijon juices! I especially love it with nutty brown rice. It just ties everything together.

Salad Additions

Want to add some pizzazz to your salad? Toss in some of these roasted veggies! They add such a great flavor and texture. Seriously, try it – you won’t regret it!

Storing and Reheating Your Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots are just as yummy the next day. Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and reheat ’em perfectly.

Storage Instructions

Just pop any leftover Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots into an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

You can reheat these in the oven or microwave. Oven’s best for keeping them from getting soggy – just spread them on a baking sheet and warm ’em up at 350°F until heated through. Microwave works too, but watch them closely so they don’t get mushy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots

Got questions about these Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots? I bet you do! Here are some answers to the most common things I get asked. Hopefully, this clears everything up!

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Parsnips and sweet potatoes are amazing in this recipe. They roast up beautifully and add a different kind of sweetness. Just chop them the same size as the carrots and apples, and you’re good to go!

How do I prevent the vegetables from getting mushy?

Mushy veggies are the *worst*, right? Make sure you’re not overcrowding the baking sheet (single layer, remember!). Also, keep an eye on the roasting time. Start checking around 20 minutes, and don’t overcook ’em! A slightly firm texture is what you’re after.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yep! You can chop the veggies and mix them with the maple-dijon sauce a few hours ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge, covered, and then roast them when you’re ready. I wouldn’t do it *too* far in advance, or they might get a little soft.

Is Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots vegan?

Good question! As long as you’re using *real* maple syrup (not pancake syrup, which can sometimes have honey), then yes, this recipe is totally vegan! Yay!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots

Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutritional info, right? Well, here’s a rough estimate for a serving of these Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots: Calories around 150, Fat about 7g, Protein around 1g, and Carbs around 22g. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and it can vary depending on the exact ingredients and amounts you use. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots!

Alright, that’s it! I hope you love these Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots as much as I do! Seriously, give it a try and then come back here and tell me what you think! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share your pics on social media! Happy roasting!

Print