Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots – A Sweet and Savory Fall Side Dish

Fall is the season for cozy meals, warm kitchens, and the irresistible aroma of roasted vegetables. This Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe perfectly captures that autumn magic — tender carrots and apples glazed with a rich, tangy-sweet mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard.

It’s the kind of dish that makes the entire house smell amazing while it bakes — a blend of caramelized sweetness and savory depth that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, poultry, or even as a vegetarian main.

Best of all, this recipe is simple, elegant, and ready in under an hour, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special holiday dinners like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

🍁 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet & savory perfection: The natural sugars in apples and carrots caramelize beautifully, while Dijon adds a zesty counterpoint.
• Quick & easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and one pan.
• Healthy & wholesome: Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and full of vitamins and fiber.
• Versatile: Works as a side for turkey, pork, chicken, or even grain bowls.
• Elegant presentation: Golden, glossy, and restaurant-worthy straight from the oven.

🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roasted Apples & Carrots:

• 1½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch sticks
• 2 medium apples, cored and sliced into wedges (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for a warm touch

To Finish:

• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
• Optional drizzle of maple syrup for serving

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Carrots and Apples:
   Peel and slice carrots into evenly sized sticks or coins. Core and slice apples into thick wedges (leave skins on for extra color and texture).
3. Make the Maple Dijon Glaze:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and thyme until well combined.
4. Toss to Coat:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine carrots and apples. Pour the maple-Dijon mixture over them and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
   Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding — this ensures even caramelization.
6. Roast:
   Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the carrots are tender and the apples are slightly caramelized.
7. Finish and Serve:
   Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle lightly with extra maple syrup if desired, and sprinkle with fresh thyme for garnish. Serve warm.

Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots

A sweet and savory roasted side dish combining apples, carrots, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard for the perfect fall flavor.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Fall

Calories: 140

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lb carrots peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 apples cored and sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup pure
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar optional
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon optional

To Finish

• fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
• extra maple syrup for drizzling

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel and slice carrots and apples into similar-sized pieces.
3. Whisk olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper, and thyme in a bowl.
4. Toss carrots and apples with glaze until evenly coated.
5. Spread mixture on baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway, until tender and caramelized.
7. Garnish with thyme and drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving.

Notes

Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. For deeper caramelization, broil for 2 minutes at the end.

🌟 Tips for the Best Roasted Apples & Carrots

• Uniform cuts: Slice carrots evenly so they roast at the same rate as the apples.
• Use firm apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady hold up best during roasting.
• Don’t skip the Dijon: It adds that subtle tangy depth that balances the sweetness.
• Want extra caramelization? Broil for 2 minutes at the end for a glossy finish.
• Make it vegan-friendly: It already is! Just ensure your maple syrup is pure.

🍎 Why the Maple-Dijon Combo Works So Well

Maple syrup and Dijon mustard may seem like an unlikely duo, but they’re a flavor power couple. The sweetness from maple syrup enhances the natural sugars in roasted vegetables, while the tanginess from Dijon mustard cuts through richness and adds sophistication.

The balance of these flavors, especially with the natural sweetness of apples and carrots, creates a side dish that feels both cozy and gourmet — ideal for Thanksgiving dinner or a simple Sunday roast.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

This Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of mains and other sides:

Pair with Meats:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Honey-glazed ham
• Pork tenderloin or chops
• Pan-seared salmon

Serve with Sides:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Wild rice pilaf
• Brussels sprouts with bacon
• Green bean almondine

Make it a Vegetarian Meal:
Serve over quinoa or couscous, topped with feta or goat cheese and a handful of roasted walnuts.

🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until hot. A quick drizzle of maple syrup helps revive the glaze.

To Freeze:
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the apples may soften slightly upon thawing. Reheat directly from frozen until warmed through.

💡 Variations to Try

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts before serving for crunch.
• Include Onions: Add sliced red onion for extra depth and color.
• Cinnamon Maple Version: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a sweeter holiday vibe.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for subtle heat.
• Balsamic Glaze Finish: Drizzle with aged balsamic reduction just before serving for tangy contrast.

🥗 Make It Ahead for the Holidays

If you’re planning a big meal, this recipe can easily be made ahead:

• Prep ahead: Slice carrots and apples, and mix the glaze up to a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge.
• Bake day-of: Toss together and roast just before serving.
• Reheat beautifully: Even reheated, the flavors deepen and caramelize more.

This make-ahead flexibility makes it one of the easiest sides for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or fall dinner parties.

🍂 Nutritional Highlights

This side dish is not only beautiful and flavorful but also nutrient-dense.

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and fiber, while apples add natural sweetness and antioxidants. The maple syrup provides gentle sweetness without refined sugar, and olive oil adds healthy fats — making this a wholesome addition to any plate.

Each serving (about ¾ cup) provides roughly:

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Vitamin A: 180% of daily value

🧡 Fun Fact: A Colonial-Inspired Pairing

Apples and carrots have a long history in American cooking — both were staple crops in early colonial gardens. Maple syrup, once harvested and boiled by Indigenous peoples, became a prized sweetener before refined sugar was common.

Pairing apples and maple together pays homage to those early New England kitchens, while Dijon mustard adds a French-inspired modern touch. This recipe blends all three culinary roots — sweet, earthy, and savory — in one simple dish.

💭 Final Thoughts

Maple Dijon Roasted Apples & Carrots is the kind of recipe that reminds us how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. The caramelized sweetness of roasted apples and carrots, combined with the tangy glaze, feels both comforting and special.

Whether you’re preparing a full Thanksgiving feast or just want a healthy side for weeknight dinners, this dish brings cozy autumn flavor to your table in under an hour.

It’s proof that when maple meets mustard — magic happens.