Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Maple Balsamic Glaze
on Apr 20, 2025
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Roasted rainbow carrots are a delicious and colorful side dish that adds brightness to any meal. These roasted carrots are perfect for Easter because they’re sweet, colorful, and easy to prep.
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Tossed in olive oil, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar, then finished with goat cheese, pistachios and fresh herbs, they’re simple but stunning.These colorful carrots add vibrancy to the dinner table, making them an attractive addition to festive occasions like Thanksgiving.
Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish with minimal effort and maximum taste? This is it!
Table of Contents
About this Holiday Side Dish
This roasted rainbow carrots recipe is a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for holidays or everyday dinners. Roasted at high heat with olive oil, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar, these rainbow carrots caramelize beautifully, achieving the best texture and great flavor. They are finished with creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and fresh herbs for taste and texture in every bite.
I first fell in love with rainbow carrots when I paired them with these Cayenne Roasted Pork Chops. It was love at both first sight and first bite! These roasted rainbow carrots are simple to make, but fall into the elegant or even fancy-looking side dishes category.
Don’t get me wrong, plain orange roasted carrots with rosemary and butter can be as good as it gets! But sometimes you want to dress things up just a bit, maybe for your first Easter dinner or a Thanksgiving meal to celebrate the harvest season.
Some other special side dishes like this one include our Hassleback-Style Butternut Squash, this Savory Cauliflower Gratin, and these Garlic Brussels Sprouts Glazed in Balsamic Vinegar. Any one of these beautiful side dishes would go nicely alongside these gorgeous rainbow carrots.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
Want to feed a bigger crowd? This recipe doubles (or triples) easily. Just roast in batches or use multiple baking sheets.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or enjoy at room temperature.
For detailed ingredient quantities and cooking notes, refer to the recipe card below.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make roasted rainbow carrots with maple balsamic glaze. These simple ingredients work together to bring out the earthy flavor and natural sweetness of the rainbow carrots, with added texture and contrast from the toppings.
- Rainbow carrots (2 lbs): Their vibrant colors make this dish extra special—leave a bit of the green tops for presentation if you’d like. You can find rainbow carrots in most grocery stores.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the carrots roast evenly and adds a rich, smooth taste.
- Maple syrup (2 tbsp): Adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp): Brings a tangy depth and balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Sea salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (1/2 tsp): Enhances the dish with a simple seasoning blend.
- Pistachios (1/4 cup, roughly chopped): Adds a salty crunch and a pop of green color.
- Goat cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): Creamy and tangy, this pairs perfectly with the sweet glaze and earthy carrots.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh finish and vibrant color.
Maple Syrup to Balance the Savory
When it comes to roasted rainbow carrots, balancing their savory character with something lush and rich is key to creating a delicious side dish. One way to achieve this balance is by using pure maple syrup. .
Just like in our clean eating breakfast idea of blueberries and cantaloupe, maple syrup adds a rich, sweet element to the carrots that complements their naturally savory tones.
Brown Sugar will Work Too
To use brown sugar in your roasted rainbow carrots side dish recipe, simply toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then sprinkle with brown sugar before roasting.
You can also mix the brown sugar with other ingredients like chopped parsley, fresh thyme, or dried herbs . Sometimes I toss a little honey in the mix as well.
By balancing the savory tones of the vegetables with brown sugar, you can create a side dish that is both sweet and savory, making it perfect for your Easter dinner or any other special occasion.
Tips and Variations
- Use the best carrots you can find. Look for ones that are firm and colorful.
- Try different cheeses. Feta works in place of goat cheese if you want a saltier bite.
- Add warm spices. A pinch of cumin, coriander or smoked paprika can add depth.
- Mix up the nuts. Walnuts, pecans or almonds all work well.
- Make it a meal. Add chickpeas, cooked lentils or grilled chicken for a more substantial dish.
For more tips and variations, check out our ‘recipe faqs’ section below where we address common questions.
How to Make Roasted Rainbow Carrots
(Full recipe with directions is in the recipe card below.)
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or aluminum foil if you prefer). This high heat gives the carrots their caramelized edges.
Prep the Carrots
- Peel the carrots and trim the carrot tops. Leave a bit of green top for a rustic look. You can use the carrot tops in a gremolata for added flare.
- If any of the carrots are thick, slice them in half lengthwise. This helps them cook evenly.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and seasoning until well coated.
You can also sprinkle in some optional dried thyme or rosemary at this point—or wait and finish with chopped fresh parsley after roasting.
Roasting the Carrots
- Once prepped and seasoned, lay the carrots in a single layer on your baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This helps them brown evenly and get that caramelized sweetness.
- Check for doneness: Pierce one with a fork. If it slides in easily and they are fork tender, they’re done.
Pro Tip
Want a little more texture? Roast them for 30 minutes for crispy edges and extra depth.
Adding Flavor and Sweetness
While the carrots are roasting, you can whip up a quick glaze (if you want a little more oomph). Mix together a little more maple syrup, olive oil, salt and pepper. You can even throw in a handful of chopped herbs like parsley or thyme.
To Serve:
- Transfer the roasted carrots to a platter.
- Drizzle with the glaze (optional).
- Top with chopped pistachios, crumbled goat cheese, and caramelized carrots.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. Feeling fancy? A sprinkle of brown sugar or honey at the end will take the sweetness up a notch.
Alternate Cooking Methods
We love roasting rainbow carrots but you can also cook them on the stovetop if you don’t have oven space.
To sauté on the stovetop:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add peeled and halved carrots, salt and pepper.
- Add minced garlic or aromatics if desired.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and caramelized.
This method is great when you want that same flavor but with more control over the texture. Baby carrots can also be used as an alternative and may require less cooking time.
How to Present These
Serving rainbow carrots roasted to perfection is an art in itself. To make a beautiful presentation, arrange the carrots on a serving platter or sheet pan in a pattern that showcases their colorful hues.
You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or add a sprinkle of brown sugar on top. If you want to add an extra touch, consider serving the carrots with a side of sauce, such as a additional maple syrup that can even be mixed with a little dijon mustard as a glaze. This will not only add flavor but also create a beautiful, caramelized finish.
When serving, make sure to serve immediately, as the carrots are best enjoyed when they are freshly roasted and still crisp-tender.
Side Dish Ideas
These roasted rainbow carrots go with anything—from roast chicken or turkey to hearty stews or a vegetarian grain bowl. Roasting vegetables like carrots enhances their flavor, making them appealing even to picky eaters.
These are best eaten warm or at room temperature. You can even chill and add to a salad the next day.
Want to make them even more impressive? Try:
- A spoonful of plain yogurt or sour cream on the side
- A sprinkle of za’atar, smoked paprika or cumin
- A few pomegranate seeds for a burst of tart-sweet flavor
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your roasted rainbow carrots, don’t worry – they can be stored and enjoyed later. To store for later, simply place the cooked carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze the carrots for later use, although they may lose some of their texture and fresh taste. When reheating, all you need to do is place the carrots on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until they are tender and caramelized again. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and maybe some honey and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to freshen them up a bit.
With proper storage, you can enjoy your roasted rainbow carrots for days to come, making them a great addition to your meal prep routine.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your roasted rainbow carrots are always delicious, whether you’re eating them fresh out of the oven or enjoying them later in the week.
Roasted Rainbow Carrots Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Regular orange carrots work just as well—just be sure to slice any thick ones in half lengthwise so they roast evenly. This dish is perfect for the whole family, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Absolutely. You can roast them up to a day in advance and reheat them at 350°F for about 10 minutes before serving.
Feta cheese is a great substitute for a tangy flavor, or you can leave it off entirely for a dairy-free version.
Roasted rainbow carrots are one of those side dishes that’s almost too beautiful to eat—until you eat them. Sweet, savory, creamy and crunchy all in one bite, they check every box. Multi colored carrots are not only visually appealing but also delicious, making them a popular choice for both holiday celebrations and weeknight meals.
Ready to get started? Just a few ingredients and 30 minutes. Bookmark this for your next holiday or whip it up because it’s Tuesday.
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This gets 5 stars for ease, beauty and flavor. Readers love serving it as a show-stopping Easter side or taking it to holiday potlucks.
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Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Maple Balsamic Glaze
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs rainbow carrots, tops trimmed (leave a little green if desired for presentation)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until evenly roasted.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
- Transfer carrots to a serving platter. Sprinkle with pistachios, goat cheese crumbles, and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Choose fresh, vibrant carrots for the best flavor and presentation.
- Use a hot oven (425°F) to achieve that perfect caramelization.
- Flip halfway through roasting to ensure even browning.
- Sprinkle toppings right before serving for the freshest texture and best contrast.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Thank you for saving my holiday meal!!! These are in the oven roasting, as I am typing. The aroma is nothing less than divine. I love Platter Talk!!!