Imagine transforming humble carrots into a mouthwatering sensation that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! These Maple Bacon Wrapped Carrots are not just a side dish—they're a flavor explosion that combines the sweet richness of maple syrup, the crispy indulgence of bacon, and the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted carrots. Gluten-free and incredibly easy to make, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen, guaranteed to impress both picky eaters and gourmet food lovers alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Wash and peel the carrots thoroughly. Cut them into uniform sticks approximately 4-5 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the carrot sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the bacon adhere better and crisp up during roasting.
- Season the carrot sticks with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Take each bacon slice and stretch it slightly to make it more pliable. Wrap each carrot stick diagonally with a slice of bacon, slightly overlapping the bacon to secure it.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped carrots on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even roasting.
- Brush each bacon-wrapped carrot generously with maple syrup, allowing it to coat the bacon and carrots completely.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Check the bacon's crispness and carrots' tenderness. The bacon should be golden brown and crisp, and the carrots should be tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. The maple syrup will continue to caramelize slightly during this time.
- Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with additional maple syrup if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bacon: Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and more even cooking. Thick-cut bacon can be too heavy and may not crisp up as nicely.
- Dry Those Carrots: Thoroughly pat your carrot sticks dry before wrapping to help the bacon adhere better and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Uniform Size Matters: Cut carrots into similar-sized sticks to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between each wrapped carrot on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate and create crispy bacon.
- Watch the Maple Syrup: If the bacon is browning too quickly, loosely cover the baking sheet with foil to prevent burning while allowing the carrots to continue cooking.
- Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed hot and crispy right out of the oven, when the bacon is at its crunchiest and the maple glaze is still glistening.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 149kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
