Maple Bacon Glazed Carrots

This tender-crisp maple bacon wrapped carrot recipe transforms humble carrots into an irresistible side dish that balances sweet maple with savory bacon for a show-stopping accompaniment to any meal.

I first made these maple bacon carrots for Thanksgiving when I wanted something different from traditional glazed carrots. The platter was emptied before the turkey even made its appearance, and now my family requests them for every gathering.

Ingredients

• Carrots: Choose slender carrots with bright orange color and firm texture for the best presentation and tenderness, less than ½ inch thick
• Thin sliced bacon: Regular cut is too thick and won't crisp properly around the carrots, thin cut creates the perfect wrapping
• Pure maple syrup: Invest in real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for authentic flavor and better caramelization

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat before adding your carrots. This high temperature ensures crispy bacon and tender carrots with perfect caramelization.

Prepare the Carrots:

Peel each carrot completely to ensure even cooking and better bacon adhesion. Begin wrapping bacon at the thicker end of each carrot working your way toward the tip, being careful not to overlap layers which would prevent proper crisping.

Set Up Your Baking Surface:

Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. This elevation allows hot air to circulate completely around the carrots so the bacon crisps evenly on all sides and prevents the carrots from sitting in bacon grease.

Initial Baking:

Bake for 25 minutes or until bacon begins to crisp and carrots start to become tender. Watch carefully around the 20 minute mark as thinner carrots may cook faster.

Apply the Maple Glaze:

Remove from oven and carefully brush maple syrup over all sides of the bacon wrapped carrots. Take your time here to ensure even coating for the best caramelization.

Final Baking:

Return to oven for 8 to 10 more minutes until the maple syrup creates a glossy caramelized finish and the bacon reaches ideal crispness. The carrots should be fork tender but not mushy.

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My grandmother first introduced me to bacon wrapped vegetables decades ago, but adding maple syrup was my own twist. The maple syrup not only adds sweetness but creates a beautiful glaze that makes these carrots absolutely irresistible. Every time I make them, I remember cooking with her in her tiny farm kitchen.

Make Ahead Options

These maple bacon carrots can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wrap the carrots with bacon and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking according to the recipe instructions. For partially cooked leftovers, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through and the bacon crisps back up.

Vegetable Selection Tips

While this recipe calls for carrots less than ½ inch thick, you can adapt it for varying sizes. For standard thickness carrots, blanch them for 3 to 4 minutes in boiling water before wrapping to ensure they become tender during baking. Baby carrots can work in a pinch but the texture and presentation won't be quite as impressive. Rainbow carrots create a stunning colorful variation that makes this dish even more visually appealing for special occasions.

Flavor Variations

The basic recipe is perfect as is, but you can create exciting variations by brushing carrots with different flavor combinations before wrapping. Try honey and crushed red pepper for a sweet heat version, or brown sugar and cinnamon for a dessert like quality. Sprinkling fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over the finished dish adds beautiful color and aromatic complexity that elevates the entire presentation.

Serving Suggestions

These maple bacon carrots pair beautifully with roasted meats, especially turkey, ham or pork tenderloin. They can be served on a platter family style or arranged individually on plates for a more elegant presentation. For holiday meals, arrange them in a circular pattern on a round platter with fresh herbs in the center for a wreath like appearance that will impress your guests before they even taste them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use thick-cut bacon instead of thin-sliced bacon?

Thin-sliced bacon is recommended because it cooks evenly and crisps up before the carrots are overcooked. Thick-cut bacon might remain chewy unless pre-cooked slightly before wrapping around the carrots.

→ How do I ensure the bacon stays wrapped around the carrots?

Start wrapping at the thicker end of the carrot and ensure the bacon overlaps just slightly as you go. The bacon should tighten slightly as it cooks, helping it stay in place.

→ Can I prepare these maple bacon carrots ahead of time?

Yes, you can wrap the carrots in bacon and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Glaze and bake them just before serving for the best results.

→ What can I serve with maple bacon carrots?

They pair perfectly with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or ham, as well as mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

→ Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, honey or brown sugar can be used as an alternative to maple syrup. Each will offer a slightly different flavor profile but will still add sweetness to the dish.

→ What is the best way to reheat these carrots?

Reheat them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bacon soggy.