35-Minute Maple Thyme Glazed Carrots with Toasted Pecans – Irresistible!

Name: 35-Minute Maple Thyme Glazed Carrots with Toasted Pecans - Irresistible!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Author: lia

Published: October 30, 2025

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Let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to dress up carrots – maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans! This dish turns humble carrots into something magical with just a few simple ingredients. The sweet maple syrup and earthy thyme create this incredible flavor dance that makes people go “Wow, what is that?” at dinner parties.

I first made this for Thanksgiving years ago when I needed a quick veggie side that wouldn’t take up oven space. Now it’s our family’s most requested dish – my niece even asks for it on her birthday! What I love is how effortlessly fancy it feels while being dead simple to make. Just roast, glaze, and top with those crunchy pecans. The carrots get beautifully caramelized while staying tender-crisp, and that maple-thyme glaze? Absolute perfection.

What makes this recipe special is that balance – sweet but not cloying, herby but not overwhelming. It’s the kind of side dish that makes people forget they’re eating vegetables while secretly getting all those good nutrients. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have. Trust me, once you try these maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans, you’ll be making them on repeat!

Maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Maple Thyme Glazed Carrots with Toasted Pecans

Oh friends, let me count the ways this dish will steal your heart!

Effortless elegance: Maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans look and taste gourmet with minimal work – perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself
Sweet-savory magic: That maple-thyme combo? Absolute perfection – just enough sweetness balanced by earthy herbal notes
Crunchy finish: Those toasted pecans add the most satisfying texture contrast to the tender carrots
Weeknight hero: Ready in 35 minutes flat – faster than ordering takeout!
Healthy indulgence: Packed with vitamin A and natural sweetness – no guilt here
Holiday staple: Bright orange color makes it perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but simple enough for Tuesday nights

Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes – quick, healthy, delicious, and absolutely gorgeous on the plate! For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page.

Ingredients for Maple Thyme Glazed Carrots with Toasted Pecans

Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you might already have most of them in your kitchen right now!

1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced into even coins or sticks (I like mine about 1/4″ thick)
2 tbsp pure maple syrup – none of that pancake syrup stuff! The real deal makes all the difference
1 tbsp olive oil – regular or extra virgin both work great
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (trust me, fresh is worth it here)
1/4 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
1/2 tsp kosher salt – this helps bring out all the flavors
1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it

Quick tip: Those pecans? Toast them yourself in a dry pan for just 2-3 minutes until you smell that nutty aroma. It takes this dish from good to “OH MY GOODNESS”!

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans:

Baking sheet – standard size works perfectly
Mixing bowl – for tossing the carrots with oil and seasonings
Oven – preheated to 400°F (200°C) for roasting
Cutting board and peeler – for prepping the carrots
Small skillet or pan – for toasting those pecans

That’s it! Simple tools for a seriously delicious dish.

How to Make Maple Thyme Glazed Carrots with Toasted Pecans

Alright, let’s turn these simple ingredients into something spectacular! Follow these easy steps for perfect maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans every time. I’ve included all my little tricks to make sure yours turn out just right.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first – crank that oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up while you prep. This gives you time to peel and slice your carrots into even pieces (about 1/4″ thick coins or sticks). Pro tip: Try to cut them roughly the same size so they cook evenly – nobody wants some carrots mushy while others are still crunchy!

Step 2: Roast the Carrots

Toss those beautiful orange slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they’re all nicely coated. Spread them out in a single layer on your baking sheet – don’t crowd them! Roast for 20 minutes, but here’s the important part: give them a good stir halfway through. This prevents sticking and ensures all sides get that lovely caramelization. You’ll know they’re ready when they start getting tender and develop some golden-brown spots.

Step 3: Add Maple Syrup and Thyme

Now for the magic! Pull the carrots out (careful, that pan’s hot!) and drizzle the maple syrup evenly over them. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves across the top – I like to rub them between my fingers first to release those amazing oils. Pop them back in for just 5 more minutes. This short bake time lets the syrup thicken into a glaze without burning and mellows the thyme’s sharpness.

Step 4: Finish with Toasted Pecans

While the carrots do their final roast, quickly toast your pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant – watch them closely as they can burn fast! When the carrots come out, immediately sprinkle the warm, toasty pecans over the top. The heat helps the pecans soak up some glaze while keeping their crunch. This contrast of textures is what makes maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans so irresistible!

Maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans - detail 2

Tips for Perfect Maple Thyme Glazed Carrots with Toasted Pecans

After making this recipe dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for the absolute best maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans:

Fresh is best: That little bunch of fresh thyme makes all the difference – dried just doesn’t give the same bright, herby punch
Toast ahead: You can toast the pecans up to 2 days in advance – just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use
Sweetness control: Taste your maple syrup first – if it’s very sweet, use just 1 tbsp. Want more glaze? Add another drizzle after baking!
Size matters: Keep carrot pieces uniform – if some are thicker, cut them lengthwise so everything roasts evenly
Watch closely: That final 5-minute glaze can go from perfect to burnt fast – set a timer and check at 4 minutes

My secret? I always make extra pecans – they disappear fast while I’m cooking!

Variations for Maple Thyme Glazed Carrots

One of my favorite things about maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans is how easily you can switch things up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried over the years:

Sweetener swap: Out of maple syrup? Honey makes a gorgeous glaze too – just reduce the amount slightly as it’s sweeter
Nut alternatives: Walnuts or hazelnuts work beautifully instead of pecans – toast them the same way for that irresistible crunch
Herb party: Rosemary adds a piney depth, while sage gives it an earthy Thanksgiving vibe (use sparingly!)
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds warmth that plays so nicely with the maple
Citrus zing: Orange zest mixed into the glaze brightens everything up beautifully

My craziest experiment? Adding a teaspoon of miso paste to the maple glaze – sounds weird, but that salty-sweet umami bomb was incredible!

Serving Suggestions

Oh, let me tell you all the wonderful ways to serve these maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans! They’re practically begging to be paired with a simple roasted chicken – the sweet carrots balance perfectly with savory poultry. For fish lovers, they’re divine alongside grilled salmon or seared scallops.

Come holiday time? These beauties shine on the Thanksgiving table between the turkey and mashed potatoes. But don’t save them just for special occasions – they make Tuesday night meatloaf or pork chops feel fancy. I’ve even served them warm over a bed of greens with goat cheese for a stunning salad!

Pro tip: Double the batch if you’re hosting – they disappear FAST off serving platters!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s how to keep your maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans tasting fresh. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes – this keeps the carrots from getting soggy and revives that pecan crunch. The microwave works in a pinch (30-second bursts), but the texture won’t be quite as perfect. Pro tip: Add a few fresh pecans after reheating for that just-made crunch!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what’s in these maple thyme glazed carrots with toasted pecans – but remember, these are estimates since ingredients can vary! One serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) packs roughly 150 calories, with 8g of healthy fats from those glorious pecans and olive oil. You’re getting 18g carbs (4g fiber), 2g protein, and a whopping dose of vitamin A from the carrots. The maple syrup adds about 10g natural sugar per serving. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent!

FAQs About Maple Thyme Glazed Carrots with Toasted Pecans

Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme makes all the difference in maple thyme glazed carrots, dried works in a pinch! Use 1/3 tsp dried thyme instead of fresh. Rub it between your fingers before adding to wake up those oils. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Roast the carrots without glaze up to a day ahead, then just warm them up and add the maple syrup and thyme before serving. Toast the pecans separately and sprinkle them on at the last minute to keep them crunchy.

What if I don’t have pecans?
No worries! Walnuts make a fantastic substitute in maple thyme glazed carrots. Just toast them the same way. For nut-free versions, try toasted pumpkin seeds or skip nuts altogether – it’ll still be tasty!

Why are my carrots soggy?
Usually means they were overcrowded on the pan. Next time, spread them in a single layer with space between pieces. Also, check your oven temp – a too-cool oven steams instead of roasts.

Can I use baby carrots?
Yes! Whole baby carrots work great – just roast them a few minutes longer since they’re thicker. Halve them lengthwise if you want quicker cooking.