Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Carrots

Optional Variations:

• Honey or Brown Sugar Swap: If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, feel free to swap it out for honey or brown sugar. Both will still lend a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish.
• Herb-Infused Bacon: You can sprinkle rosemary or thyme directly onto the bacon before wrapping the carrots for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the maple syrup before glazing.

Step-by-Step Directions

Let’s dive into how to make these Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Carrots:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prep the Carrots: Wash and peel the carrots. If the carrots are thick, consider slicing them lengthwise so they roast evenly.
3. Wrap with Bacon: Take each carrot and wrap a strip of bacon around it. You want the bacon to overlap slightly, creating a snug wrap. Secure the bacon at the ends if necessary with toothpicks.
4. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Coat the Carrots: Brush the maple glaze mixture generously over the bacon-wrapped carrots. Make sure each carrot is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
6. Roast to Perfection: Arrange the glazed carrots on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the carrots are tender.
7. Optional Garnish: For a touch of freshness, garnish with freshly chopped thyme before serving.

Pro Tip:

If you notice the bacon cooking faster than the carrots, you can lower the oven temperature slightly or tent the baking sheet with foil for the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the bacon from burning.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Sharp vegetable peeler
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Pastry brush (for glazing)
• Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
• Tongs (for turning the carrots during roasting)

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Carrot Size Matters: Try to use uniformly sized carrots so that they cook evenly. If you have a mix of sizes, larger carrots can be sliced in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
• Bacon Choice: Use regular-cut bacon for the best results. Thick-cut bacon may not crisp up as easily during the cooking process.
• Make Ahead: If you’re prepping for a big meal, you can assemble the bacon-wrapped carrots ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply brush them with the glaze and roast when ready.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (although they tend to disappear fast!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover bacon-wrapped carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a quick and crispy option.

Food Pairings

These Maple-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Carrots pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Main Dishes: Pair these carrots with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a tender pork loin. The sweet maple glaze and smoky bacon add a nice contrast to hearty, savory proteins.
• Side Dishes: Serve them alongside mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Wine Pairing: A light, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Chardonnay will complement the flavors in this dish without overpowering them.