Description
Maple Bacon Carrots are a delicious side dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the savory flavor of crispy bacon, creating a delightful balance that enhances the natural sweetness of baby carrots.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby carrots, peeled
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the baby carrots to the skillet with the bacon fat. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in the maple syrup, butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well to coat the carrots.
- Transfer the carrots and sauce to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the carrot mixture before baking.
- Try using honey instead of maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg