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Spicy Maple Roasted Carrots

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You know those dishes that look fancy but are secretly super easy to make? This is one of them. These spicy maple roasted carrots are sweet, tender, and caramelized, with just the right amount of kick from sriracha. The cooling yogurt sauce? It’s the perfect creamy contrast.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or need a side dish for a holiday spread, these carrots deliver. They’re simple, delicious, and full of flavor. Plus, they’ll look beautiful on the table—like you spent hours in the kitchen (spoiler: you didn’t).

Roasted carrot dipped in creamy yogurt sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Balanced flavors: Sweet maple syrup + spicy sriracha + creamy yogurt = chef’s kiss.
  • Easy to make: Minimal ingredients, simple steps, big payoff.
  • Versatile: Perfect for dinner parties and casual family meals.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Prep everything in advance and assemble when you’re ready.

The Recipe Basics

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Serves: 3 people (double it for a crowd)
  • Skill Level: Easy

Tip for Success: Marinate the carrots for 10–15 minutes if you have time. It’s a game-changer for flavor.

Ingredients

For the Carrots:

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best for a thicker sauce)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
Ingredients for spicy maple roasted carrots.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Carrots

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roasting at high heat gives the carrots that irresistible caramelization.
  2. Wash and peel the carrots to remove any dirt or rough skin.
  3. Cut each carrot into quarters lengthwise:
    • Halve the carrot.
    • Slice each half lengthwise again to create long, thin pieces.
    • Why this shape? More surface area = better flavor and even cooking.

Using baby carrots? You can leave them whole. They’ll look rustic and cute on the plate.

Glazed roasted carrots in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a large bowl, mix together:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • A pinch of salt and pepper

Next:

  • Toss the carrot slices in the glaze. Use your hands or tongs to make sure every piece is evenly coated. The carrots should look glossy and shiny.
  • Got an extra 10 minutes? Let the carrots sit and soak up the flavors. It’s worth it.
Tongs placing spicy maple roasted carrots on a plate with creamy yogurt sauce.

Step 3: Roast the Carrots

  1. Prepare your baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Spread out the carrots: Lay them in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowded. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of roast.
  3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through (around the 15-minute mark).

What to Look For:

  • The edges should be golden-brown and slightly crispy.
  • The glaze will bubble, thicken, and cling to the carrots.
  • A fork or skewer should slide through easily—soft, but not mushy.

Extra Tip: Want deeper caramelization? Turn your oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Close-up of spicy maple roasted carrots on a bed of yogurt sauce with paprika sprinkles.

Step 4: Whip Up the Yogurt Sauce

While the carrots are roasting, make the sauce:

In a medium bowl, combine:

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Stir it all together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Need more tang? Add a bit more lemon juice.

Pro Tip: Pop the sauce in the fridge for a few minutes. The coolness contrasts beautifully with the warm, spicy carrots.

Freshly prepared yogurt sauce for roasted carrots.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

  1. Plate the carrots: Arrange them on a serving dish. Simple and elegant is the way to go here.
  2. Drizzle with the yogurt sauce: Use a spoon to drizzle long, flowing lines of sauce over the carrots. Or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
  3. Garnish: Add a sprinkle of paprika for color or fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for a pop of freshness.

That’s it! Serve warm and watch these carrots steal the spotlight.

Variations to Try

  • Make it vegan: Use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
  • Switch up the spice: Try harissa or chili paste instead of sriracha.
  • Add seasonal flavors: Sprinkle in a little cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy winter vibes.
  • Fancy it up: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or pomegranate seeds for a festive look.
Spicy maple roasted carrots served on yogurt sauce, garnished with paprika.

Serving Suggestions

These spicy maple carrots pair perfectly with:

  • Grilled chicken, lamb, or fish
  • Simple grains like quinoa, couscous, or rice
  • Fresh pita bread for dipping

They also work beautifully as part of a holiday spread or dinner party menu.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Leftovers? Store the carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate so it stays fresh.
  • Reheating: Warm the carrots in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This helps bring back the crispy edges.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: Both the carrots and the sauce can be prepped in advance. Assemble just before serving.
Spicy maple roasted carrots plated with yogurt sauce, surrounded by fresh carrots and garlic.

Final Thoughts

These spicy maple roasted carrots are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully, the sriracha brings just the right amount of heat, and the yogurt sauce ties it all together with a cool, tangy finish.

What’s the best part? It’s simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for special occasions.

So next time you’re looking for a side dish that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, give this recipe a try. I promise—it’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Enjoy!

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Spicy Maple Roasted Carrots with Yogurt Sauce

Roasted carrot dipped in creamy yogurt sauce.

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A delightful side dish where sweet maple-glazed carrots meet a spicy kick, complemented by a cooling yogurt sauce. Perfect for any meal.

  • Author: Paul Arif
  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Total Time: 50
  • Yield: 3 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spicy Maple Carrots:

  • 3 large carrots, peeled and quartered lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare Carrots:
    • Wash, peel, and quarter carrots lengthwise.
    • In a bowl, combine olive oil, sriracha, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
    • Toss carrots in the mixture until well coated.
  3. Roast Carrots:
    • Arrange carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
    • Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
  4. Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
    • In a bowl, mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
    • Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Serve:
    • Plate roasted carrots and drizzle with yogurt sauce.
    • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.
  • Storage: Store carrots and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat carrots in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Serve sauce chilled.
  • Pro Tips:
    • Cut carrots uniformly for even cooking.
    • Adjust sriracha to control spice level.
    • For extra caramelization, broil carrots for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid:
    • Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
    • Skipping the flip halfway through roasting, which ensures even cooking and caramelization.

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