Prepare to revolutionize your side dish game with a recipe that will make even vegetable skeptics beg for seconds! These Bacon Wrapped Maple Balsamic Carrots are not just a side dish – they're a culinary experience that transforms humble carrots into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Imagine crispy, caramelized bacon hugging tender carrots, glazed with a tantalizingly sweet and tangy maple-balsamic sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Wash the baby carrots thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they will crisp properly when roasting.
- If the baby carrots are thick, slice them lengthwise into more uniform, thinner pieces to ensure even cooking and better bacon wrapping.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup and balsamic vinegar to create a glaze. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Cut each bacon slice into halves or thirds, depending on the length of your carrots, creating strips that can wrap around each carrot.
- Wrap each carrot with a piece of bacon, slightly overlapping the bacon to secure it. Place the bacon-wrapped carrots seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the bacon-wrapped carrots generously with the maple-balsamic glaze, ensuring even coverage.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and the carrots are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Brush with additional glaze if desired before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with fresh chopped herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bacon: Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and crispier results. Thick-cut bacon can be too heavy for delicate carrots.
- Uniform Sizing Matters: Slice thicker carrots lengthwise to ensure even cooking and consistent bacon coverage.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Always thoroughly dry your carrots before wrapping to help the bacon crisp up perfectly.
- Glaze Generously: Don't be shy with the maple-balsamic glaze – it's the secret to creating those irresistible caramelized edges.
- Watch Carefully While Roasting: Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 20-minute mark to prevent burning.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the carrots to rest for a few minutes after roasting to let the flavors meld and the bacon set.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
