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These Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots are the perfect combination of sweetness and a warm kick from the Calabrian chili paste. Topped with creamy burrata, crunchy pistachios, and fresh basil, this side dish feels restaurant-worthy but is incredibly easy to make at home. The best roasted carrot side dish recipe!
I had to sneak in one more side dish recipe for Thanksgiving — these sweet and spicy carrots packed with flavor. These aren’t your ordinary carrots. I love the sweet flavor from the real maple syrup, and the calabrian chilies give the perfect amount of kick.
Sweet, spicy, and beautifully caramelized, these roasted carrots pack layers of flavor with barely any effort. A drizzle of maple syrup deepens the sweetness, while Calabrian chili adds warmth without overpowering the dish. The real magic comes at the end—when creamy burrata melts gently into the carrots and pistachios add a salty crunch. Fresh basil adds the perfect fresh herb flavor.
A shout out to Giada de Laurentis for sharing her version of sweet and spicy roasted carrots. The flavor combinations are 10/10. I have also shared my easy honey butter carrots recipe for anyone who loves simple carrots with butter, honey, and salt.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These maple carrots are inspired by a recipe shared by the famous chef, Giada DeLaurentis. The combination of flavors brings out the natural sweetness of the roasted carrots.
Sweet + spicy flavor balance — the maple syrup and Calabrian chili paste make the perfect glaze.
Restaurant-style side dish— burrata, pistachios, and basil take simple carrots to the next level.
Ingredients for Maple Roasted Carrots:
Scroll down to see what type of calabrian chili paste I recommend and for the recipe card with amounts.
- Carrots: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives them golden, caramelized edges.
- Olive Oil: Helps the carrots roast evenly and adds richness.
- Real Maple Syrup (or Honey): Adds natural sweetness—maple syrup gives deeper flavor, honey makes them slightly stickier.
- Calabrian Chili Paste (optional): Adds warm heat. It’s a spicy Italian condiment! If you can’t get your hands on it, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Burrata Cheese: Adds creamy, cool contrast to the spicy-sweet carrots. May also use feta cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Salted Pistachios: Adds crunch and a salty finish that ties everything together. May also use pecans.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Brightens the dish with fresh flavor.
How to make Sweet and Spicy Carrots:
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 410°F.
- Prep the carrots: Peel and slice carrots in half lengthwise.
- Mix the glaze: Combine olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), Calabrian chili paste, and salt.
- Coat the carrots: Toss carrots in the glaze until evenly coated.
- Roast: Bake at 410°F for 22–28 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
- Assemble: Transfer carrots to a serving platter. Tear burrata on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with crushed pistachios and fresh basil.
- Serve warm: Best enjoyed immediately with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips for perfect Roasted Carrots:
Use high heat (400–425°F). This encourages caramelization. This roasted carrots recipe calls for 410 degrees.
Don’t crowd the pan. If carrots overlap, they’ll steam instead of roast.
Toss halfway through. Ensures even browning.
Use parchment or foil for easy cleanup.
Add cheese after roasting. Keeps the cheese creamy and fresh instead of melted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
Can I use baby carrots? Yes! Just note they may roast a bit faster since they’re smaller—start checking around 18 minutes.
Why should I cover the roasted carrots with foil first? It works by steaming the carrots first, and then roasting which softens them before caramelizing and prevents burning. It absorbs the flavors of the olive oil, maple syrup, and calabrian chilies.
How spicy is Calabrian chili paste? It’s a mild, warm heat with a fruity flavor. Use more or less depending on your preference. Here are a few brands that I suggest…
Can I prep this ahead of time? You can roast the carrots ahead, but add the burrata, pistachios, and basil right before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve these carrots with? These carrots pair perfectly with smoked turkey, garlic steak bites, grilled chicken, crockpot turkey breast, or holiday meals.
More Side Dish Recipes:
Storage:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave briefly.
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Sweet and Spicy Roasted Carrots
Ingredients
- 6 to 7 medium to large Carrots (peeled and halved lengthwise)
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoons Real Maple Syrup (or honey)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Calabrian Chili Paste * (plus more for garnish)
- 4 ounces Burrata Cheese (or feta, ricotta, or goat cheese)
- 1/4 cup Salted Pistachios (chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil Leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 410°F. Peel and slice carrots in half lengthwise.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), Calabrian chili paste, and salt. Toss carrots in the glaze until evenly coated.
- Add the carrots to a rimmed baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet with foil. Bake at 410°F for 20 minutes and then remove the foil and roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
- Remove the carrots and transfer to a platter and drizzle with any glaze or juice that is left on the tray.
- Dry the burrata cheese well with a paper towel. Tear the burrata into pieces and place on top of the carrots. Sprinkle with pistachios and basil ribbons. Season with flaky sea salt, if more salt is needed.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I can’t wait to make these! They look amazing. Every recipe you post is so good.