Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe

• Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots work best; peel them well and slice lengthwise to get a nice roast.
• Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the richest sweetness—this is the star of the glaze!
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps the carrots roast beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t be shy with the salt to balance the sweetness.
• Hazelnuts: Toasted and chopped for crunch and a mildly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the carrots.
• Goat Cheese: Crumbled on top for creaminess and a hint of tang that elevates the whole flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, parsley, and chives add freshness and an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love how flexible this Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to suit your mood or pantry. Here are a few favorites I’ve played with over time.

• Swap the nuts: Sometimes I use toasted pecans instead of hazelnuts—still crunchy but a little sweeter and buttery.
• Herb alternatives: When I don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, dill or tarragon give a new twist that’s surprisingly delightful.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can replace goat cheese with a drizzle of tahini or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a creamy, savory note without dairy.
• Spice it up: A dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes adds warmth and depth if you like a little heat.

How to Make Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Carrots to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—this high heat is key because it helps the carrots caramelize without drying out. Peel your carrots and, if they’re on the larger side, slice them in half lengthwise so they roast evenly. Toss them on a baking sheet and drizzle generously with maple syrup and olive oil. Don’t forget a big pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper; seasoning helps highlight the natural sweetness. Spread everything out in a single layer so the carrots can roast rather than steam. Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes until they’re tender and lightly caramelized—you’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily and you can see that deep golden edge.

Step 2: Toast the Hazelnuts Just Right

While the carrots roast, it’s the perfect time to toast your hazelnuts. I place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir almost constantly for 5 to 10 minutes until you get that wonderful nutty aroma—this little step makes a massive taste difference. Once toasted, I transfer them to a baking sheet and rub them with a clean towel to slip off their papery skins, which can be a bit bitter. Chop them coarsely because I love that crunch throughout the dish.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

As soon as the carrots come out of the oven, sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped fresh herbs all over the top. The warmth from the carrots gently softens the goat cheese without melting it completely, creating a beautiful creamy contrast. Serve immediately to enjoy the full texture and flavor balance.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I typically garnish this dish with extra fresh herbs like parsley and a few more chopped hazelnuts for crunch right before serving. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of extra maple syrup or even a splash of balsamic glaze if I’m feeling fancy—it adds a little zing that pairs beautifully. These finishing touches make the dish look inviting and add layers of flavor your guests will notice.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside cozy roasted chicken or a pork tenderloin. I’ve also paired it with quinoa salads or warm grain bowls as a way to add that sweet-savory vegetable component. It’s a perfect match for nearly any roast or grilled meat, and it can easily be the star veggie on your holiday table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to pile the roasted carrots on a large white platter for an impressive rustic look, then sprinkle the nuts, cheese, and herbs artistically on top. You could also serve them in individual small bowls or ramekins for a dinner party so everyone gets their own perfectly portioned dish. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the presentation further when you want to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the goat cheese softens over time, I usually add fresh crumbles when reheating. The sweet and nutty flavor stays intact, making it easy to enjoy later without losing any appeal.

Freezing

While you can freeze the roasted carrots themselves, I recommend freezing without the goat cheese and herbs. Freeze the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid clumping. When reheating, add fresh goat cheese and herbs to keep the flavors bright—the texture of the cheese doesn’t freeze well.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to retain that lovely roasted texture while warming through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but you may lose some crispness. Adding fresh goat cheese and herbs after reheating brings the dish back to life wonderfully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe holds a special place on my table because it combines simplicity and elegance in one dish. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how just a few quality ingredients and a bit of time in the oven can create something truly memorable. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—give it a try, and I bet it will become one of your go-to recipes for cozy, flavorful meals.

I absolutely love this Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe because it takes a simple vegetable side and elevates it into something really special. The sweetness from the maple syrup caramelizes the carrots beautifully, while the crunchy toasted hazelnuts and creamy goat cheese add layers of texture and flavor you might not expect. It’s a colorful, vibrant dish that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for holiday gatherings.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how quickly and easily the carrots transform. You’ll find that the balance of sweet, savory, and nutty notes keeps everyone coming back for seconds, and even my pickiest eaters surprisingly loved it. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more veggies onto the table without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in the dish. Shopping wise, choosing fresh carrots with a bright color and fresh herbs makes a big difference here.

• Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots work best; peel them well and slice lengthwise to get a nice roast.
• Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the richest sweetness—this is the star of the glaze!
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps the carrots roast beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t be shy with the salt to balance the sweetness.
• Hazelnuts: Toasted and chopped for crunch and a mildly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the carrots.
• Goat Cheese: Crumbled on top for creaminess and a hint of tang that elevates the whole flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, parsley, and chives add freshness and an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love how flexible this Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe is. You can easily tweak it to suit your mood or pantry. Here are a few favorites I’ve played with over time.

• Swap the nuts: Sometimes I use toasted pecans instead of hazelnuts—still crunchy but a little sweeter and buttery.
• Herb alternatives: When I don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, dill or tarragon give a new twist that’s surprisingly delightful.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can replace goat cheese with a drizzle of tahini or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a creamy, savory note without dairy.
• Spice it up: A dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes adds warmth and depth if you like a little heat.

How to Make Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Carrots to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—this high heat is key because it helps the carrots caramelize without drying out. Peel your carrots and, if they’re on the larger side, slice them in half lengthwise so they roast evenly. Toss them on a baking sheet and drizzle generously with maple syrup and olive oil. Don’t forget a big pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper; seasoning helps highlight the natural sweetness. Spread everything out in a single layer so the carrots can roast rather than steam. Roast for about 20 to 25 minutes until they’re tender and lightly caramelized—you’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily and you can see that deep golden edge.

Step 2: Toast the Hazelnuts Just Right

While the carrots roast, it’s the perfect time to toast your hazelnuts. I place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir almost constantly for 5 to 10 minutes until you get that wonderful nutty aroma—this little step makes a massive taste difference. Once toasted, I transfer them to a baking sheet and rub them with a clean towel to slip off their papery skins, which can be a bit bitter. Chop them coarsely because I love that crunch throughout the dish.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

As soon as the carrots come out of the oven, sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped fresh herbs all over the top. The warmth from the carrots gently softens the goat cheese without melting it completely, creating a beautiful creamy contrast. Serve immediately to enjoy the full texture and flavor balance.

How to Serve Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I typically garnish this dish with extra fresh herbs like parsley and a few more chopped hazelnuts for crunch right before serving. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of extra maple syrup or even a splash of balsamic glaze if I’m feeling fancy—it adds a little zing that pairs beautifully. These finishing touches make the dish look inviting and add layers of flavor your guests will notice.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside cozy roasted chicken or a pork tenderloin. I’ve also paired it with quinoa salads or warm grain bowls as a way to add that sweet-savory vegetable component. It’s a perfect match for nearly any roast or grilled meat, and it can easily be the star veggie on your holiday table.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to pile the roasted carrots on a large white platter for an impressive rustic look, then sprinkle the nuts, cheese, and herbs artistically on top. You could also serve them in individual small bowls or ramekins for a dinner party so everyone gets their own perfectly portioned dish. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can elevate the presentation further when you want to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the goat cheese softens over time, I usually add fresh crumbles when reheating. The sweet and nutty flavor stays intact, making it easy to enjoy later without losing any appeal.

Freezing

While you can freeze the roasted carrots themselves, I recommend freezing without the goat cheese and herbs. Freeze the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag to avoid clumping. When reheating, add fresh goat cheese and herbs to keep the flavors bright—the texture of the cheese doesn’t freeze well.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to retain that lovely roasted texture while warming through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but you may lose some crispness. Adding fresh goat cheese and herbs after reheating brings the dish back to life wonderfully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts & Goat Cheese Recipe holds a special place on my table because it combines simplicity and elegance in one dish. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how just a few quality ingredients and a bit of time in the oven can create something truly memorable. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—give it a try, and I bet it will become one of your go-to recipes for cozy, flavorful meals.