Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that feels both special and completely doable, you’re going to love this Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that I reach for when I want something sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy all at once—perfect for fancy dinners or just jazzing up a weeknight meal. Trust me, once you try it, this combo of maple-roasted carrots, toasted hazelnuts, and tangy goat cheese will become your new favorite way to eat carrots.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese Recipe really comes together from simple, fresh ingredients that complement one another perfectly. When shopping, look for firm, fresh carrots and good-quality goat cheese to make sure your dish shines.

• Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots work best, and feel free to adjust the size—halving larger carrots helps them cook evenly.
• Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup, not imitation, for a rich natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds subtle fruitiness and helps the carrots roast to perfection.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the sweetness and richness.
• Hazelnuts: Toasted and chopped, they provide a satisfying crunch and a toasty depth to the dish.
• Goat cheese: Crumbled on top, it adds a lovely creamy tang—you can use fresh or aged depending on your preference.
• Fresh herbs: A toss of rosemary, thyme, parsley, and chives brightens and freshens every bite.

Variations

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences, you can swap out ingredients or tweak flavors to make it truly your own masterpiece.

• Add warm spices: When I want a cozier fall vibe, I sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on the carrots before roasting—it’s subtle but lovely.
• Change up the nuts: I’ve also swapped hazelnuts for pecans or walnuts with delicious results, so feel free to use your favorite crunchy nut.
• Go dairy-free: For a vegan version, leave out the goat cheese or try a tangy vegan cheese alternative; the maple and nuts still shine.
• Herb customization: Use whatever herbs are fresh and on hand – oregano or sage can be nice substitutions too.

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

Step 1: Prep Carrots and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. While it warms up, peel your carrots—if you have large ones, slice them lengthwise so they roast evenly. If the carrots are small and uniform, feel free to roast them whole. This step ensures they cook at the same rate, avoiding burnt outsides and undercooked centers, which used to trip me up before I learned this simple trick.

Step 2: Toss with Maple Syrup and Oil

Place the prepared carrots on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle them with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. I like to get my hands in there to toss everything together—this little bit of love helps the carrots get nice and caramelized as they roast.

Step 3: Roast Until Tender and Caramelized

Slide your baking sheet into the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for fork tenderness and caramelized edges. When I first tried this, I accidentally stirred the carrots too often and they missed out on that gorgeous roasting effect. So, I recommend giving them a gentle toss halfway through cooking but not obsessing over it.

Step 4: Toast Hazelnuts

While the carrots roast, toast your hazelnuts. I do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often until they’re fragrant and golden. To get rid of the papery skins, I transfer them onto a baking sheet and rub them with a clean kitchen towel—that little trick definitely makes for a nicer texture and better flavor.

Step 5: Add Goat Cheese, Hazelnuts, and Herbs

Once your carrots are out of the oven and still warm, scatter crumbled goat cheese, toasted hazelnuts, and a handful of fresh chopped herbs on top. The warmth slightly softens the goat cheese, making every bite luscious and creamy. At this point, you’re ready to serve and enjoy!

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

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this, I love adding a little extra fresh herbs on top—parsley or chives are my favorites. Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit more maple syrup or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything up right before serving. The contrast of fresh herbs and the rich goat cheese gives this dish its charm.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roast chicken or pork tenderloin, but I also enjoy it alongside quinoa or farro for a vegetarian meal. For holiday dinners, it complements main courses like glazed ham or turkey perfectly, adding a sweet-savory pop that feels elevated without being complicated.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes arrange the roasted carrots on a beautiful serving platter and sprinkle the hazelnuts, herbs, and goat cheese in neat piles along the top. It makes for a colorful, inviting presentation that sparks conversation. You can also serve individual portions topped with microgreens or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To preserve the best texture, I usually store the goat cheese separately and add it fresh when reheating. This way, the carrots stay nicely roasted and don’t get soggy.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing the roasted carrots without the goat cheese, and they freeze well for up to a month. When you want to enjoy them later, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for best texture. I don’t recommend freezing with the goat cheese, since it can change texture after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the carrots on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through (usually about 10-15 minutes). Then I add fresh crumbled goat cheese and herbs just before serving to keep things fresh and creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Maple Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese Recipe comes together with such simple ingredients, yet delivers that perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy that always impresses. It’s become my go-to side dish for everything from casual dinners to holiday feasts because it’s effortless but feels special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family and I do—once you try it, you’ll probably keep it in your regular rotation like I do!

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