Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Carrots

If using large carrots, peel them and cut them into even-sized sticks for faster cooking. If using baby carrots or thin carrots, you can leave them whole.

Make the Maple Dijon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). This glaze will give the carrots a beautiful caramelization and deep flavor.

Coat the Carrots

Place the carrots in a large mixing bowl and pour the maple Dijon glaze over them. Toss well to ensure each carrot is evenly coated.

Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Spread the coated carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid crowding them to ensure even roasting and caramelization.

Roast the Carrots

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized. If you prefer a deeper golden-brown color, roast them for an additional 5 minutes.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the carrots from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley, crumbled cheese, or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture. Serve warm and enjoy!