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I created these Maple Bacon Carrots for last year's Thanksgiving and they've become the most requested side dish in my house. The way the bacon gets crispy while the carrots stay tender sweet is pure magic. Everyone goes crazy for that maple syrup glaze it's like candy and bacon had a beautiful baby! My veggie-avoiding teenager even asks for seconds when these are on the table.
Just Three Simple Ingredients
- Carrots: 2 pounds of fresh slim carrots peeled just right. I get mine from the farmers market when possible.
- Bacon: 1 pound thin sliced. Ask your butcher to slice it extra thin it makes all the difference.
- Maple Syrup: ¼ cup of pure maple syrup none of that fake stuff! The real deal creates this amazing sticky glaze.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Get Ready
- Start with a hot oven at 400°F. Set up your baking sheet with a wire rack this is key for getting that bacon super crispy.
- Wrap Those Carrots
- Take your time wrapping each carrot with bacon starting at the thick end. Keep it snug but not too tight.
- On The Rack
- Space out your wrapped carrots so the heat can circulate and get that bacon nice and crispy.
- First Bake
- Pop them in for about 25 minutes until you see that bacon starting to crisp up.
- Time for Maple
- Pull them out and brush that gorgeous maple syrup all over. Don't be shy with it!
- Final Touch
- Back in they go for 8 to 10 minutes until everything is golden and glossy.
- Enjoy
- Serve them up while they're hot and watch them disappear!
My Secret Tips
- Bacon Matters: Only use thin cut bacon I learned this the hard way! Thick cut just doesn't crisp up the same.
- Spice It Up: Sometimes I sprinkle a little brown sugar or if I'm feeling spicy a pinch of cayenne it's amazing.
- Save Some: If you have any leftovers pop them in the air fryer to crisp up again they're almost better the next day!
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Why These Carrots Are So Special
These carrots have become such a huge part of our family gatherings. The kitchen smells incredible while they're cooking and everyone hovers around waiting for them to come out of the oven. There's something so satisfying about that first bite when the bacon is perfectly crispy the maple syrup is all caramelized and the carrot is tender sweet. They're definitely not your ordinary veggie side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use thin carrots?
Thinner carrots cook at the same rate as the bacon, ensuring everything is done perfectly at the same time.
- → Can I prep these ahead?
Wrap carrots in bacon up to a day ahead, but wait to add maple syrup until baking for best results.
- → Why use a wire rack?
The rack allows air to circulate, helping the bacon crisp evenly on all sides.
- → Can I use turkey bacon?
Regular bacon works best as it has enough fat to crisp properly and flavor the carrots.
- → What if my carrots are too thick?
Cut thicker carrots in half lengthwise to ensure they cook through while the bacon crisps.