Hey y'all! If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and downright delicious, this Maple Glazed Carrots & Sausage recipe delivers every time. Tender carrots and juicy sausages get tossed in a sticky maple glaze, making it a favorite for busy weeknights, potlucks, and even the holidays. Whether served as a main or a side, it's comfort food at its finest and packs a punch of flavor that’ll win over the whole table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Combines sweet, smoky, and savory notes for a flavor-packed dish.
- Quick to prepare—on your table in under 35 minutes!
- Minimal cleanup with just one pan required.
- Perfect as a hearty main or a crowd-pleasing side.
- Kid-friendly and great for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick slices
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or andouille), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Prep the Ingredients
- Peel and slice the carrots into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Slice the sausage into rounds about ½-inch thick.
Sauté the Sausage
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer sausage to a plate and set aside.
Cook the Carrots
- In the same skillet, add butter and sliced carrots. Sauté for 7–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to soften and get a hint of caramelization.
Add the Glaze
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Return the sausage to the skillet, tossing everything to coat well.
- Cover and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are tender and the glaze is thick and shiny.
Serve
- Uncover and increase heat slightly if needed to let the glaze bubble and reduce for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Notes
- Cut carrots into even slices to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
- Use real maple syrup for the richest, most authentic flavor—avoid artificial syrups.
- Add a splash of water if the glaze thickens too quickly before carrots are tender.
Variations
- Spicy Maple Carrots & Sausage: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap in plant-based sausage for a meat-free dish.
- Sheet Pan Style: Toss all ingredients and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Required Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage Instructions
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or garlic butter noodles for a filling meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for added freshness.
- Top with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Pro Tips
- For maximum caramelization, don’t overcrowd the pan when sautéing carrots and sausage.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after glazing, adding a touch more salt or pepper if needed.
- Garnish just before serving to keep parsley bright and fresh.
FAQ
- Can I use baby carrots instead of sliced carrots?
Yes! Just halve baby carrots lengthwise for quicker and more even cooking. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely—reheat gently before serving, and add a splash of maple syrup if the glaze seems too thick. - What type of sausage works best?
Smoked kielbasa, andouille, or even chicken sausage are great choices for their rich, robust flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch coins
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
1In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until just tender.
-
2Stir in the sliced sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sausage begins to brown.
-
3Add the butter, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to coat the carrots and sausage evenly.
-
4Cook the mixture for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and the carrots are fork tender.
-
5Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
Leave a Reply