Bacon-Wrapped Carrots with Maple Glaze

Elevate your vegetable game with these Bacon-Wrapped Carrots with Maple Glaze. This savory-sweet dish combines tender carrots wrapped in crispy bacon, creating a mouthwatering appetizer or side that’s sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds carrots, peeled and less than 1 inch thick
• 2 pounds thin-sliced bacon
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap the Carrots: Take one slice of bacon and tightly wrap it around each carrot, starting from the thicker end. Avoid overlapping the bacon as you wrap.
3. Prepare for Baking: Place the bacon-wrapped carrots on a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet. This helps the bacon crisp up evenly.
4. Bake the Carrots: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the carrots are tender.
5. Glaze with Maple Syrup: Remove the carrots from the oven and brush all sides with maple syrup.
6. Finish Baking: Return the carrots to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
7. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your sweet and savory bacon-wrapped carrots!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 8-10

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the maple syrup for a spicy twist.
• Herbed Flavor: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary with the maple syrup before glazing.
• Different Vegetables: Try wrapping asparagus or green beans instead of carrots for a different flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use thick-cut bacon?
   Yes, but cooking times may vary; you might need to bake them longer.
2. What if I don’t have maple syrup?
   Honey or agave syrup can be used as substitutes for a similar sweetness.
3. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can wrap the carrots and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free; just check your bacon packaging.
5. How do I prevent the bacon from curling?
   Wrapping the bacon tightly and using a wire rack can help keep it straight.
6. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
   Pre-cooked bacon won’t work well for this recipe as it won’t crisp up properly.
7. What other vegetables can I wrap?
   Asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers are great options to wrap in bacon.
8. Can I bake these in an air fryer?
   Yes, cook at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, checking for crispiness.
9. What should I serve with these carrots?
   They pair well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a vegetable platter.
10. Can I freeze these?
    It’s not recommended to freeze them once cooked, as the texture will change.

Conclusion

Bacon-Wrapped Carrots with Maple Glaze are a perfect combination of sweet and savory that will delight your taste buds. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe that brings a fun twist to traditional vegetables!

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