Salty-Sweet Bacon Wrapped Carrots

This fall-inspired maple bacon carrots recipe transforms ordinary vegetables into an irresistible side dish. The tender carrots wrapped in crispy bacon with a sweet maple glaze create the perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I first made these maple bacon carrots for Thanksgiving dinner last year, and they've become a non-negotiable dish at every family gathering since. My nephew, who normally pushes vegetables aside, ate three servings and asked if we could have them for Christmas too.

Ingredients

• Carrots, thin (less than ½ inch thick), peeled: Slender carrots work best for even cooking and the perfect bacon-to-carrot ratio
• Thin-sliced bacon: Regular cut bacon can be too thick and won't crisp properly around the carrots
• Pure maple syrup: Look for 100% pure maple syrup for authentic flavor, avoid pancake syrup which contains corn syrup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Heat your oven to 400°F to ensure proper bacon crisping. This temperature creates the perfect environment for rendering the bacon fat while cooking the carrots inside.

Wrap the Carrots:

Take each peeled carrot and start wrapping from the thicker end with a slice of bacon. Keep the wrapping snug but avoid overlapping the bacon too much as this will prevent it from crisping evenly. The bacon should spiral down the carrot with slight gaps between each wrap.

Arrange for Baking:

Place the wrapped carrots on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This elevation allows hot air to circulate all around the carrots and lets excess bacon fat drip away, resulting in crispier bacon.

Initial Bake:

Bake for 25 minutes until you see the bacon becoming crispy and the carrots starting to soften. The carrots should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.

Apply Maple Glaze:

Remove the carrots from the oven and carefully brush the maple syrup over all sides of each carrot. Use a silicone brush for even application and make sure to get some glaze between the bacon spirals.

Final Crisping:

Return to the oven for 8-10 minutes until the maple syrup caramelizes and creates a glossy finish on the bacon. Watch carefully during this stage to prevent burning as the sugar in the syrup can caramelize quickly.

Serve the Carrots:

Transfer to a serving platter and serve while hot. The contrast between the crispy bacon exterior and tender carrot interior is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Save

The maple syrup is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered by accident that letting the syrup get to that perfect caramelization point creates little crispy edges on the bacon that are absolutely addictive. My family now fights over the extra-caramelized pieces!

Make-Ahead Options

These maple bacon carrots can be prepped up to a day ahead. Simply wrap the carrots in bacon, place them on a rack in the refrigerator, and then bake and glaze just before serving. This makes them perfect for busy holiday meals when oven space and time are limited. The cold bacon also adheres better to the carrots when prepared in advance.

Perfect Pairings

These sweet and savory carrots complement roasted meats beautifully, especially ham, turkey, or pork tenderloin. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple rice pilaf or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious maple-bacon drippings. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the bacon-wrapped carrots.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is perfect as written, you can create delicious variations by adding a sprinkle of black pepper or cayenne before baking for a spicy-sweet combination. For an herbal note, try adding fresh thyme leaves or rosemary to the maple glaze. Vegetable options beyond carrots include parsnips or sweet potato spears, which work beautifully with the same bacon-wrapping technique.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of carrots work best for this dish?

Thin carrots less than ½ inch thick work best as they cook at the same rate as the bacon. If using larger carrots, consider cutting them lengthwise to maintain proper cooking times.

→ Can I prepare these carrots ahead of time?

Yes, you can wrap the carrots with bacon up to 24 hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake and glaze as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the initial baking time.

→ What can I substitute for maple syrup?

Honey, brown sugar glaze, or even a balsamic reduction can work as alternatives to maple syrup. Each will provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the sweet element that complements the salty bacon.

→ Why put the carrots on a wire rack?

Using a wire rack allows air to circulate around the carrots, helping the bacon cook evenly and become crispy on all sides. It also allows excess fat to drip away from the carrots.

→ How do I know when the carrots are done?

The carrots are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork but still have some firmness. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown, and the maple glaze should appear caramelized.

→ Can I make this dish with turkey bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted, but it may not wrap as easily and typically doesn't render as much fat. You might need to brush the carrots with a little oil before baking to prevent drying.