Maple Bacon Carrots are the ultimate sweet-and-savory veggie side—crisp, salty bacon wrapped around tender roasted carrots and finished with a glossy maple glaze. It’s simple, fun, and unbelievably delicious. If bacon is your love language, you’ll feel right at home here! I use it in all kinds of veggie dishes, like my Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts and Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms. And honestly? If bacon is what gets veggies on the plate, that’s a win in my book.
Maple and bacon have long been a flavor power couple. Think maple bacon donuts, maple bacon scones… even maple bacon jam. And tell me you haven’t let your breakfast bacon take a dip in the syrup pool from time to time. Adding carrots to the mix just makes the combo a little more wholesome—and a whole lot more irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Bacon Carrots
- Naturally sweet + salty: The maple syrup caramelizes beautifully over the crispy bacon.
- Crowd-pleasing appetizer or side: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an at-home “wow” factor.
- Only 3 ingredients: Simple to make with pantry staples.
- Oven or air fryer friendly: Choose the method that works for you.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots:
Choose carrots that are similar in thickness (under ½ inch). This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender inside the crispy bacon.
Bacon:
Thin-cut bacon works best—it crisps up nicely without overcooking the carrots.
Maple Syrup:
Pure maple syrup gives the richest flavor and cleanest sweetness. Avoid pancake syrup if you can.
How to Make Maple Bacon Carrots
Oven Method
- Prep the oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap the carrots: Peel the carrots and wrap each one with a single slice of bacon, starting at the thicker end and working your way down. Keep the bacon slightly spaced—overlapping too much prevents crisping.
- Bake: Place carrots on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the carrots are tender.
- Glaze: Brush maple syrup over all sides of the carrots.
- Finish baking: Return to the oven for 8–10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Air Fryer Method
- Peel carrots and trim ends if needed to fit the basket.
- Wrap each carrot with thin-cut bacon.
- Air fry at 385°F for 10 minutes.
- Brush with maple syrup.
- Air fry 6–8 minutes more, or until bacon is crispy and carrots are tender.
How to Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture.
Maple Bacon Carrots (Printable Recipe)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 341 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, under ½ inch thick, peeled
- 1 pound thin-sliced bacon
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each carrot.
- Arrange carrots on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until bacon is crispy and carrots are tender.
- Remove from oven and brush with maple syrup.
- Bake 8–10 minutes more.
- Serve warm.