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Maple Brown Butter Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta

Maple Brown Butter Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta

Sweet, caramelized maple brown butter roasted carrots served over creamy whipped feta and topped with toasted pecans, fresh pomegranate seeds, and thyme. An easy, beautiful holiday side dish that can be prepped ahead for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Roasted Carrots

  • 1½ lbs whole carrots peeled
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Whipped Feta

  • 8 oz block feta cheese
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 clove garlic

Toppings

  • ⅓ cup toasted chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup fresh pomegranate seeds
  • Fresh thyme
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Hot honey optional

Let's Make It
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel carrots and halve any particularly thick carrots lengthwise.
  • Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, stirring until golden brown and nutty.
  • Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup, minced garlic, and thyme.
  • Brush or toss carrots with the maple brown butter mixture. Roast for another 10–15 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  • Blend feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  • Spread whipped feta across a serving platter. Arrange warm roasted carrots on top and drizzle with remaining maple brown butter.
  • Top with toasted pecans, pomegranate seeds, fresh thyme, flaky sea salt, and optional hot honey. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

  • Make ahead: Prepare whipped feta up to 2 days ahead. Peel carrots and prepare toppings in advance.
  • Thanksgiving timing: Put carrots into a preheated oven about 45 minutes before serving.
  • Reheating: Reheat roasted carrots at 400°F for approximately 10–15 minutes.
  • Best presentation: Assemble on a large platter immediately before serving.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3–4 days, keeping components separate when possible.
Keyword holiday roasted carrots, make ahead Thanksgiving sides, maple brown butter roasted carrots, roasted carrots with whipped feta, Thanksgiving carrot side dish