Delicious Maple Roasted Parsnips With Thyme is a simple, cozy side dish that brings out the sweet, earthy flavor of parsnips. Roasting concentrates their natural sugars and the maple syrup adds a glossy caramelized finish. Fresh thyme (or dried) adds a gentle herbal note. The result is tender, slightly crisp sticks with a warm maple aroma. This dish pairs well with roast chicken, pork, or a simple winter grain bowl.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 300 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Why Make This Delicious Maple Roasted Parsnips With Thyme
This recipe is fast, forgiving, and full of flavor. Parsnips roast up sweet and nutty, with crunchy edges and soft centers. The maple syrup helps them caramelize, while thyme adds a lift of herbal brightness. It’s a great way to showcase seasonal root vegetables and offers a comforting side that complements many mains. The simple ingredient list and one-pan approach make it perfect for weeknights and holiday dinners alike.
How to Make Delicious Maple Roasted Parsnips With Thyme
This method keeps things straightforward: coat, spread, and roast. Toss the parsnips well so each piece gets a touch of oil and maple. Roast until the edges bubble and brown. Turn once so they caramelize evenly. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, savory aroma.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the parsnips and cut them into even sticks so they cook at the same rate. Pat them dry with a towel if they are wet.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the parsnips, olive oil, maple syrup, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the parsnips are well coated and glossy.
Step 3: Cooking
Spread the parsnips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized with browned edges.
Step 4: Finishing
Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm so the maple glaze stays shiny and the edges stay crisp.
How to Serve Delicious Maple Roasted Parsnips With Thyme
Serve these parsnips hot from the oven as a side to roasted meats, grilled fish, or a simple grain salad. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a winter lentil bowl. For a holiday plate, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or toasted pecans for crunch. A little lemon zest or a drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a bright counterpoint.
How to Store Delicious Maple Roasted Parsnips With Thyme
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to crisp the edges, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Microwaving will heat them quickly but can soften the crisp edges.
- Freezing: You can freeze roasted parsnips for up to 1 month. Flash-freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Delicious Maple Roasted Parsnips With Thyme
- Cut evenly: Make the parsnip sticks similar in size so they roast uniformly.
- Dry before roasting: Moisture prevents caramelization, so pat parsnips dry after peeling.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Give each piece room on the baking sheet so air can circulate and edges brown. Use two sheets if needed.
- Turn once: Flip halfway to get even caramelization on all sides.
- Use real maple syrup: Pure maple gives a cleaner, deeper flavor than imitation syrups.
- Try a mix: Add carrots or sweet potatoes for color and flavor contrast.
- Add finishers: A squeeze of lemon or a handful of fresh herbs at the end brightens the dish.
Delicious Variations
- Maple-Rosemary: Swap thyme for fresh rosemary and add a pinch of sea salt.
- Spicy Maple Parsnips: Add 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of cayenne to the mix.
- Maple-Balsamic Roast: Drizzle 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar over the parsnips in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Brown Butter Maple: Toss with a tablespoon of brown butter after roasting for a nutty finish.
- Nut Crunch: Top with toasted walnuts or pecans for texture and richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried?
A: Yes. Use 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves in place of 1 teaspoon dried. Fresh herbs bring a brighter herbal note. Add a few sprigs to the pan while roasting or sprinkle leaves on after cooking.
Q: How can I make these crispier?
A: Roast in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) on a single layer and avoid overcrowding. Use a light coating of oil and turn only once. Reheating in a hot oven or skillet helps restore crisp edges.
Q: My parsnips burn on the ends before the center is tender. What do I do?
A: Cut the pieces more evenly, and make sure the oven rack is in the center. If ends brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) and roast a little longer.
Q: Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
A: Yes, honey works well and gives a slightly different floral sweetness. Use the same amount, but watch closely as honey can caramelize faster.
Q: Is it okay to roast this in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely. Toss the parsnips in oil and maple, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cooking time will vary by air fryer model.
Q: How do I reduce sugar but keep the glaze?
A: Use 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup instead of 3 and increase olive oil slightly. You still get some caramelization with less sugar.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Roast the parsnips until just tender, cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat in a hot oven before serving and finish with a fresh drizzle of maple if needed for shine.
Conclusion
This Delicious Maple Roasted Parsnips With Thyme recipe is a simple way to turn humble roots into a memorable side—sweet, aromatic, and full of warm caramelized notes. Try small tweaks like rosemary or nuts to make it your own. For another similar idea and inspiration, check out Honey & Maple Roasted Parsnips. Enjoy the cozy flavors and happy roasting!
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Delicious Maple Roasted Parsnips With Thyme
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple, cozy side dish that brings out the sweet, earthy flavor of parsnips, roasted with maple syrup and thyme.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the parsnips and cut them into even sticks so they cook at the same rate. Pat them dry with a towel if they are wet.
- In a large bowl, combine the parsnips, olive oil, maple syrup, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the parsnips are well coated and glossy.
- Spread the parsnips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized with browned edges.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm so the maple glaze stays shiny and the edges stay crisp.
Notes
For a holiday presentation, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or toasted pecans for crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
