Bacon-Wrapped Carrots
Crispy bacon surrounding a tender, caramelized carrot is the perfect pairing of sweet and savory. The natural sweetness of the roasted carrots complements the smoky, savory notes of turkey bacon, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, this dish is ideal for gatherings of any size, from cozy dinners to larger holiday feasts (it’s a staple on our Thanksgiving table).
This fuss-free recipe works as a versatile pass-around appetizer or side dish. Using one slice of turkey bacon (ahem, yes, I am a dietitian after all!) per carrot makes it easy to adjust the servings based on your crowd. While the turkey bacon crisps up in the oven, the carrots soften and caramelize, resulting in an irresistible bite. For added flavor and caramelized goodness, I like to brush the turkey bacon with a bit of maple syrup— drool!
If being delicious wasn’t enough, these bacon-wrapped beauties make eating your veggies feel like a treat. Turkey bacon offers a leaner source of protein, with less saturated fat than traditional pork bacon, while the carrots steal the spotlight with a host of health benefits. Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and essential vitamins, carrots support immune health, promote eye health, and add a vibrant pop of color to your plate. Together, they make a balanced bite that’s nutritious, satisfying, and perfect for all kinds of eaters—even veggie skeptics will love this combo. Serve these at your next gathering or keep them on hand as a tasty side dish, and watch them disappear off the plate in no time!
If you’re new to the bacon-wrapped game, let me introduce you to some of my all-time favorites: Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, and Bacon-Wrapped Figs with Goat Cheese. I’m always on the lookout for more fun bacon-wrapped ideas, so if you have a favorite combo, drop it in the comments. I can’t wait to hear what you’re wrapping up!
I love to serve ’em with my Roast Tenderloin!
Bacon-Wrapped Carrots
Ingredients
- 2 pounds medium carrots, peeled and ends trimmed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 14 slices turkey bacon
- 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400℉.
- Coat a baking sheet with nonstick oil spray. Place carrots on baking sheet and mist with additional oil spray. Sprinkle on salt and pepper.
- Wrap a full slice of turkey bacon around each carrot, nice and snug, placing the bacon ends on the bottom so it doesn’t unravel.
- Roast in oven on middle rack for about 25-35 minutes (turkey bacon cooks up quickly and will be ready around the 25-minute mark while fattier pork bacon will take longer to crisp up and will be ready closer to the 35-minute mark).
- Remove and brush tops with maple syrup. Place back in oven for another 10 to 20 minutes. Carrots should be fork-tender and caramelized. Larger carrots will require more time in oven.
