17 Sweet and Savory Ways to Make the Most of Maple Syrup

Bread pudding, glazed carrots, crêpes—they all benefit from this sweet sap

By | Published Jan 22, 2016 6:00 PM

Maple Squares with Walnuts
Serve these chewy dessert squares in shallow bowls, with a pitcher of cream to be poured over the top. Todd Coleman

There’s no better time to make use of maple syrup than in late winter and early spring, when the trees are tapped and the syrup is bottled all over the Northeast and Canada. We love the woody sweetness it adds to crêpes, bread pudding, and pie, but the syrup isn’t just for desserts—it also pairs well with roasted meats and vegetables (especially those that are orange). Here are our 17 best maple syrup-drizzled dishes.

Homemade Granola

Homemade Granola with Apricots, Blueberries, and Almonds

Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

A veil of luscious caramel sauce cloaks a gooey, indulgent bread pudding from Canada’s Prince Edward Island. Get the recipe for Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce »

Strawberry Focaccia with Maple-Balsamic Onions

This boldly flavored bread is a great use for not-too-sweet strawberries, which caramelize and intensify in flavor while cooking. The onion and balsamic vinegar add a welcome tartness. Get the recipe for Strawberry Focaccia with Maple-Balsamic Onions »

Crêpes with Maple Sugar and Syrup

Layered and rolled with sweet amber sugar and syrup, these make an indulgent breakfast or dessert. Get the recipe for Crêpes with Maple Sugar and Syrup »

Wet Nuts

You’ll find this classic topping of lightly-toasted walnuts in a gooey, sticky sauce in ice cream parlors across the country. Get the recipe for Wet Nuts »

Maple Syrup Milkshake

Vanilla ice cream is a natural partner for dark, Grade B syrup: simple and bracingly cold, with overlapping layers of sweetness, they’re at their best blended together in a milkshake. Get the recipe for Maple Syrup Milkshake »

Maple-Glazed Carrots

Braising carrots slowly in butter, rather than steaming or boiling them, brings out their natural sweetness. Maple syrup adds a delicate glaze and a rich flavor. Get the recipe for Maple-Glazed Carrots »

Maple-and-Mustard-Glazed Ham

Brining the fresh ham prior to roasting keeps the meat moist and succulent in this roast. The glaze can be made up to a week in advance. Get the recipe for Maple-and-Mustard-Glazed Ham »

Maple Pumpkin Brûlée Pie

Maple syrup is folded into the filling of this take on a classic. Just before serving, the chilled pie is brûléed, yielding a caramelized top with a dramatic crunch. Get the recipe for Maple Pumpkin Brûlée Pie »

Maple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Maple syrup enhances the sweetness of this simple sweet potato mash. Get the recipe for Maple Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes »

Maple Syrup Dumplings

The warm flavor of maple syrup enhances rich dumplings in a super-simple, comforting dessert.

Maple Glaze

Maple syrup adds its beautiful amber color and warm flavor to a basic, creamy icing. Get the recipe for Maple Glaze »

Apple and Kale Salad with Black Sesame and Cashews

Crunchy cashews coated with maple syrup and sesame seeds, and a boldly piquant dressing of Shanxi vinegar, add texture and verve to the classic kale salad.

Maple Squares with Walnuts

Serve these chewy dessert squares in shallow bowls, with a pitcher of cream to be poured over the top.

Maple-Bacon Popcorn

Smoky bacon, sweet maple, and a kick of black pepper make for an entirely addictive bowl of popcorn. Get the recipe for Maple-Bacon Popcorn »

Maple Pot de Crème

Creamy custard sweetened with maple syrup makes a lovely ending to any meal. Get the recipe for Maple Pot de Crème »

Maple Syrup-Roasted Tomatoes

Maple syrup intensifies the sweetness of roasted tomatoes—serve these with toothpicks as an appetizer or use them to top salads, pizza, and pastas.

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