These grilled carrots are a sweet treat with a yummy honey brown sugar glaze that makes them shine! They turn tender and caramelized on the grill—so delicious!
I can’t resist the sweet smell of these carrots cooking! Pair them with your favorite meal, and watch everyone go back for seconds. It’s a simple way to wow at dinner time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are perfect for this dish due to their sweet crunch. If they’re not available, regular carrots work great too! Just cut them into strips to mimic the size and shape of baby carrots.
Olive Oil: This is essential for the glaze and helps with grilling. If you’re looking for a substitute, avocado oil has a similar flavor and high smoke point, making it a great choice.
Honey: Pure honey adds sweetness and a nice glaze, but you can use maple syrup if you want a vegan option. It provides a unique flavor that pairs well with the carrots.
Brown Sugar: It contributes to the caramelization. If you’re out, consider using coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with a little molasses as a substitute.
Ground Cinnamon: This is optional but really enhances flavor depth. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, feel free to leave it out or use a pinch of nutmeg for a warm flavor instead.
How Do You Grill Carrots to Get the Best Flavor?
Grilling carrots may sound simple, but there are a few tips to make them really shine. Start by preheating your grill. A medium-high heat is ideal for achieving those lovely grill marks without burning.
- Before grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if you want to keep the carrots together. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Coating the carrots evenly with the glaze helps to lock in moisture and add that sweet flavor. Toss them well!
- Grill the carrots in a single layer. This ensures they cook evenly. Turn them every few minutes to achieve even browning.
- Check for tenderness after about 8 minutes; they should be easily pierced with a fork but not mushy.
By following these steps, you’ll have deliciously grilled carrots that are caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside!
Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb (450 g) baby carrots or regular carrots, peeled and cut into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh parsley or thyme
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to grill, giving you a total of about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This is key to getting those lovely grill marks and cooking the carrots evenly.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Stir well until everything is nicely combined. This sweet and savory glaze is what makes the carrots so tasty!
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add your peeled and cut carrots into the bowl with the glaze. Toss them around gently until every carrot strip is well coated with that yummy mixture.
4. Grill the Carrots:
Place the glazed carrots on the grill in a single layer. Let them grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them to be tender and to show off those beautiful grill marks.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once the carrots are grilled to perfection, take them off the heat and move them to a serving platter. Add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley or thyme on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
6. Enjoy:
Dig in and enjoy your Grilled Carrots with Honey Brown Sugar Glaze warm! They’re sure to be a hit as a side dish!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you’re using regular carrots, just make sure to peel and cut them into thinner strips to ensure they cook evenly on the grill. Aim for similar sizes to baby carrots for the best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
No problem! Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This will maintain the sweetness without using any animal products, making it perfect for a vegan diet.
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
You can definitely roast the carrots in the oven! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), spread the coated carrots on a baking sheet, and roast for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and caramelized.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven or microwave until heated through. They make a great addition to salads or wraps!
