These grilled carrots with honey brown sugar glaze are sweet and smoky, making them a fantastic side dish! Just a few simple ingredients turn regular carrots into a tasty treat.
I’ve got to say, the glaze makes them taste so good that you’ll want to eat them straight off the grill! 🍯 Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—perfect for impressing your dinner guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are great for grilling because they cook evenly. If you can’t find baby carrots, regular carrots work too. Just cut them into sticks for similar cooking times.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or canola oil will also do just fine!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and depth. If you want a vegan version, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. They will give a lovely flavor too.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar helps to caramelize and gives a nice sweetness. If you’re out, white sugar with a bit of molasses mixed in works as a good stand-in.
Cinnamon: This is optional but adds a warm touch. If cinnamon’s not your thing, try nutmeg or skip it altogether.
How Do You Grill Carrots for the Best Flavor and Texture?
Grilling carrots can be straightforward if you keep a few tips in mind. The goal is to get them tender and a bit charred for that smoky flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat; this prevents sticking and helps them cook evenly.
- Mix the glaze well; ensuring each carrot is evenly coated will amplify the flavor. Don’t skip on tossing them properly!
- Grill them for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook all around. You want them tender with nice grill marks.
Lastly, let the grilled carrots rest for a minute before garnishing for flavors to settle. Enjoy your delicious side dish!
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled carrots recipe will take about 25-30 minutes total. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes to prepare and mix everything, plus another 10-15 minutes for grilling. In no time, you’ll have a tasty side dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This step is important to ensure the carrots cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Glaze:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and forms a sweet glaze that will coat the carrots perfectly.
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the cleaned baby carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss the carrots gently, making sure they’re all coated evenly in that delicious mixture.
4. Grill the Carrots:
Place the carrots on a grill pan or directly on the grill grates. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Keep an eye on them—they should become tender and get a nice char.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once the carrots are done, remove them from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley or thyme over the top for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the grilled carrots warm as a delightful side to your favorite main course. Enjoy the sweetness and the beautiful presentation!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! Just slice larger carrots into uniform pieces, about the same size as baby carrots, to ensure even cooking. You may need to grill them a little longer than 10-15 minutes, so check for tenderness before removing them from the grill.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. This will keep the sweetness while aligning with a vegan diet. The rest of the recipe remains the same!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can roast the carrots in the oven instead. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the glazed carrots on a baking sheet, and roast for about 20-25 minutes, tossing them halfway through for even cooking and caramelization.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or sauté in a pan on low heat until heated through. Adding a drizzle of olive oil while reheating can help maintain moisture and flavor.
