These grilled carrots are simply amazing, coated in a sweet honey brown sugar glaze that makes them irresistible! They get beautifully caramelized on the grill, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but sneak a few right off the grill. They’re the perfect side dish and will make you look like a cooking star! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: Baby carrots are sweet and tender, making them perfect for grilling. If you can’t find them, regular carrots work well, too! Just peel and cut them into long pieces to cook evenly.
Honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness to the glaze. If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup is a wonderful substitute that maintains the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar complements the honey with its rich flavor. You can swap it for coconut sugar for a more natural alternative, or even use white sugar in a pinch.
Cinnamon: Adding cinnamon brings warmth and depth to the dish. If you’re not a fan, feel free to leave it out or try nutmeg for a different twist.
Garnishes: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add color and freshness. Pomegranate seeds are optional but add a lovely crunch and tartness. If you don’t have those, you can use chopped nuts for texture.
How Can I Get the Carrots Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling carrots to perfection takes a bit of technique! The key is to cook them long enough for tenderness while getting those beautiful grill marks.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This ensures even cooking without burning the glaze.
- Coat the carrots well in the glaze mixture to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Place the carrots on the grill in a single layer. Avoid crowding them, so they cook evenly.
- Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want them tender but still a bit crisp.
Remember, every grill is different, so keep an eye on them and adjust the time as needed! Enjoy those sweet, caramelized flavors.
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or regular carrots, peeled and cut into long pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for added warmth)
For the Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or parsley
- Pomegranate seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 15 minutes to grill. So, in total, you’ll be ready to enjoy your sweet and savory grilled carrots in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This is important to ensure the carrots cook evenly and get nice grill marks.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and you have a smooth glaze.
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the baby carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss the carrots around gently until they are evenly coated in the sweet mixture. This step will help them absorb all that delicious flavor!
4. Grill the Carrots:
Place the coated carrots directly on the grill grates in a single layer. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks. They are done when they feel tender.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once the carrots are grilled to perfection, take them off the grill and place them on a serving plate. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top for extra flavor. Finally, sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley and, if you like, add some pomegranate seeds for that beautiful pop of color!
6. Enjoy!
These grilled carrots make a perfect side dish or snack. Serve them immediately and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Carrots?
Absolutely! While baby carrots are perfect for grilling, you can also use regular carrots. Just peel and cut them into long pieces for even cooking. Consider adjusting the cooking time, as larger pieces may take a bit longer to become tender.
Can I Substitute Agave Syrup for Honey?
Yes, agave syrup can be used instead of honey for a similar sweetness. Just remember, agave is a bit thinner, so you might want to slightly reduce the amount to prevent making the glaze too runny. Start with about 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store any leftover grilled carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or in the microwave for about 30 seconds, just until heated through.
Can I Grill Carrots in a Grill Basket?
Yes, using a grill basket is a great option! It prevents smaller pieces from falling through the grates and can help cook the carrots more evenly. Just ensure they are well-coated with the glaze to avoid sticking!
