These grilled carrots are a fun and tasty side dish! With a sweet honey brown sugar glaze, they’re perfect for brightening up any meal. They get a nice char on the grill, making them super appealing.
I love how the glaze makes each bite a delightful mix of sweet and smoky. Plus, they’re easy to make! Just grill and enjoy, and you might catch yourself sneaking extra bites, like I always do! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are sweet and tender, perfect for grilling. If you can’t find baby carrots, you can cut regular carrots into sticks or slices. Just remember that thicker pieces will take longer to cook.
Olive Oil: This gives a nice flavor and helps the glaze stick. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil is a great substitute with a high smoke point. Sunflower or canola oil also work well.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize. If you prefer something vegan, maple syrup or agave nectar are excellent substitutes for a similar taste.
Brown Sugar: For that delicious caramelization. You can also use coconut sugar for a more natural option, or white sugar in a pinch, though the flavor might be a bit different.
Ground Cinnamon: This is optional but really enhances the flavor. If you don’t have it, you might consider nutmeg or even a pinch of allspice to give it a warm, spiced flavor.
How Do I Grill Carrots to Get Them Perfectly Tender?
Grilling carrots can be tricky, but with the right approach, they can come out tender and flavorful. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat to ensure an even cook. Here are some steps to follow:
- Make sure your carrots are coated well in the glaze; this not only adds flavor but also helps with caramelization.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the grill to promote even cooking. Avoid overcrowding; this helps them to roast rather than steam.
- Turn the carrots every few minutes to get that nice char. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, as cooking time can vary based on carrot thickness.
- A good indicator they are done is when they are fork-tender and have nice grill marks.
Letting them cool for a moment before garnishing with herbs and pomegranate seeds adds a beautiful touch and enhances the dish’s presentation.
Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 5 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to grill. In total, you should set aside about 20 minutes to make this delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
First things first, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give the carrots the perfect smoky flavor as they cook.
2. Making the Glaze:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon if you’re using it. Make sure everything is well combined. This glaze will make the carrots sweet and delicious!
3. Coating the Carrots:
Add the peeled and trimmed baby carrots to your bowl of glaze. Toss them gently until they are all evenly coated in that yummy mixture. You want each carrot to soak in that sweet flavor.
4. Grilling the Carrots:
Next, arrange the glazed carrots in a single layer on the grill grates. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and have some nice grill marks. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary based on how thick your carrots are!
5. Serving It Up:
Once your grilled carrots are ready, take them off the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs over the top for a fresh and colorful garnish.
6. Enjoy!
Serve these warm as a sweet and smoky side dish. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you’re using regular carrots, cut them into evenly sized sticks or rounds for even cooking. You may need to adjust the grilling time to ensure they’re tender—regular carrots may take a bit longer than baby carrots, typically around 15-20 minutes depending on their size.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, agave syrup or maple syrup work well for a similar sweetness. Just remember that agave syrup is a bit sweeter than honey, so you might want to reduce the amount slightly to taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the glaze in advance and toss the carrots just before grilling. The carrots can also be prepped by trimming and peeling them a day ahead—store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This makes it a breeze to have everything ready for a quick side dish!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to retain their flavors. However, note that they might lose some of their crispiness when reheated.
