These grilled carrots are simply amazing! Coated in a sweet honey brown sugar glaze, they turn tender and caramelized on the grill, making them a fun side dish everyone loves.
Honestly, they look so good, it’s hard to resist snatching a few right off the grill! I like to serve them with almost any meal—they add a pop of color and sweetness to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are great for grilling because they cook quickly and retain their sweetness. If baby carrots aren’t available, you can chop regular carrots into sticks or rounds. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the glaze stick to the carrots. If you don’t have olive oil, canola or avocado oil work well too. They have a neutral flavor and a good smoke point for grilling.
Honey & Brown Sugar: This combo creates the sweet glaze. If you want a vegan option, try maple syrup instead of honey. For a lower sugar option, you could use agave syrup or a sugar substitute.
Cinnamon: While it’s optional, cinnamon adds a nice warmth to the glaze. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it, or try nutmeg for a different flavor twist!
Pomegranate Seeds: These add a pop of color and sweetness. If you can’t find them, try chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even some raisins for a sweet garnish.
How Do I Make Sure My Carrots Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling carrots sounds simple, but it helps to keep a few tips in mind. The aim is to achieve a tender texture with lovely grill marks without burning them.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Make sure to toss the carrots well in the glaze; this helps them caramelize nicely during grilling.
- To check if they are done, pierce a carrot with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready. Aim for 10-15 minutes, turning them so they cook evenly.
Remember, patience is key. Don’t rush the cooking; let the glaze do its magic for those delicious caramelized flavors! Happy grilling!
Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh parsley or thyme
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled carrots recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 10-15 minutes for grilling. In total, you can expect it to take around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
First, get your grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat. This will make sure your carrots cook evenly and develop those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Glaze:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Stir everything together with a spoon until well combined. The glaze should look smooth and glossy.
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the peeled and trimmed baby carrots to your glaze. Toss them gently until all the carrots are fully coated in that tasty honey brown sugar mixture. Make sure every carrot gets a bit of glaze!
4. Grill the Carrots:
Place the glazed carrots directly on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll want them to be tender and to have those beautiful grill marks when they’re done.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once your carrots are grilled to perfection, take them off the grill and carefully transfer them to a serving platter. To make your dish even more appealing, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on top and add some fresh parsley or thyme as a garnish. Now, enjoy your delicious grilled carrots!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you’re using regular carrots, peel and cut them into sticks or slices to ensure they cook evenly on the grill. Try to keep the sizes consistent for even cooking, and adjust the grilling time as needed, typically increasing it by a few minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Honey? Can I Substitute It?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar dissolved in water for a similar sweetness and consistency. If you use sugar, start with about 1 tablespoon of sugar to 1 tablespoon of water and adjust according to taste.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. They may lose some texture but will still taste great!
Can I Make the Glaze in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the honey brown sugar glaze ahead of time. Mix the ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as ingredients may settle or separate!
