These grilled carrots are a perfect sweet-and-savory treat. With a honey and brown sugar glaze, they turn from ordinary to extraordinary on the grill!
I love how easy they are to make—just toss them on the grill and watch as the glaze caramelizes. They make a great side that will impress everyone at dinner! 🥕✨
Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are sweet and tender, perfect for grilling. If you can’t find them, use regular carrots cut into sticks. They’ll still roast up nicely!
Olive Oil: A staple for grilling, olive oil helps create a lovely glaze. You can replace it with avocado oil for a different flavor that also has a high smoke point.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. If you’re vegan, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. Both will give a lovely sweetness!
Brown Sugar: This enhances the glaze’s richness. Coconut sugar or maple sugar are excellent swaps if you want a different flavor or a healthier option.
Ground Cinnamon: It brings warmth to the dish. Feel free to skip it if you’re not a fan, or try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist.
How Do I Get Grilled Carrots Perfectly Tender?
Grilling carrots is an art! Follow these tips for tender, flavorful results:
- First, make sure your grill is at medium heat. Too hot can char the outside before the inside cooks.
- Coat carrots well with the glaze to help them caramelize and become tender.
- Grill them for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. To check if they’re done, pierce one with a fork—it should go through easily.
Let them rest for a minute before serving. This helps the flavors settle in!
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots (or regular carrots, cut into sticks)
- 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 added warmth)
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll spend around 30 minutes getting these flavorful grilled carrots on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
First, you’ll want to get your grill heating up. Preheat it to medium heat so it’s ready for the carrots. This will ensure they cook perfectly and get those nice grill marks!
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon (if you’re adding it). Use a whisk to combine everything until it’s well mixed. This glaze will give the carrots a wonderful sweet and savory flavor!
3. Coat the Carrots:
Now, add the baby carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss them gently until they are fully coated in the sweet mixture. This step is important for ensuring that every bite is flavorful!
4. Grill the Carrots:
It’s time to grill! Place the glazed carrots directly onto the grill. Grill them for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them to become tender and develop some beautiful grill marks.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once the carrots are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. To make them even more appealing, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the top and add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color!
6. Enjoy:
These grilled carrots are best enjoyed warm! Serve them up and savor the delightful sweet and savory flavors of your honey brown sugar glazed carrots. Enjoy!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! Just peel and cut regular carrots into sticks about the same size as baby carrots to ensure even cooking. Aim for pieces that are around 1-2 inches in length to maintain tenderness on the grill.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute it with agave nectar or maple syrup. Both will provide a similar sweetness; just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly. Also, use equal amounts as the recipe calls for honey.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop quickly over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to refresh the flavor if needed.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Just remember they may have different cooking times, so cut them into similar sizes as the carrots to ensure even grilling. You might need to adjust the grilling time based on the veggies you choose.