These grilled carrots are both sweet and tasty! Tossed in a mix of honey and brown sugar, they turn a lovely caramel color and taste amazing with every bite.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but munch on a few straight off the grill. They’re like candy but way healthier! Plus, they pair perfectly with dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These sweet little veggies are perfect for grilling. If baby carrots aren’t available, you can cut regular carrots into sticks. They’ll still have great flavor!
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps the glaze stick. You can swap it for avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer. Both will work well!
Honey: For sweetness, honey is the star here. If you’re vegan, maple syrup is a tasty alternative that will still give you that sweet glaze.
Brown Sugar: This gives a wonderful caramel flavor. If you want a healthier option, try using coconut sugar. It has a similar taste and works great!
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth. If cinnamon isn’t your thing, nutmeg or allspice could also work. Just a pinch will do!
Pomegranate Seeds: These are a lovely garnish for color and crunch. If out of season, try chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch!
How Do I Ensure My Carrots Are Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling carrots may sound simple, but a few tips can make all the difference. First, make sure your grill is well-heated. This helps to create a nice char that enhances flavor.
- Coat the carrots evenly in the glaze mixture to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Place them on the grill in a single layer, which allows even cooking. If they overlap, they might steam rather than grill.
- Turn the carrots occasionally while they’re on the grill. This helps them cook evenly and get those nice grill marks we all love!
- Watch closely! Carrots can go from perfect to overcooked quickly, so check them after 15 minutes.
Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots, scrubbed and trimmed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to grill the carrots. So, in total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes to have this delightful dish ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the carrots cook evenly and get a nice char on them.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to mix everything together until well combined and smooth.
3. Coat the Carrots:
Now, add the cleaned baby carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss them gently until all the carrots are evenly coated with the sweet glaze mixture. This will give them a delicious flavor when grilled!
4. Grill the Carrots:
Carefully place the coated carrots directly on the grill grates in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded so they cook evenly. Grill the carrots for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them to be tender and have lovely grill marks, and the glaze should caramelize slightly on the outside.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once the carrots are done grilling, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. To make them look extra special, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and chopped fresh thyme or parsley over the top.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the grilled carrots warm as a delicious side dish. They’re sure to impress anyone at your table!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you’re using regular carrots, just cut them into sticks that are about the size of baby carrots for even cooking. You may need to increase the grilling time slightly, as larger pieces will take longer to become tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both will provide a similar sweetness and flavor. Just keep in mind that syrup may make the glaze a bit more runny, but it will still taste wonderful!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave, but for the best texture, consider giving them a quick sauté on the stovetop or grilling them briefly again to restore that char and warmth.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Grill?
Definitely! Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus would complement these grilled carrots nicely. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. Adjust the grilling time as needed based on the type of vegetable.
