These grilled carrots are sweet, smoky, and so easy to make! With a shiny honey-brown sugar glaze, every bite is packed with yummy flavor. Perfect as a side dish!
I love how the grill adds a lovely char to the carrots. They’re so good, I sometimes eat them straight off the grill—no need for plates! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are perfect for grilling because they’re small and sweet. If you can’t find them, regular carrots cut into sticks will work too. Just make sure they’re similar in size for even cooking.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps with grilling. For a different flavor, feel free to swap it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you want a lightened oil option.
Honey & Brown Sugar: They create the glaze’s sweetness. Maple syrup is a great alternative to honey, while coconut sugar can replace brown sugar if you’d like a healthier option.
Cinnamon: This adds warmth to the dish. If you want a unique twist, try nutmeg or allspice instead, but use them sparingly as they’re stronger in flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Carrots Grill Perfectly?
Grilling carrots can be simple, but getting them just right needs a bit of attention. First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning. Thinly coat them with the glaze mixture to enhance their flavor.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the grill to allow for proper cooking.
- Turn them every few minutes to achieve a nice char and prevent sticking.
- Keep an eye on them because small carrots grill faster than larger ones. You want them tender, not mushy!
Once done, the glaze will caramelize slightly, adding great texture. Enjoy your beautifully grilled carrots!
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound baby carrots, washed and trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus another 10-15 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll spend around 25-30 minutes to create these tasty grilled carrots. Just enough time to have a wonderful side dish ready for your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill basket or skewers to hold the carrots, make sure to prepare them ahead of time for easy grilling.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Keep mixing until everything is well combined and the sugar starts to dissolve into a lovely glaze.
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the washed and trimmed baby carrots to the bowl. Toss them well in the glaze until they are evenly coated. This will ensure every bite is deliciously sweet and flavorful.
4. Grill the Carrots:
Arrange the glazed carrots on the grill, spreading them out in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them to become tender and slightly charred for that perfect grilled flavor!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once they’re done grilling, remove the carrots from the grill and place them on a serving plate. To make them extra special, sprinkle some pomegranate seeds and chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds a lovely color and freshness.
6. Enjoy!
Serve the grilled carrots immediately and enjoy the sweet and smoky flavors that make this dish so delightful!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you prefer regular carrots, just peel and cut them into sticks that are about the size of baby carrots. Keep in mind that they may take a bit longer to grill, so check for tenderness after 15 minutes and continue grilling if needed.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need to substitute honey, maple syrup is a great alternative that will also add a nice sweetness. Just use the same amount as honey in the recipe, but keep in mind it may give a slightly different flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on a grill or in the oven at low heat until heated through, as microwaving may make them a bit soggy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prep the carrots and glaze in advance! Just coat the carrots in the glaze and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 hours. When you’re ready to grill, just take them out and grill as directed. They’ll soak up even more flavor this way!
