These grilled carrots are a sweet treat! With a yummy honey and brown sugar glaze, they are tender and full of flavor. Perfect for a side dish that makes veggies fun!
I love how the grill gives them a smoky taste and brings out their natural sweetness. Plus, they look so pretty on the plate! Give this easy recipe a try at your next BBQ!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are perfect for grilling due to their small size and sweetness. If you can’t find baby carrots, regular carrots cut into similar-sized sticks work well too. Just remember to peel them first for a smoother texture!
Olive Oil: I love using extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, avocado oil is a fantastic substitute! It has a high smoke point, great for grilling.
Honey: Honey adds a lovely sweetness here. If you’re vegan, agave syrup or maple syrup can be good replacements. They also bring their unique flavors to the dish.
Brown Sugar: This gives a nice caramel-like touch. If you’re out of brown sugar, regular white sugar works, but a pinch of molasses mixed with white sugar can mimic that brown sugar taste well!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth. If you prefer something a bit spicer, try allspice or nutmeg instead, but be cautious as they are more potent!
How Can I Grill Carrots to Perfection?
Grilling carrots is simple, but there are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious. Making sure they’re evenly coated in the glaze helps them cook well and flavorfully.
- First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This heat helps create nice grill marks and cook the carrots evenly.
- Toss the carrots gently in the glaze until completely coated. You want every piece to absorb those sweet flavors!
- When grilling, place the carrots directly on the grates for maximum flavor and char. Use tongs to turn them occasionally—this keeps them from burning and helps them cook evenly.
- Keep an eye on them! They usually take about 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness.
Lastly, a sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brightens everything up. Enjoy your grilling experience!
Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb baby carrots (washed and trimmed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to grill. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy, perfect for a tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure the carrots cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
2. Mix the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth; this will be the delicious glaze for your carrots!
3. Toss the Carrots:
Add the washed and trimmed baby carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Using a spatula or your hands, toss the carrots until they are evenly coated in that sweet, sticky mixture.
4. Grill the Carrots:
Now, place the glazed carrots directly on the hot grill grates. Grill the carrots for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and have beautiful grill marks.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once grilled, remove the carrots from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter. Sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley over the top for a lovely touch. If you want to add a pop of color and sweetness, toss on some pomegranate seeds before serving.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your warm, glazed grilled carrots and enjoy this yummy dish! They make a perfect side for any meal.
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you’re using regular carrots, just cut them into similar-sized sticks or rounds to ensure they cook evenly. Also, you might need to adjust the grilling time slightly, maybe adding an extra 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your carrot pieces.
Can I Substitute Maple Syrup for Honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a great alternative to honey if you’re looking for a vegan option or just prefer its flavor! Use the same amount as specified in the recipe for a sweet glaze.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or the grill; if grilling, just toss them on the grates for a few minutes to warm through without losing that yummy char flavor!
What Other Herbs Can I Use Instead of Thyme or Parsley?
If you don’t have thyme or parsley on hand, feel free to use other fresh herbs like cilantro or dill for a different flavor profile. Just sprinkle them on top as a garnish before serving.
