These grilled carrots are a tasty treat! Coated in a sweet honey brown sugar glaze, they get caramelized and extra special on the grill. Perfect as a side dish!
Shh! Sometimes I enjoy nibbling on them straight from the grill before they hit the table. They are that good! Just make sure to save some for everyone else, okay? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: Baby carrots are sweet and tender, perfect for grilling. If you can’t find them, regular carrots cut into sticks work just as well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time since larger pieces may take longer.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and a nice glaze. Maple syrup is a great substitute if you want to keep it vegan. It brings a different flavor but still delicious!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar enhances caramelization. If you run out, white sugar mixed with a little molasses will do the trick. Use one tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar.
Cinnamon: I love the warmth cinnamon brings. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or try nutmeg for a different spice kick.
Pomegranate Seeds: These add a pop of color and flavor. If they’re out of season, chopped nuts or dried cranberries can lend a nice crunch and sweetness instead.
How Can I Grill Carrots to Get Them Just Right?
Grilling carrots can be a bit tricky if you’re not careful. First, make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat to avoid burning them too quickly. The glaze makes them sweet, so you want that balance!
- After tossing your carrots, use a grill basket or skewers to keep them from falling through the grates.
- Turn them every few minutes. This helps them cook evenly and develop beautiful char marks.
- Test for doneness by piercing with a fork. They should be tender but still have a slight crunch!
- Finally, after grilling, let them rest for a minute. This helps the flavors settle before serving.
Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
For the Carrots:
- 2 pounds baby carrots, trimmed
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- Additional fresh thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for grilling, so you can have these delicious grilled carrots ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to a medium heat. This will help to get those lovely grill marks on the carrots and cook them evenly.
2. Prepare the Glaze:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This sweet glaze is what will make your carrots shine!
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the cleaned and trimmed baby carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss the carrots gently until they’re completely coated in that delicious mixture. Make sure every carrot gets a nice layer of glaze!
4. Grill the Carrots:
Place the glazed carrots on the grill. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want them to become tender and get nice grill marks all around.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the carrots are grilled to perfection, take them off the grill. Sprinkle with the fresh thyme and pomegranate seeds to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy these delightful grilled carrots!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Absolutely! If you’re using regular carrots, just cut them into sticks or slices about the same thickness as baby carrots for even cooking. Keep in mind that they may take a little longer to grill, so check for tenderness after about 20 minutes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious! Make sure to adjust the sweetness to your liking, as maple syrup can be a bit less sweet than honey.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, consider using the grill or an oven to maintain some of that lovely charred flavor.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus would all pair nicely with the honey brown sugar glaze. Just make sure to adjust the grilling time based on the vegetable’s cook time. Toss them alongside the carrots but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
