These grilled carrots are a sweet treat! With a yummy glaze made of honey and brown sugar, they get a lovely caramelized finish that makes veggies exciting.
The best part? It’s super easy to make! Just toss the carrots on the grill, brush with that sweet glaze, and watch them turn golden. Your family will love these colorful bites!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are sweet and tender, perfect for grilling. If you can’t find baby carrots, you can cut regular carrots into sticks or slices. Just remember, they might take a bit longer to cook.
Honey: Honey adds a delightful sweetness to the glaze. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead. Both will give a nice flavor.
Brown Sugar: This enhances the caramelization when grilling. If you’re out, you can replace it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. Or simply use coconut sugar for a healthier option!
Fresh Thyme: For a lovely herby touch, use fresh thyme as a garnish. If you can’t find it, dried thyme works too, but use less since it’s more concentrated. A sprinkle will do!
Pomegranate Seeds: They add a pop of color and flavor. If you don’t have them, try chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture instead.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Carrots?
Grilling carrots is a fun way to enhance their natural sweetness. To ensure they cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks, follow these tips:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat; this helps to caramelize the glaze quickly.
- Toss the carrots thoroughly in the glaze to ensure every piece is well coated. This maxes out their flavor.
- Grill in a single layer, turning occasionally. Aim for about 2-3 minutes per side, keeping an eye on them so they don’t burn.
- Test for tenderness with a fork. They should be tender but not mushy, with a nice char.
Finally, let them cool slightly before garnishing! This keeps them warm while avoiding overcooking. Enjoy your beautifully grilled carrots!
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Optional: Lemon juice for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful grilling recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. All in all, you can have this delicious side dish ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for brightening up your meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your carrots will sear nicely and develop those lovely grill marks.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s mixed well and forms a smooth glaze. This sweet and spicy mixture will enhance the flavor of the carrots beautifully!
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the peeled baby carrots to the bowl and toss them gently in the glaze. Make sure every carrot is well-coated—you want that delicious glaze to stick!
4. Grill the Carrots:
Once your grill is hot, place the carrots in a single layer on the grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’re looking for them to become tender and have nice caramelized grill marks. This is where the magic happens!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the grilled carrots from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Let’s make them look even nicer! Garnish the carrots with fresh thyme and sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for a pop of color and flavor. If you like, drizzle some fresh lemon juice over them for added brightness.
6. Enjoy!
Serve these mouthwatering carrots immediately as a tasty side dish. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors that will surely impress everyone at your table!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Yes, you can definitely use regular carrots! Just cut them into sticks or rounds that are similar in size to baby carrots, around 2-3 inches long, to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that they might take a bit longer to grill, so check for tenderness after about 15-20 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a honey substitute, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. If you prefer a sugar-only option, you could increase the brown sugar to about 4 tablespoons and simply adjust the texture of the glaze with a splash of water if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave, or for extra flavor, give them a quick toss in a hot skillet with a little olive oil.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze and toss the carrots in it up to a day in advance. Just keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. It’s best to grill them fresh, but prepping ahead of time can save you some effort when you’re ready to cook!
