These brown sugar honey glazed carrots are both sweet and simple to make! With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy tender, tasty carrots that are perfect for any meal.
Who knew carrots could be so delightful? They almost steal the spotlight from everything else on the plate! I like to serve them warm and watch everyone go back for seconds! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are sweet and tender, making them perfect for grilling. If you can’t find baby carrots, medium carrots work well too. Just peel and cut them lengthwise. I always prefer baby carrots for their ease of use!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the glaze. If you need a substitution, avocado oil or melted butter work nicely. I like using extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness and helps caramelize the carrots on the grill. You can use maple syrup for a vegan option. I find that clover honey pairs best with the carrots.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth to the sweetness. Feel free to swap it for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia if you’re watching your sugar intake. I generally use light brown sugar for a milder taste.
Ground Cinnamon: This is optional, but it adds a warm flavor that complements the sweetness. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or try nutmeg for a different twist.
How Do I Get the Best Grilled Carrots?
Grilling carrots can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll achieve a delicious, tender side dish. Here are some tips to ensure your carrots turn out perfectly grilled:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This ensures even cooking. If it’s too hot, the outside may burn before the inside is tender.
- Cutting the carrots lengthwise helps them grill evenly and allows for a quicker cooking time.
- Use a grill basket or skewers to keep the carrots from falling through the grates. If skewering, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Turn the carrots regularly. This helps them char nicely on all sides without burning.
Let them cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle. Enjoy your perfectly grilled carrots!
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 pound baby carrots (or medium carrots, peeled and cut lengthwise)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes for grilling, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a delicious side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure that your carrots cook evenly and can get that nice charred flavor.
2. Mix the Glaze:
In a large bowl, add the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon (if you’re using it). Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will be the tasty glaze that makes your carrots sweet and delicious!
3. Coat the Carrots:
Throw the baby carrots into the bowl with the glaze. Toss them around to make sure they’re all coated nicely with the sweet mix. You want each carrot to be covered in the glaze.
4. Prepare for Grilling:
Next, place the glazed carrots in a grill basket or thread them onto skewers. Make sure they’re not crowded; you want to leave some space between them for even grilling.
5. Grill the Carrots:
Put the carrots on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they get nice grill marks and cook evenly until they’re tender.
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are done, take the carrots off the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a serving plate and sprinkle the pomegranate seeds and any fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the grilled carrots warm as a delightful side dish. Enjoy the wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Carrots?
Absolutely! While baby carrots work best for even cooking, you can use medium-sized carrots cut lengthwise. Just ensure they’re uniform in size for consistent grilling. If using larger carrots, consider cutting them into thicker sticks.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Glaze?
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce either the honey or brown sugar by half. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the taste and consistency!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze and toss the carrots up to a day ahead. Just store the glazed carrots in the fridge. When you’re ready to grill, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store leftover grilled carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm them up quickly on the grill for that fresh-out-of-the-grill taste!
