These grilled carrots are a sweet and smoky treat! Tossed in a delicious honey brown sugar glaze, they turn tender and tasty on the grill.
What’s not to love? I enjoy serving these alongside dinner or even snacking on them. They brighten up my plate and make me feel like a cooking champ! 🥕✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Young carrots offer a sweet flavor and tender texture, but baby carrots are a handy alternative. If you want something different, try parsnips for a unique twist!
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the glaze. If you prefer, use avocado oil for a milder taste or even coconut oil for a bit of sweetness.
Honey: I like using pure honey, but maple syrup can work too, especially for a vegan option. Just keep in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar enhances the glaze’s caramelization. If you’re out, white sugar mixed with a touch of molasses can be a great substitute. For a healthier alternative, try coconut sugar.
Fresh Thyme: This herb adds an earthy note. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme—just use a little less, about a third of the amount since it’s more potent dried.
How Can I Get Perfectly Grilled Carrots?
Grilling your carrots can be a game-changer for flavor! Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice char without burning.
- Creating the glaze is essential. Mix well in a bowl so every carrot gets coated evenly. This enhances the taste.
- When grilling, place the carrots directly on the grill and turn them occasionally. This helps them cook through and get those beautiful grill marks.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Test for doneness by gently piercing a carrot with a fork; they should be tender but not mushy.
Drizzling leftover glaze on top right before serving adds an extra touch of flavor! Enjoy your delightful side dish!
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 pound young carrots, peeled (or baby carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for grilling. So, you can make it in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick and tasty side dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will give your carrots those perfect grill marks and a nice char.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Stir well to create a delicious glaze that will coat the carrots beautifully.
3. Coat the Carrots:
Add the peeled carrots to your bowl with the glaze. Toss them around gently until they are well coated with the sweet mixture.
4. Grill the Carrots:
Place the coated carrots directly on the grill. Let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning them every once in a while. They should become tender and develop nice grill marks.
5. Serve the Carrots:
Once the carrots are done, take them off the grill and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top for extra flavor.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off by garnishing with extra fresh thyme and pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious side dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Carrots for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While young carrots or baby carrots work best, you can also use regular carrots. Just make sure to peel and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Thicker carrot pieces may need additional grilling time, so keep an eye on them!
What if I Don’t Have Honey? Any Substitutes?
If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Just use the same quantity as you would honey. If you prefer a sugar-free option, try using a sugar-free sweetener like stevia, adjusting to taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store leftover grilled carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheating them on the grill for a few minutes to regain that lovely grilled flavor works wonders!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time! Just mix the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and thyme, and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may settle over time.
