These grilled carrots are sweet and tasty with a delicious honey brown sugar glaze! They’re easy to make and add a lovely color to your plate.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but sneak a bite before they hit the table. The sweet glaze makes them feel like a treat, and they’re perfect for any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Medium-sized, fresh carrots are best for this recipe. If you can’t find them, baby carrots will work too. Just adjust the grilling time since they’ll cook faster.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its great flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil or melted coconut oil can also be used.
Honey: Honey adds a wonderful sweetness, but you can use maple syrup as a vegan alternative. It’s delicious and still provides a lovely glaze.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar is ideal, but dark brown sugar will give a deeper flavor. If you’re avoiding sugar, coconut sugar can be a great substitute.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme is key for flavor, but if you don’t have it, dried thyme works too — just use half the amount. Rosemary is another fragrant option.
How Do I Grill Carrots Without Burning Them?
Grilling carrots can be tricky since they can burn easily. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfect:
- Make sure to preheat your grill. This helps cook them evenly.
- Toss the carrots in the glaze thoroughly. This not only adds flavor but also helps form a protective layer during grilling.
- Grill on medium heat and turn them often, about every 5 minutes. This prevents burning and gives you nice grill marks.
- Check for tenderness by inserting a fork. They should be soft but not mushy.
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 pound medium-sized carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes in total to prepare and grill your carrots. This includes a quick 10-minute prep for mixing the glaze and tossing the carrots, and about 15-20 minutes to grill them to perfection. Easy and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to a medium heat. This will ensure the carrots cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
2. Making the Glaze:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. This creates a tasty glaze that will make your carrots shine!
3. Coating the Carrots:
Now, add the peeled and trimmed carrots to the bowl with the glaze. Toss them well, making sure each carrot is evenly coated with that sweet, sticky goodness.
4. Grilling the Carrots:
When the grill is ready, place the glazed carrots directly on the grill grates. Grill them for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and have beautiful grill marks.
5. Serving the Carrots:
Carefully take the grilled carrots off the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the bowl over the top for extra flavor.
6. Adding the Finishing Touches:
For a colorful and tasty finish, garnish your carrots with fresh thyme leaves and sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on top. This step makes the dish not only delicious but also pretty!
7. Enjoying Your Dish:
Serve the grilled carrots warm, with lemon wedges on the side if you want a bright, zesty kick. Enjoy your delightful dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Carrots?
Absolutely! While medium-sized carrots are great, you can also use baby carrots or larger carrots cut into similar sizes. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while grilling to ensure they don’t overcook.
What Can I Use Instead of Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works well! Both options will provide sweetness and enhance the flavor. Just keep in mind that you may want to adjust the amount slightly, as these can be a bit sweeter than honey.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Carrots?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or pop them back on the grill for a few minutes. You may want to add a splash of olive oil to help revitalize the flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Grill?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the carrots in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated carrots on a baking sheet, and roast for about 25-30 minutes until they are tender and caramelized, turning halfway through.
