These brown sugar honey glazed carrots are simply delightful! With their sweet and sticky coating, they add a burst of flavor to any meal. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
I love how colorful they look on my dinner table. It’s hard to resist sneaking a few pieces while they’re cooking! Your guests will definitely ask for the recipe. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Baby carrots are sweet, colorful, and perfect for grilling. If you can’t find them, you can use larger carrots. Just cut them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the glaze stick. If you’re out, feel free to swap with avocado oil or another neutral oil.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness. If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup works really well too. Just remember it might change the flavor slightly!
Brown Sugar: This contributes to the caramelization and gives a deeper sweetness. Coconut sugar or maple sugar are great substitutes if you want something less processed.
Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances the dish with its aromatic flavor. Dried thyme is okay, but reduce the amount since it’s more potent. Alternatively, rosemary is a tasty swap if you prefer a different herb!
How Can I Ensure My Grilled Carrots Are Perfectly Cooked?
Grilling carrots might seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat for a good sear. If using larger carrots, slice them lengthwise to ensure even cooking. This also helps them cook faster!
- Prep the glaze by whisking together olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and thyme in a bowl.
- Toss the trimmed carrots in the glaze so they are completely coated. This step helps to infuse flavor and promote caramelization.
- Place them on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking and beautiful grill marks.
Keep an eye on them, though! You want them tender and slightly charred, not mushy. Enjoy these sweet, grilled delights!
How to Make Grilled Carrots With Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- Additional thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to grill, making it a quick and delicious side dish to whip up! In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Carrots:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If you are using larger carrots, slice them in half lengthwise. This helps them cook evenly and grill beautifully.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and thyme until everything is well mixed and fragrant. This glaze will add a wonderful sweetness to your carrots!
3. Coat the Carrots:
Toss the trimmed baby carrots with the glaze mixture in a large bowl. Make sure that each carrot is nicely coated so they can absorb all that deliciousness!
4. Grill the Carrots:
Once the grill is hot, place your glazed carrots on it. Grill them for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when they are nice and tender with beautiful grill marks.
5. Serve:
After grilling, transfer your carrots to a serving platter. For a pop of color, garnish with pomegranate seeds and sprinkle some extra thyme leaves on top if you like.
6. Enjoy:
Serve these warm and enjoy your delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Substitute Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! While baby carrots work beautifully, you can also use other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just adjust the grilling time based on the thickness of the vegetable – softer veggies like zucchini will grill much quicker than carrots.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be excellent substitutes. They’ll give a similar sweetness, though the flavor will be a bit different. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for honey.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover grilled carrots can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or heat them in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make the Glaze in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze up to a day ahead. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken a bit when chilled.
