Grilled and Glazed Carrots

This sweet and savory grilled carrots recipe transforms an ordinary vegetable into a caramelized delight. The honey-brown sugar glaze adds just the right balance of sweetness while the grill marks provide a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the natural sweetness of carrots.

I first made these grilled carrots for Easter dinner when I needed a quick vegetable that wouldn't take up precious oven space. They were such a hit that they've become a regular at our family gatherings year-round.

Ingredients

• Carrots: Cut larger ones lengthwise to ensure even cooking and maximum surface area for caramelization
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the carrots develop beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking
• Butter: Creates a rich foundation for the glaze
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses note that plain sugar lacks
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create that perfect sticky glaze
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors
• Orange juice (optional): Adds brightness and citrus notes that complement the carrots beautifully
• Cinnamon (optional): Warming spice that pairs wonderfully with the honey and brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Grill:

Set up your grill for both direct and indirect cooking zones targeting 450 degrees. This dual-zone setup gives you control over how quickly the carrots cook and allows you to move them around as needed.

Prepare the Carrots:

Toss the pound of carrots thoroughly in olive oil to coat every surface. The oil not only prevents sticking but also helps conduct heat evenly across the vegetable surface for better char.

Grill with Precision:

Place carrots directly over high heat and rotate them every few minutes to achieve beautiful char marks on each side. Watch them carefully as thinner parts will cook faster. If they start to char too quickly move them to indirect heat. Total cooking time should be 12-15 minutes until they reach fork-tender perfection.

Create the Glaze:

While the carrots are grilling combine butter brown sugar honey and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk frequently until the sugar completely dissolves creating a smooth silky glaze. Add cinnamon and orange juice if using for extra depth of flavor.

Apply the Glaze:

Brush the glaze onto the carrots just before removing them from the grill allowing them to cook for one additional minute so the glaze can begin to caramelize. Remove them from heat and apply a second coat of glaze for maximum flavor and shine.

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The honey in this recipe is truly the secret ingredient. I keep a jar of local wildflower honey specifically for this dish because its floral notes complement the earthy sweetness of the carrots perfectly. My daughter now requests these carrots for her birthday dinner every year calling them "candy carrots."

Make-Ahead Options

These carrots can be partially prepared in advance to save time during busy meal preparation. Clean and slice your carrots up to two days before cooking and store them in cold water in the refrigerator. Drain and dry thoroughly before grilling. You can even make the glaze a day ahead simply reheat it gently before applying to the grilled carrots.

Ingredient Substitutions

No grill available? These carrots can be roasted in a 425°F oven for about 20 minutes flipping halfway through. You will miss some of the smoky char but the caramelization will still be delicious. Maple syrup works wonderfully in place of honey for a different flavor profile. For a dairy-free version substitute coconut oil for butter. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze creates a more savory version perfect for pairing with roasted meats.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these glazed carrots alongside grilled chicken roasted turkey or holiday ham for a complete meal. They pair particularly well with dishes that have herbs like rosemary or thyme. For a stunning presentation arrange the glazed carrots on a white platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or mint. The bright green against the orange creates a beautiful contrast. These carrots are substantial enough to serve as part of a vegetarian main course alongside a grain like quinoa or farro.

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Storage and Reheating

Leftover glazed carrots will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Alternatively microwave them on 70% power to avoid making them too soft. The glaze may thin out during storage so consider making a small batch of fresh glaze if serving leftovers for a special meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I ensure the carrots cook evenly on the grill?

Rotate the carrots regularly as they cook over direct heat. If some are cooking faster, move them to indirect heat to prevent burning.

→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, the glaze can be made ahead of time and kept warm on low heat. Reheat gently if it thickens before using.

→ How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?

To make the glaze less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. You can also omit one or substitute with a lower-sugar alternative.

→ What can I substitute for orange juice in the glaze?

Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can provide a similar tangy contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.

→ What other spices work well with the glaze?

Ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice can be added for a warm, aromatic twist to complement the cinnamon.