If you’re looking for a side dish that will totally steal the spotlight, my Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe is it! Sweet, smoky, and glistening from a buttery honey-brown sugar glaze, these carrots are a total game-changer for weekday meals or festive gatherings. Honestly, once you try this recipe, plain roasted carrots just won’t cut it anymore!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievable Flavor Combo: The earthy sweetness of carrots kissed by smoky grill marks and finished with a warm, buttery honey-brown sugar glaze is absolute perfection!
- Easy and Quick: You need just 25 minutes and simple ingredients you probably already have, so you can whip up this standout side even on busy weeknights.
- Impressively Versatile: These glazed carrots pair with everything from grilled chicken to holiday roasts—and they’ll look gorgeous at your next dinner party.
- Crowd-Pleasing for All Ages: Kids and adults alike go wild for these carrots—the glaze alone will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe relies on just a handful of pantry staples and fresh carrots for maximum flavor. Each ingredient plays a delicious role in making these carrots pop, whether it’s deepening sweetness, adding glossy shine, or building subtle warmth and spice.
- Carrots (1 pound): Look for slender, firm carrots—if yours are thick, halve them lengthwise so they grill evenly and get that perfect tender bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): A drizzle helps the carrots char beautifully and keeps them from sticking to the grill.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness to the glaze and helps the sugar melt into silky perfection.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): The molasses notes give the glaze that craveworthy caramel taste.
- Honey (1/4 cup): For glossy, floral sweetness that clings beautifully to the grilled carrots.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Just a pinch balances all that sweetness and wakes up the flavors.
- Orange juice (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a pop of citrusy brightness—perfect for spring feasts.
- Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A little spice adds warmth and depth, lovely for cooler months.
Variations
One of the beauties of this Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe is just how effortlessly you can customize it. Try out these twists to match your mood, ingredients on hand, or dietary needs—don’t be afraid to play!
- Maple Glaze: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup and skip the brown sugar for a more woodsy, autumnal flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze for a fun, sweet-and-spicy vibe.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter to make this a plant-based side that’s just as dreamy.
- Fresh Herb Finish: Toss the glazed carrots with chopped dill, parsley, or fresh thyme right before serving for herby brightness.
How to Make Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat Your Grill
Start by firing up your grill for direct and indirect cooking, aiming for a temperature around 450°F. While the grill heats, wash and peel your carrots, slicing any thick ones down the middle so they cook evenly. Give them a quick toss in olive oil, coating each one for maximum grill flavor and easy turning.
Step 2: Grill the Carrots Until Tender
Place the carrots directly over the hottest part of the grill, letting them sear and pick up gorgeous char marks. Use tongs to rotate every few minutes—if they start to get too dark before becoming tender, just move them to an indirect heat area to finish gently. After about 12-15 minutes, they should yield easily to a fork but still keep their shape.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
While the carrots grill, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, honey, pinch of salt, and (if you like) a splash of orange juice and cinnamon. Whisk everything together until smooth and the sugar dissolves into a tempting, syrupy glaze.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish on the Grill
Just before you pull those carrots from the grill, brush them generously with the hot glaze and let them cook for one final minute. As soon as you whisk them off the heat, brush on any remaining glaze for an irresistibly sticky-sweet shine. Serve immediately, and watch as everyone fights for seconds—trust me!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe
- Carrot Size Matters: Choose carrots of similar thickness, or slice thicker ones, so they all finish cooking at the same time and absorb glaze evenly.
- Two-Stage Grilling: Start carrots over direct heat for the coveted grill marks, then finish over indirect heat to get perfectly tender without burning.
- Glaze While Hot: Brush the glaze on while the carrots (and glaze!) are hot so it clings, melts, and creates that gorgeous, sticky finish.
- Bright Flavor Booster: For an extra fresh pop, don’t skip the optional orange juice in the glaze—it makes the Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe taste like sunshine!
How to Serve Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe
Garnishes
I love showering these glossy carrots with a handful of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or even a sprinkle of orange zest for color and zing. For a festive touch, a scattering of toasted pecans or almonds adds crunch and elegance to the Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs like a dream with everything from savory roasted chicken to herb-marinated tofu or a juicy steak. I also adore serving them alongside fluffy rice pilaf or a crisp green salad—the sweet, sticky carrots bring balance to richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the glazed carrots on a platter in a rustic bundle and drizzle with extra glaze for shine. Or slice on the diagonal and arrange in a rainbow pattern for a vibrant presentation. They’re also lovely scattered over a bed of grain salad for an eye-catching centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (good luck!), pop the cooled Grilled and Glazed Carrots into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The glaze keeps the carrots moist and flavorful, even after a day or two.
Freezing
You can freeze these glazed carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—perfect for prepping ahead for future meals!
Reheating
To reheat, place carrots in a covered dish and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave in one-minute bursts until just heated through. If you have extra glaze, brush it on after reheating to refresh their shine.
FAQs
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Can I make this Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe indoors without a grill?
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even roast the carrots in a 450°F oven on a sheet pan. The glaze works beautifully either way—you just might miss a touch of smoky char from the outdoor grill.
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Do I need to peel the carrots for this recipe?
Peeling is optional, but I usually do for the smoothest texture and best glaze coverage. If you love the rustic look and feel, just give the carrots a good scrub and keep the skin on!
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Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can whisk up the glaze a day or two ahead—just refrigerate and gently reheat before using so it’s pourable. Glaze the carrots while both the carrots and glaze are hot for best results.
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Is this Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your butter and bottled ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Give this Grilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe a spot on your table and watch everyone light up with their first sweet, smoky bite. It’s simple, special, and always easy to make. I can’t wait to hear how it brightens up your next meal!
PrintGrilled and Glazed Carrots Recipe
These Grilled and Glazed Carrots are a perfect side dish for any occasion. The sweetness of the glaze complements the smoky char from the grill, creating a delightful medley of flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Carrots:
- 1 pound carrots (if thick, slice down the middle lengthwise)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Prepare grill for direct/indirect cooking, targeting 450 degrees.
- Glaze Carrots: Glaze carrots just before removing from grill. Let cook for an additional minute, then glaze once more. Serve hot.
- For the Honey Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, honey, salt, cinnamon, and orange juice. Whisk until sugar dissolves. Glaze hot carrots with the mixture.
Grill Carrots: Toss carrots in olive oil, then grill over direct heat. Rotate every few minutes for char on each side, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking (12-15 minutes total).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
