South Dakota Maple-Glazed Grilled Carrots

Introduction

Simple, local ingredients meet bold, natural flavor in these Maple-Glazed Grilled Carrots. South Dakota-grown carrots are grilled to golden perfection on the Arteflame grill, unlocking deep caramelized sweetness with a buttery maple glaze. With no pots, no pans, and no oven — just fire and flat-top brilliance — this is an irresistibly easy, show-stopping side dish for any outdoor feast.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh South Dakota carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center fire bowl of your Arteflame grill.
2. Stack hardwood firewood over the napkins, then light the napkins.
3. Allow 20 minutes for the grill to heat up. The center grate will reach searing temperatures over 1,000°F and the outer flat cooktop will provide perfect heat zones for vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the glaze

1. In a small bowl, combine melted butter and maple syrup.
2. Brush the mixture generously over the peeled and halved carrots.

Step 3: Grill the carrots

1. Place the carrots on the Arteflame flat cooktop griddle, closer to the center for higher heat if needed, but not directly on the center grate.
2. Cook for 10–14 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, and basting with the butter-maple glaze until they’re deeply caramelized and fork-tender.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme toward the end of cooking.

Tips

• Choose baby carrots or small heirloom varieties for faster grilling and beautiful presentation.
• Melt the butter before brushing — it provides amazing flavor and helps glaze adhere to carrots.
• Use the hotter inner zone of the cooktop for quickly blistering the exterior, then move carrots outward to finish slowly and evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd on the cooktop — give each carrot room to make contact with the steel surface.

Variations

1. Honey-Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Replace maple syrup with honey and add 1 tsp balsamic vinegar for a tangy-sweet flavor.
2. Spicy Chipotle Carrots: Mix maple syrup with 1/2 tsp chipotle powder and a squeeze of lime for heat and smoke.
3. Citrus-Herb Carrots: Add orange zest and a touch of rosemary to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
4. Soy-Ginger Carrots: Use 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger with the maple syrup for an umami-packed profile.
5. Bourbon Maple Carrots: Add 1 tsp bourbon to the glaze for a depth of flavor that complements smoke.

Best pairings

• Reverse-seared ribeye steak or grilled chicken thighs
• Fresh grilled corn with garlic butter
• Chilled citrus-herb couscous or quinoa salad
• Fire-charred green beans with almonds
• Pair with a crisp South Dakota white wine or iced hibiscus tea

Conclusion

When grilled on the Arteflame, fresh South Dakota carrots transform into buttery-sweet perfection kissed by fire. With their golden caramelized edges and earthy sweetness, these Maple-Glazed Grilled Carrots are a must at any cookout. Thanks to the even heat and natural searing power of the Arteflame, every bite delivers gourmet flavor with backyard ease — no oven, no mess, just simple deliciousness.