Introduction
These Honey-Glazed Grilled Carrots are a celebration of North Dakota’s locally grown produce. Cooked entirely on the Arteflame grill, they’re sweet, smoky, and perfectly caramelized. With no need for pots, pans, or an oven, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor straight from the flat cooktop griddle. Melting butter enhances the carrots’ natural sweetness, while the hot zones near the center make for quick, even grilling. Whether you're serving these alongside a perfectly seared steak or as a standalone star, this dish is a beautiful addition to any North Dakota backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh North Dakota carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp local North Dakota honey
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill
- Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
- Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill and stack firewood over them.
- Light the napkins and allow the fire to heat the grill.
- Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is hot and ready for grilling.
Step 2: Prepare the carrots
- Peel and trim the carrots, keeping them whole for a rustic presentation.
- In a bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Toss the carrots in the honey-butter mixture until evenly coated.
Step 3: Grill the carrots
- Place the glazed carrots on the Arteflame flat cooktop griddle, using the medium-high heat zone close to the center fire ring.
- Rotate the carrots every few minutes to achieve an even, golden caramelization on all sides. Grill for about 15–20 minutes until fork tender.
- Brush with additional honey-butter glaze as they cook for deeper flavor and shine.
Step 4: Finish and serve
- When the carrots are tender and richly caramelized, remove them from the grill.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve immediately as a warm, sweet-savory side dish.
Tips
- Use medium-thick carrots for the best texture and grilling consistency.
- Try grilling the carrots over slightly lower heat areas of the cooktop for longer to build more flavor without burning.
- Use a grill dome over the carrots briefly (optional) to accelerate softening time—though the Arteflame’s heat zones usually make this unnecessary.
- Brush with honey at the very end for an extra hit of sweetness that won’t burn.
- Let them sit 2–3 minutes after removing from the griddle for the best texture and easier plating.
Variations
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Maple-Dijon Carrots: Replace honey with maple syrup and add 1 tsp Dijon mustard for tangy sweetness.
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Spiced Curry Carrots: Add 1 tsp curry powder and ½ tsp turmeric to the butter glaze for warm, bold flavors.
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Lemon Thyme Carrots: Mix in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp chopped thyme into the glaze for a bright, herbaceous twist.
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Garlic Butter Carrots: Add 2 cloves minced garlic to the butter before glazing for a savory boost.
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Chipotle Honey Carrots: Stir in 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo for smoky heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
Best pairings
- Grilled ribeye or filet mignon cooked with reverse sear method
- Grilled garlic mashed potatoes on flat griddle
- Charred sweet corn with butter and sea salt
- Light white wines like Riesling or Chenin Blanc
- Homemade sourdough grilled on the Arteflame flat top
Conclusion
These Honey-Glazed Grilled Carrots are a simple, elegant way to elevate a humble vegetable into something spectacular. Perfectly caramelized on the Arteflame’s flat-top cooktop, they balance sweet, smoky, and savory notes that make them just as enjoyable on their own as they are beside a beautifully seared steak. Fast to prep, easy to grill, and even easier to clean up—this is how North Dakota elevates farm-fresh vegetables with fire-kissed perfection.