Grilled Carrots with Cinnamon & Chipotle combine sweet, spice, and a little smokiness for a flavor packed appetizer or side dish to any meal. Perfect for spring and summer and you only need 5 ingredients. If you don’t have a grill, you can also roast them in the oven! Paleo, Whole30, vegan, gluten free, and dairy free.
Grilled carrots!! Have you tried them? If you love carrots, I am about to blow your mind with how good grilling carrots can be!
Grilling is one of my favorite way to prepare veggies. The char they get on the outside can’t be beat. But often times we overlook carrots when we think of grilled vegetables. Well we are going to change that with this grilled carrot recipe.
The natural flavors of carrots are elevated and they get a depth of sweet and smokiness. To take it up a little more, cinnamon and chipotle contamination pairs really well with the carrots, bringing out even more of their natural sweetness. The chipotle also adds a little more smokiness while packing some heat.
The combination is perfect. No more boring steamed carrots.
We love throwing them on the grill during the warmer months for an easy side dish. We will grill some protein at the same time to make a complete meal. They are also great as a holiday side dish or even for meal prepping. I love the leftovers cut up and throw into power bowls during the week.
Carrot Nutrition
Carrots are high in carotenoids, an antioxidant compound found in plants that is associated with a wide range of health benefits. These benefits range from a decrease in multiple kinds of cancer to a decrease in cardiovascular disease. And yes, they really are good for your eyes, thank you again carotenoids.
Cooking carrots slightly changes the nutritional content and make some of the nutrients more bioavailable. But both raw and cooked carrots pack a nutrient punch, so no need to favor one way over the other.
To get the most out of the carotenoids found in carrots, you should try to eat them with a little fat (like the coconut oil used in this recipe). It assists in the benefits becoming better absorbed in your body.
Grilled Carrots with Cinnamon & Chipotle
These cinnamon chipotle grilled carrots pack a serious punch of flavor and are super easy to make. The prep time is about 5 minutes and then you just throw them on the grill and let the grill do its thing. The end result is amazing!
Here is what you need:
- carrots
- coconut oil (or whatever oil you like)
- cinnamon
- chipotle paste
- chili powder
- salt
First start off my lighting your grill and let it come up to temperature.
Next prep your carrots. Peel them and then either chop off the stem or leave it on. I like to leave them on as it makes it nice to presentation, but you totally don’t have to.
Then mix together the coconut oil, cinnamon, chipotle, chili powder, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the mixture evenly all over the carrots. I just like to use my hands as it’s easiest, but it is a little messy.
Place on the grill on indirect heat and grill for 20-25 minutes, flipping and rotating every 8 minutes or so. The grilled carrots will be done when they are charred and give a little when you pinch them, but are a little firm in the middle.
What size carrots are best for grilling?
Look for medium size carrots about 3/4-1 inch thick in diameter. I find you can find the best ones at the farmers market or if you buy organic carrots. If the carrots are too large, it will take the insides too long to cook. If the carrots are too small, they can fall through the grill grates if you aren’t careful.
However, all the carrots won’t be the exact same size. Look for similar ones and just watch them when you are grilling – some will take longer to cook than others depending on how fat they are.
How long to grill carrots?
Grill carrots on indirect heat for 20-25 minutes, flipping and rotating every 7-8 minutes. You want to grill on indirect heat as grilling on direct heat can cause the outsides to cook too quickly (and potentially burning) while the inside remains raw. Carrots will be done with they are a little charred on the outside and are fork tender.
You can try grill on direct heat for 15-20 minutes, but look for thinner carrots to ensure even cooking time and make sure the outside doesn’t get too charred.
We love using a charcoal grill to grill carrots as it really gives them a good char and smokey taste, but you can also use a gas grill or wood pellet grill.
Oven Roasted Carrots
If you don’t have a grill or it is too cold out to grill, you can roast these too. Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line 1-2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Prep your carrots according to the directions and roast for 35-40 minutes (depending on how thick they are) until fork tender.
What to serve with grilled carrots
Here are a few suggestions to serve alongside you carrots
- any grilled protein – fish, chicken, beef, or pork
- in a power bowl with your favorite veggies, protein, and dressing
- alongside a burger inside of your typical French fries
More Healthy Vegetable Side Dishes
Cinnamon Chipotle Grilled Carrots
Ingredients
- 10-11 medium sized carrots, peeled (about 640 grams)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chipotle paste
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Light grill over medium-high heat and let it come up to temperature. Mix together coconut oil, cinnamon, chipotle paste, chili powder, and salt. Rub mixture evenly all over carrots (I just used my hands).
- Place on grill over indirect heat and grill for 25-30 minutes, flipping and rotating occasionally (about every 7-8 minutes). Carrots should be slightly soft when you pinch them, but still have a slight firmness towards the inside when done. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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Megan - Beets Not Meats
July 16, 2015 at 4:25 pmOkay these sound amazing! I’m usually not a big carrot fan, but add cinnamon and coconut oil to anything and i’m sold!
Kelly
July 16, 2015 at 11:59 pmThanks Megan! You should definitely give them a try! And I completely agree, I put cinnamon on everything!!