Smoked Carrots With Brown Butter (3 Simple Steps)

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These smoked carrots are sweet, smoky, and finished with a drizzle of rich brown butter that takes them over the top. They’re the kind of side dish that steals the show—simple, flavorful, and surprisingly crowd-pleasing.

Perfect alongside smoked meats, grilled mains, or holiday roasts. Even the kids go back for more. Getting the right smoke level can be a bit tricky, but I’ll walk you through it step by step.

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Easy Smoked Carrots

Whether you’re pairing them with smoked brisket, grilled chicken, or serving them as a meat-free option, these brown butter smoked carrots hold their own. They’re easy to prep, full of flavor, and a guaranteed hit at any table.

What You’ll Need to Cook

Ingredient Substitutes

• Olive Oil: Any neutral cooking oil like avocado or grapeseed oil will work.
• Butter: For a dairy-free version, use ghee or olive oil.
• Sweetener: Brown sugar, agave nectar, or balsamic glaze can replace honey or maple syrup.
• Herbs: Substitute thyme, dill, or cilantro for the parsley.

How to Make Smoked Carrots

The key to perfect smoked carrots is maintaining a consistent temperature and cooking them just until tender but not mushy. The slight resistance when pierced with a fork indicates they’re done to perfection.

Step 1: Prepare the Carrots

Begin by preheating your smoker to 300°F. Wash your carrots thoroughly under cool running water, using a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Trim the tops, leaving about an inch of the greens for presentation (if desired).

Step 2: Season the Carrots

In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil until evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes beautiful caramelization. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, turning to coat all sides.

For a sweeter version, drizzle with honey or maple syrup at this stage. Arrange the seasoned carrots in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or directly on a grill basket if you prefer.

Step 3: Smoke

Place the carrots in your preheated smoker, positioning them away from direct heat sources. Close the lid and let them smoke for 60-90 minutes, checking occasionally. The carrots are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork but still offer a bit of resistance.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your carrots and the consistency of your smoker’s temperature. Smaller carrots may be ready closer to the 60-minute mark, while larger ones might need the full 90 minutes or slightly more.

Step 4: Prepare the Brown Butter

About 5 minutes before the carrots are done, make the brown butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then cook, swirling occasionally, until it turns a light amber color and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

Watch the butter carefully as it can go from perfectly browned to burnt very quickly. The butter solids should be golden brown, not black. This step adds incredible depth of flavor to the finished dish.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the smoked carrots to a serving platter. Drizzle with the brown butter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. The herbs add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, smoky flavors.

Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture. The contrast between the caramelized exterior and tender interior is absolutely divine.

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

Store any leftover smoked carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making these carrots excellent for meal prep or make-ahead side dishes.

To reheat, place the carrots in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the carrots soggy. A quick reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes also works wonderfully.

For a cold option, chop leftover smoked carrots and add them to salads or grain bowls for a delicious smoky element.

My Favorite Wood Chips for Smoking Carrots

Lighter wood varieties complement the natural sweetness of carrots without overwhelming them:

• Apple wood: Provides a mild, slightly sweet smoke that enhances the carrots’ natural flavors
• Cherry wood: Offers a subtle sweetness with a beautiful color enhancement
• Maple wood: Imparts a light, sweet smoke perfect for vegetables
• Oak: A good middle-ground option that works well if you’re smoking other foods simultaneously

Avoid stronger woods like hickory or mesquite as they can overpower the delicate flavor of the carrots.

How Long Should I Smoke the Carrots?

You need to smoke the carrots for 60-90 minutes. Cook away from direct heat and keep the temperatures low to medium, so the skin doesn’t char or burn. You want them cooked and tender, but still with a bit of firmness. Soggy, overcooked carrots aren’t great!

What Temperature To Smoke Carrots?

You should smoke your carrots at 300°F for 60 to 90 minutes. The longer the cooking time, the stronger the smokey flavor in the carrots. Of course, the time will depend on what you already have on the grill.

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What To Serve With Smoked Carrots

These smoky, sweet carrots pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes:

• Smoked Pulled Pork – The sweet carrots balance the rich, savory pulled pork perfectly
• Smoked Brisket – A classic pairing where the carrots provide a sweet counterpoint to the bold beef flavor
• Grilled Chicken Breast – For a lighter meal that’s still full of flavor

For a complete meal, add other sides like:

• Smoked Mac and Cheese – Creamy comfort food that complements the sweet carrots
• Smoked Cornbread– Another naturally sweet vegetable that smokes beautifully

These smoked carrots also make an excellent addition to holiday meals alongside Smoked turkey Or Smoked ham, adding a modern twist to traditional favorites.

Smoke On!

Charlie

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