Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

Carrots and green beans often make a humble appearance on dinner plates, but when glazed with honey and roasted to perfection, they transform into a vibrant, delectable side dish. This Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans recipe not only brightens up your plate but also showcases the natural sweetness of the vegetables, perfectly balanced with a hint of balsamic tang. I’ve often turned to this dish for everything from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, and it never fails to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s something inherently delightful about the contrast of tender-crisp vegetables and a caramelized glaze. This recipe is quick and uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home, making it budget-friendly and effortlessly accommodating even the busiest schedules. The dish is versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of mains, whether it’s a juicy roasted chicken or a comforting grain bowl. Loved by kids and adults alike, it brings a little elegance to your everyday meals.

“This honey-glazed delight was the star of our Thanksgiving table! Everyone asked for the recipe!” – Happy Cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans is a straightforward process that’s broken down into a few easy steps. First, you’ll prepare the vegetables, then whip up a luscious honey glaze, coat the veggies, and roast them until they’re perfectly caramelized. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a gorgeous side dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh carrots (choose firm, brightly colored ones)
  • 1 pound fresh green beans (opt for vibrant green and snap easily)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for extra flavor)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (local or wildflower honey works best)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh, if available)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley or toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the green beans and snap off the stem ends. If you’re using whole carrots, peel them and slice them into 1-inch diagonal pieces. Baby carrots can be used whole or halved if they’re thick.

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  2. Make the Honey Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until blended. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

  3. Coat the Vegetables: Place the carrots and green beans in a large bowl. Pour the honey glaze over them and toss gently to coat evenly.

  4. Roast the Vegetables: Arrange the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until tender-crisp.

  5. Achieve Caramelization: For an extra touch, broil the vegetables for 1-2 minutes at the end to enhance the caramelization. Just keep a close watch to prevent burning.

  6. Rest and Serve: Once done, let the veggies rest for a minute or two. Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!

Perfect Pairings for Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

These honey-glazed vegetables can serve as the perfect side for various dishes. Consider pairing them with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty grain salad. They also work wonderfully alongside a holiday ham or as part of a vegetarian feast. The sweet and savory elements of the glaze complement rich mains beautifully, adding a splash of color and flavor to your plate.

Best Way to Store Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

If you have leftovers—which is rare with this crowd-pleaser—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. When reheating, pop them in the microwave or reheat in a skillet to maintain their crunch. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture may change once thawed.

Expert Advice

For a professional touch, consider these tips:

  • Choose vegetables that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, toss in some red pepper flakes with the glaze.
  • Fresh herbs like dill or rosemary could add a delightful twist instead of thyme.

Creative Twists

Looking to mix it up? Here are some variations to consider:

  • Nutty Addition: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for crunch.
  • Spicy Note: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a warming kick.
  • Citrus Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the veggies just before serving for a bright finish.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans?

Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with an additional 20-25 minutes for roasting.

Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

While fresh is preferred for texture and flavor, you can use frozen green beans. Just thaw them first and pat them dry to minimize moisture while roasting.

What’s the best way to clean and cut carrots?

Wash them thoroughly under cold water, peel if desired, and slice them into uniform pieces for even cooking. Using a diagonal cut not only looks nice but also helps to cook them evenly.

With this delightful recipe, you’ll ensure that honey-glazed carrots and green beans become a staple on your dining table, bringing sweetness and vibrancy to every meal. Give them a try today!

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Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant side dish of honey-glazed carrots and green beans, caramelized to perfection, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh carrots
  • 1 pound fresh green beans
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash green beans and trim stems. If using whole carrots, peel and slice into 1-inch diagonal pieces.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until blended.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the carrots and green beans. Pour the honey glaze over them and toss gently to coat.
  4. Arrange vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until tender-crisp.
  5. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra caramelization, watching closely to prevent burning.
  6. Let veggies rest for a minute or two. Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Choose vegetables that are uniform in size for even cooking. Fresh herbs can add a twist to flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: honey glazed, carrots, green beans, side dish, easy recipe

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