Why Make This Recipe

Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans is a delightful side dish that is perfect for any meal. The combination of sweet honey, fresh vegetables, and a touch of balsamic vinegar creates a tasty mix that everyone will love. This dish not only looks appealing on the plate but also brings an array of flavors together. Plus, it’s simple to make and adds a touch of sweetness to your dinner table.

How to Make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

Ingredients

1 pound fresh carrots: Choose firm and brightly colored carrots. You can use whole carrots cut into pieces or baby carrots.
1 pound fresh green beans: Look for vibrant green beans that snap easily. Both French green beans and regular green beans work well.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor, but you can use any neutral oil.
3 tablespoons honey: Use good quality honey for the best flavor, such as local or wildflower honey.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds depth to the dish.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme gives an earthy note; fresh thyme can be used if available.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: These are essential for enhancing the flavors.
Optional garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley or toasted sesame seeds can add visual appeal.

Directions

Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the green beans, snapping off the ends. Peel and cut whole carrots into 1-inch thick pieces or use baby carrots whole.
Make the Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is mixed well.
Coat the Vegetables: Place the carrots and green beans in a large bowl. Pour the honey glaze over them and toss gently to coat every piece evenly.
Roast the Vegetables: Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they roast rather than steam.
Roasting Time and Monitoring: Roast for 20-25 minutes, checking for tenderness. You want the carrots to be soft yet firm and the green beans to remain slightly crisp.
Achieve Caramelization: For extra caramelization, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the vegetables rest for a minute or two. Garnish if desired, and serve warm.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

This side dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or fish. It’s also great alongside rice or quinoa. Serve it fresh from the oven for the best flavor.

How to Store Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, or you can microwave them for a quicker option.

Tips to Make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Cut the vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.
Monitor the roasting process closely to get the perfect caramelization.
Experiment with adding nuts or seeds for added crunch.

Variation

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to roast along with the carrots and green beans for an even more colorful dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but they may require a little more cooking time and may not caramelize as well as fresh vegetables.

What can I use instead of honey?
You can use maple syrup as a vegan alternative if you’re looking for a similar sweetness.

How long will the leftovers last?
Leftovers can last up to three days if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Enjoy making this easy and tasty Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans recipe for a delightful addition to your meals!

Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans