Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

why make this recipe

Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans make a fantastic side dish for any meal. The sweet glaze enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables, making them more enjoyable to eat. This dish is not only visually appealing, with its vibrant colors, but also very easy to prepare. It’s a healthy option that will impress family and friends alike.

how to make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh carrots: Choose firm, brightly colored carrots. You can use whole carrots chopped into pieces or pre-cut baby carrots for ease. Whole carrots typically roast better and offer more flavor.
1 pound fresh green beans: Look for vibrant, snap-friendly green beans. Avoid any that are wilted or have brown spots. Both French green beans (haricot verts) and regular green beans work well in this recipe.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for flavor and health. Other neutral oils like avocado oil can also be used. The oil helps the vegetables roast and caramelize, bringing out their natural sweetness.
3 tablespoons honey: Use a quality honey for the best flavor. Local or wildflower honey adds a nice touch. The honey creates a beautiful glaze, giving the vegetables a lovely shine and caramelized edges.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey and enriches the overall flavor. It also contributes to the beautiful color of the glaze.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a savory depth to the dish. It complements the sweetness and acidity wonderfully.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds an earthy note that elevates the flavors. Fresh thyme can also be used (about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme).
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Seasoning is important! Salt enhances the vegetables’ natural flavors, and pepper adds warmth and complexity.
Optional garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley or toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

Directions:

Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and trim the green beans, snapping off their ends. If using whole carrots, peel and cut them into about 1-inch thick diagonal pieces. Baby carrots can be used whole or halved lengthwise if thick. Ensuring even sizes helps both vegetables cook at the same rate.
Make the Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This glaze is key, so make sure it’s mixed thoroughly. Adjust seasonings if needed.
Coat the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the carrots and green beans. Pour the honey glaze over them, tossing gently to coat evenly. It’s essential to ensure every piece is covered in glaze for even cooking.
Roast the Vegetables: Arrange the glazed vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid crowding them, as that can steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two sheets to allow for proper spacing.
Roasting Time and Monitoring: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the carrots are tender-crisp and the green beans are bright and slightly tender. Check for doneness around 20 minutes, aiming for tender carrots that can be pierced with a fork and green beans that still have a slight snap.
Achieve Caramelization: For extra caramelization, broil the vegetables for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning due to the honey’s quick caramelization.
Rest and Serve: Once roasted, remove from the oven and let the vegetables rest for a minute before serving. This helps the glaze thicken and stick to the veggies. Garnish with parsley or toasted sesame seeds if you like, then serve immediately.

how to serve Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

This dish pairs well with various meats like chicken, beef, or fish. It can also be served at holiday dinners, potlucks, or casual family meals. Arrange it on a platter for an appealing presentation.

how to store Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the vegetables in a microwave or a skillet on low heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of water to help regain moisture.

tips to make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

Cut vegetables uniformly: This ensures even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Space the vegetables to achieve a nice caramelization.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and ingredients yield the best flavors.
Adjust flavors: Feel free to taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness or seasoning to your preference.

variation

You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or asparagus, to the mix. You might also swap the thyme for rosemary for a different flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them just before roasting.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
While fresh vegetables are preferred, you can use frozen green beans. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding the glaze, as they may release excess water.
What can I serve with Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans?
This dish complements proteins like grilled chicken, roast beef, or baked fish well. It also pairs nicely with grains like rice or quinoa for a complete meal.