Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans – Sweet, Savory & Weeknight-Easy

Some sides quietly steal the show. These Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans have that cozy, crowd-pleasing magic—tender carrots and crisp-tender green beans, all kissed with a glossy honey-balsamic glaze, a whisper of garlic, and fragrant thyme. They’re colorful, quick, and so irresistibly shiny that even veggie-hesitant eaters lean in for seconds. This is the kind of roasted vegetable side dish I make on autopilot for easy weeknight dinners, but it’s elegant enough for holidays and special occasions too. If you’ve been looking for a healthy vegetable side that feels a little fancy without any fuss, pin this one now—you’ll make it on repeat.

Why You’ll Love It

• Sweet-savory balance: Honey caramelizes into a silky, lightly sticky glaze that’s brightened by balsamic vinegar and garlic.
• Oven-roasted ease: Mostly hands-off—let the oven do the work while you finish the main course.
• Family-friendly: Tender carrots + snappy green beans hit that cozy comfort zone kids and adults love.
• Weeknight to holiday: Works for quick dinners, Thanksgiving sides, or any festive menu.
• Customizable: Adjust sweetness, acidity, or herbs, and add a pinch of heat if you like.
• Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully and makes leftover grain bowls feel special.

Time Needed

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and cut on a diagonal into 1-inch pieces (or baby carrots, halved if thick)
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp honey (use maple syrup for vegan)
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp chopped fresh)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Wash, trim, and cut the vegetables so they’re similar in size—this ensures even, tender results.
2. Make the Glaze In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until emulsified and glossy. Taste and adjust—more honey for sweetness, more balsamic for tang.
3. Coat the Veggies Add carrots and green beans to a large bowl, pour over the glaze, and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated and shiny.
4. Roast to Caramelize Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet (use two sheets if crowded). Roast 20–25 minutes, tossing once, until carrots are tender and green beans are bright with a slight snap. For extra caramelization, broil 1–2 minutes—watch closely.
5. Finish & Serve Let rest 1–2 minutes so the glaze thickens and clings. Transfer to a platter and garnish with parsley or sesame seeds. Serve warm.

Variations to Try

• Maple-Thyme: Swap honey for maple syrup for cozy fall vibes.
• Citrus Glow: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the glaze for brightness.
• Spicy Sweet: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• Herb Garden: Try rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a woodsy aroma.

Tips from Chef Emma

• Uniform cuts roast evenly—aim for similar sizes so nothing burns or undercooks.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; space helps edges caramelize instead of steam.
• Taste your glaze first—balance is everything with sweet and tangy.
• For make-ahead, toss and roast just before serving, or rewarm gently on a sheet pan to keep the glaze glossy.

Nutrition Info per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Sugars: 11g
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 210mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen vegetables?
  Fresh gives the best texture, but thawed and well-dried frozen carrots and green beans can work. Roast on two sheets and expect slightly shorter cook times.
• Is this vegan?
  Yes—simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave.
• Can I make this on the stovetop?
  Yes. Sauté vegetables in oil over medium-high heat until tender-crisp, then add the glaze and cook 1–2 minutes until shiny and thickened.
• How do I keep them crisp-tender?
  Roast in a single layer and start checking at 18–20 minutes. Pull when beans still have a slight snap.
• What pairs well with this side?
  Roasted chicken or turkey, grilled salmon, pork tenderloin, steaks, or vegetarian mains like lentil loaf and grain bowls.

Final Thoughts

These Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans bring bright color, silky shine, and balanced flavor to any plate. They’re simple enough for Tuesday night and polished enough for your holiday table. Save this sweet-savory roasted vegetable side to your board so it’s ready the next time you want a cozy, effortless upgrade.

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