Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans: The Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the side dishes can often steal the show, and Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans are a prime example of that. With their vibrant colors and irresistible sweetness, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors to complement any main course. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or just looking for a tasty vegetable side, this dish will leave everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans Recipe

This Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans recipe is everything you need in a side dish:

• Simple to make: With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe comes together in no time.
• Bursting with flavor: The sweet honey glaze, savory garlic, and tangy balsamic vinegar create a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Perfect for Thanksgiving: Whether you’re serving it at a big family dinner or a more intimate gathering, this dish brings a pop of color and flavor to the table.
• Healthy and delicious: Fresh carrots and green beans, drizzled with a flavorful glaze, make for a wholesome addition to your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is that it requires only a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

• 1 pound fresh carrots: Choose firm, bright carrots for the best flavor. If using whole carrots, chop them into uniform pieces.
• 1 pound fresh green beans: Look for vibrant, snap-able beans for a fresh bite. French green beans (haricot verts) work beautifully as well.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives the glaze a rich flavor, but you can substitute with avocado oil for a neutral taste.
• 3 tablespoons honey: Use good-quality honey like wildflower or local honey to bring out the natural sweetness in the vegetables.
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy balance to the sweetness of the honey.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds depth and savory richness to the glaze.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbaceous note. You can use fresh thyme as well—about 1 tablespoon chopped.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the vegetables and glaze.
• Optional garnishes: Chopped fresh parsley or toasted sesame seeds add texture and a pop of color.

How To Make Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and trim the green beans, snapping off the stem ends. If using whole carrots, peel them and cut into roughly 1-inch thick pieces on a diagonal. If you’re using baby carrots, you can leave them whole or halve them if they’re thick.
Make sure the carrots and green beans are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate.

Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Balsamic vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Whisk everything together until the glaze is smooth and well-combined. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might prefer a touch more honey or salt depending on your taste.

Step 3: Coat the Vegetables

Place the prepared carrots and green beans into a large mixing bowl.
Pour the honey glaze over the vegetables and toss them gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure every piece of vegetable is glistening with the glaze. This step is key to achieving that perfect caramelization and consistent flavor in each bite.

Step 4: Roast the Vegetables

Spread the glazed carrots and green beans in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
Avoid overcrowding the pan—this will allow them to roast evenly and get crispy, caramelized edges. If necessary, use two baking sheets to give the vegetables enough space.

Step 5: Roast and Monitor

Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the carrots are tender and the green beans are bright green with a slight crispness.
Start checking around 20 minutes. The carrots should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the green beans should still have a slight snap.

Step 6: Achieve Perfect Caramelization

If you like extra caramelization, broil the vegetables for 1-2 minutes at the end of roasting.
Watch closely as broiling can cause the honey glaze to burn quickly. This step gives the vegetables that deep golden color and a crispy, sweet finish.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once roasted, remove the vegetables from the oven and let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the glaze to thicken and adhere better to the veggies.
If desired, garnish with chopped parsley or toasted sesame seeds for an added burst of color and texture. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!

Mounia’s Little Tip

If your glaze turns out a bit thicker than expected, don’t worry! This means extra caramelization, which is pure deliciousness.
If you prefer a slightly thinner glaze, just stir in a tablespoon or two of water or broth at the end.

A Quick Personal Note

This Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans recipe is a family favorite, especially during Thanksgiving. The balance of sweet and savory is just irresistible, and it pairs so well with any main course. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it stress-free for your holiday dinner!

FAQs About Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans

Bring Comfort and Flavor to Your Thanksgiving Table

Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans are a delightful and simple side dish that will make your Thanksgiving meal extra special. The perfect combination of sweetness, savoriness, and beautiful caramelization makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for more.

More Delicious Side Dishes to Try

If you’re looking for more amazing side dishes to complete your Thanksgiving feast, consider adding some of these flavorful recipes to your spread:

For a Crockpot Green Bean Casserole, try this creamy, savory dish that’s a classic holiday favorite. It’s the perfect counterpart to the Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans, offering a different texture and flavor that complements the sweetness of the glaze.

If you love the sweet, caramelized flavors of the Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans, then the Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrot recipe is a must-try! This alternative also highlights carrots with a sweet, rich glaze, making it another delicious option for your holiday table.

Looking for a main dish to pair with these beautiful vegetables? The Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggie would be a perfect match, bringing in tender chicken with a similar sweet-savory flavor profile that ties the whole meal together.

For another variation of Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans, check out this Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans recipe from Food Network. It offers a delicious take on this classic side dish with a slightly different twist that you might enjoy!

Now you’re all set to wow your guests with a stunning, delicious, and easy-to-make side dish. Enjoy your Honey Glazed Carrots & Green Beans, and happy cooking!

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