Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans (Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish)

Sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized, Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans bring a glossy shine and vibrant color to any Thanksgiving table. The mix of tender carrots and crisp-tender beans, coated in a rich honey-balsamic glaze, delivers a simple yet elegant side dish. It’s quick to prep, roasts beautifully, and pairs effortlessly with turkey, ham, or any holiday main.

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

You’ll love how this dish captures everything you want in a Thanksgiving side—warm color, bright flavor, and just enough sweetness to balance savory mains. The honey glaze caramelizes as the vegetables roast, creating golden edges that taste as good as they look. Meanwhile, the balsamic vinegar adds depth, keeping each bite lively rather than cloying.

It’s the kind of side that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. The glaze comes together in seconds, and the oven does the rest. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan with maple syrup or agave instead of honey.

If you’re planning a big holiday menu, these Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans are a lifesaver because they don’t fight for stovetop space. You can roast them while your turkey rests or reheat them quickly before dinner. The flavors complement classic dishes like garlic mashed potatoes or southern green bean casserole beautifully, making them an easy favorite every year.

Ingredients for Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans

Core Ingredients

• Carrots (1 lb): Use peeled and sliced large carrots or baby carrots cut in half. They roast evenly and turn sweet and tender.
• Green beans (1 lb): Trimmed and bright green for a fresh snap.
• Olive oil (3 tbsp): Adds smooth richness and helps with roasting.
• Honey (3 tbsp): The star of the glaze—local or wildflower honey gives the best flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds tang and balances sweetness.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses earthy depth.
• Thyme (1 tsp dried or 1 tbsp fresh): Adds warmth and aroma.
• Salt & pepper: Season to taste for balance and brightness.

Optional Garnishes & Substitutions

• Sprinkle chopped parsley or toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
• Swap honey for maple syrup or agave for a vegan version.
• Replace balsamic with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar.
• Try rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a new twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and peel the carrots, cutting them into equal pieces. Trim the green beans so everything cooks evenly.

Step 2 – Make the Honey Balsamic Glaze

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 3 – Coat and Roast

Toss the carrots and green beans in the glaze until coated. Spread them on a baking sheet in one even layer. Avoid crowding so they roast, not steam. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Step 4 – Broil for Caramelization

For extra golden edges, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely so they don’t burn.

Step 5 – Serve and Garnish

Let the vegetables rest for a few minutes. Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds, then serve warm for maximum flavor.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans

Cut your vegetables evenly so they cook at the same rate. Too-crowded pans trap steam, preventing that delicious caramelization. A little space between veggies makes all the difference.

Taste your glaze before roasting—if you like it sweeter, add a touch more honey; for more brightness, add another splash of vinegar. The goal is a balance that’s both sweet and tangy.

Also, keep an eye during the broil stage. Caramelization happens fast! If you prefer softer carrots, roast them for a few extra minutes before adding the beans.

Prep Time, Cook Time & Serving Size

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 120–150 kcal per serving
Fat: 7–9g

Variations & Substitutions

Want to switch it up? Add vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or parsnips for a heartier mix. Just adjust the roasting time based on thickness.

If you enjoy herb-forward dishes, use rosemary or oregano instead of thyme. For a richer flavor, drizzle a bit of melted butter before roasting. Prefer tangier glaze? Use apple cider vinegar—it pairs perfectly with fall flavors.

You can even sauté or grill the veggies instead of roasting. The honey glaze works beautifully with smoky, charred notes too.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips

To make ahead, prep your vegetables and glaze separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine and roast when ready.

Leftovers stay fresh for 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container. For reheating, skip the microwave—it softens the beans. Instead, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

This keeps the glaze glossy and the vegetables crisp-tender.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans

These glazed vegetables pair beautifully with roast turkey, ham, chicken, or even a vegetarian main like cheesy root vegetable gratin.

Serve them warm for a cozy Thanksgiving feel, or enjoy them at room temperature for potlucks and holiday buffets. They’re vibrant, colorful, and always the first bowl to empty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make honey carrots and beans?
Toss peeled carrots and trimmed green beans in a glaze of honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and thyme. Roast until tender-crisp.

What to eat with honey glazed carrots?
They pair perfectly with turkey, ham, roast chicken, or mashed potatoes.

How do I do honey glazed carrots?
Mix honey, oil, and vinegar, then coat the carrots before roasting for a glossy finish.

How long to roast carrots and beans?
About 20–25 minutes at 400°F, depending on how thick the pieces are.

Related Recipes to Try

• Flavorful roasted carrots and green beans
• Thanksgiving glazed carrots
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Southern green bean casserole
• Creamy scalloped potatoes

Conclusion

This Honey Glazed Carrots and Green Beans recipe is a sweet-savory Thanksgiving classic that adds brightness and balance to your holiday table. It’s quick, colorful, and irresistibly delicious with any main course.

The glossy glaze and caramelized edges make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—plus, you can prep it ahead for stress-free hosting. So grab your honey and get roasting—it’s the kind of side that turns an ordinary dinner into something truly special.

(Visit my Pinterest board for more festive side dish ideas.)

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