Tender, caramelized roasted carrots paired with creamy whipped ricotta and a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey for a perfect balance of flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance – The sweetness of the carrots and honey pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta and spicy hot honey.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a quick yet impressive dish.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein while being naturally gluten-free.
- Versatile Dish – Works as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light vegetarian meal.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – A gourmet-style dish with simple, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
For the roasted carrots:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the whipped ricotta:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
For the hot honey:
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
- ¼ cup toasted nuts (such as pistachios or walnuts)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and honey.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until caramelized and tender.
- Meanwhile, prepare the whipped ricotta by blending ricotta, heavy cream, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey with red pepper flakes for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Let it cool.
- To assemble, spread the whipped ricotta onto a serving plate. Arrange the roasted carrots on top.
- Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with fresh herbs and toasted nuts.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 220 kcal
Variations
- Maple-Glazed Carrots – Substitute honey with maple syrup for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Spicy Roasted Carrots – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused Ricotta – Blend in fresh basil or rosemary for an herby twist.
- Vegan Version – Use dairy-free ricotta and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Extra Crunch – Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds or crispy chickpeas for added texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds.
- Make-Ahead: Roast the carrots and prepare the ricotta in advance, then assemble just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use baby carrots instead of whole carrots?
Yes! Adjust the roasting time to 15–20 minutes since baby carrots cook faster.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can whisk the ricotta mixture by hand, though it may not be as smooth.
Can I make the hot honey in advance?
Yes, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
What can I serve this dish with?
It pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or crusty bread.
How do I prevent the carrots from becoming too soft?
Roast them at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve caramelization.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Goat cheese or mascarpone can be substituted for ricotta for a different flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is mild, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Roasted parsnips, beets, or sweet potatoes would complement the dish well.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, it’s delicious at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead option.
What nuts work best for garnish?
Pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or pecans add a great crunch and flavor contrast.
Conclusion
Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey is a simple yet elegant dish that combines sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy elements for a perfectly balanced bite. Whether you serve it as a side dish, appetizer, or a light vegetarian meal, it’s sure to impress. Try this recipe for your next dinner or gathering and enjoy the delicious flavors!
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Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramelized roasted carrots with creamy whipped ricotta, finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey for a perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients
For the roasted carrots:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the whipped ricotta:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
For the hot honey:
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
- ¼ cup toasted nuts (such as pistachios or walnuts)
Instructions
- Roast the carrots: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and honey.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until caramelized and tender.
- Make the whipped ricotta: Blend ricotta, heavy cream, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare the hot honey: In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey with red pepper flakes for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Let it cool.
- Assemble: Spread the whipped ricotta onto a serving plate. Arrange the roasted carrots on top.
- Drizzle with hot honey and sprinkle with fresh herbs and toasted nuts.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use rainbow carrots for a more colorful presentation.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Can be served as a side dish or a light appetizer with toasted bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
