Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful recipe features tender roasted carrots paired with creamy whipped ricotta and a sweet-spicy drizzle of hot honey. A perfect side dish that balances natural sweetness, smoky seasoning, and a touch of heat, garnished with fresh herbs for a fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Carrots
- 1.5 lb (700 g) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or on the bias
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika or cumin (optional)
For the Whipped Ricotta
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Hot Honey
- 3 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Roast the Carrots: In a bowl, toss the peeled and cut carrots with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika or cumin if using. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Prepare Whipped Ricotta: In a small bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will add a rich and silky texture to complement the roasted carrots.
- Make Hot Honey: Gently warm the honey either in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Stir in the chili flakes to infuse a mild heat. Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- Assemble & Serve: Arrange the roasted carrots on a serving platter. Add dollops of the whipped ricotta over the top, then drizzle generously with the hot honey. Garnish with freshly chopped thyme or parsley. Serve warm to enjoy the full flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute smoked paprika with cumin for a different smoky flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish, but basil or cilantro could also work well.
- For a vegan version, substitute ricotta cheese with a plant-based ricotta alternative.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: roasted carrots, whipped ricotta, hot honey, side dish, vegetarian, roasted vegetables, spicy honey drizzle, easy appetizer