Tasty Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Recipe

These golden, caramelized roasted carrots with whipped ricotta create a stunning side dish that turns ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.

Seasonal carrots drizzled with hot honey elevate every single bite with sweet and spicy notes.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a vibrant plate that looks as incredible as it tastes.

The combination of creamy ricotta and roasted carrots offers a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Crisp edges and tender centers make these carrots irresistible to anyone seeking a fresh vegetable experience.

The hot honey adds a surprising kick that transforms this humble root vegetable into a show-stopping recipe.

Serve these carrots as a crowd-pleasing side that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

FAQs

• What makes the whipped ricotta different from regular ricotta?

The whipping process transforms the ricotta’s texture, making it lighter, smoother, and airier. By using a hand mixer or whisk, you incorporate air into the cheese, creating a creamy, spreadable consistency that’s more luxurious than regular ricotta.

• Can I use other types of honey for this recipe?

While any honey works, choose a high-quality honey for the best flavor. Wildflower or clover honey are excellent options. The key is to select a honey that complements the sweetness of the roasted carrots and adds depth to the hot honey drizzle.

• What herbs work best with roasted carrots?

Thyme and rosemary are fantastic herb choices for roasted carrots. These herbs have earthy, aromatic qualities that enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots. Fresh herbs provide a bright, fragrant note that elevates the entire dish.

• How do I know when the carrots are perfectly roasted?

Look for golden-brown edges and a tender texture. The carrots should be slightly caramelized but not burnt. When you can easily pierce them with a fork and they have a slight char on the outside, they’re ready to be served with the whipped ricotta and hot honey.

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Ingredients

• Carrots: Select fresh, firm carrots with vibrant orange color and smooth skin for best caramelization.
• Olive Oil: Helps carrots brown evenly and adds rich, smooth flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance natural carrot sweetness.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that complement roasted carrots' earthy notes.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that provides smooth and luxurious texture.
• Olive Oil: Adds silky richness to whipped ricotta.
• Salt: Balances ricotta's creamy profile and brightens overall flavor.

• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and golden color to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and exciting flavor complexity.
• Hot Sauce: Optional ingredient for additional spicy kick and depth.

Tools for Preparing Roasted Carrots with Ricotta Like a Pro

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting carrots evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents carrots from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Peeler: Essential for removing carrot skin smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cut carrots into uniform pieces.
• Hand Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for creating creamy, airy ricotta.
• Small Saucepan: Used for gently heating honey with red pepper flakes.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for tossing carrots with oil and seasonings.
• Serving Dish: Helps beautifully present the roasted carrots and whipped ricotta.

Roast Carrots and Top Them with Hot Honey and Ricotta

• Crank Up the Heat

Fire up your oven to a sizzling 400°F to transform ordinary carrots into caramelized flavor bombs.

• Carrot Prep

Scrub and slice carrots into sleek strips, coating them with olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Roasting Wonderland

Spread carrots on a baking sheet and let them roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping midway. Watch them turn golden and develop deep, rich flavors.

• Whip Up the Ricotta Cloud

Grab your ricotta and beat it into a dreamy, fluffy cloud. Add a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt to create a creamy canvas.

• Honey Heat Infusion

Warm your honey with a kick of red pepper flakes, creating a spicy-sweet drizzle that’ll electrify your dish.

• Plate Like a Pro

Layer roasted carrots with pillowy ricotta, then crown your creation with the fiery honey. Sprinkle fresh herbs for a final flourish of color and flavor.

Tips That Create a Balance of Sweet, Savory, and Creamy

• Use high-quality, fresh carrots for the best caramelization and sweetness.
• Prepare roasted carrots and whipped ricotta up to two days in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• For a vegan version, swap ricotta with cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth, and use agave instead of honey.
• Experiment with different spice blends like za'atar, dukkah, or smoked paprika to coat carrots before roasting for global flavor profiles.
• Let carrots rest for 5 minutes after roasting to enhance their natural sugars and develop a more intense caramelized exterior.

Serve This Dish as a Vibrant Side or Appetizer

• Crowd-Pleasing Plating Paradise: Arrange roasted carrots on a rustic wooden board for a stunning farm-to-table presentation that wows dinner guests.
• Flavor Fusion Feast: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios over the whipped ricotta for added crunch and nutty depth that elevates the entire dish.
• Mediterranean Mezze: Serve alongside warm pita bread or crusty sourdough to help guests scoop up the creamy ricotta and soak up the hot honey drizzle.
• Seasonal Side Show: Pair with grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or as part of a vibrant vegetarian mezze spread that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Store Leftovers for a Next-Day Flavor Boost

• Prepare extra carrots during initial cooking to use in salads, grain bowls, or quick lunch wraps throughout the week. Store roasted carrots in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Whipped ricotta maintains optimal texture and flavor when consumed within 2-3 days. Store covered in the refrigerator and gently stir before serving to restore creamy consistency.
• Extra infused honey can be stored at room temperature in a sealed jar for 1-2 months. Use as a delicious condiment for multiple dishes beyond this recipe.
• Wash, peel, and cut carrots in advance during meal prep sessions. Store cut carrots in cold water in the refrigerator to maintain crispness for 3-4 days before roasting.

Crispy Roasted Carrots With Whipped Ricotta And Hot Honey

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Roasted carrot medallions with whipped ricotta blend Mediterranean flavors in a simple side dish that surprises palates. Zesty hot honey and creamy ricotta elevate humble carrots into an elegant culinary experience you’ll want to savor again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) carrots, peeled and trimmed
• 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps heavy cream or milk
• 1 lemon (for zest and juice)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• Crushed pistachios, almonds, or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 400F (200C), priming the cooking environment for transformative caramelization.
2. Carrot Preparation: Thoroughly cleanse and trim carrots, creating uniform pieces. Coat with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Roasting Process: Spread seasoned carrots across a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to achieve golden-brown edges and tender, caramelized interiors while promoting even cooking.
4. Ricotta Enhancement: Whip ricotta to a cloud-like consistency using a hand mixer, incorporating olive oil and a touch of salt to develop a silky, luxurious texture that complements the roasted vegetables.
5. Hot Honey Creation: Gently warm honey with red pepper flakes, allowing the spicy essence to meld and create a complex, fiery-sweet drizzle that will elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.
6. Final Presentation: Artfully arrange roasted carrots, crown with billowy whipped ricotta, and finish with a dramatic drizzle of hot honey. Sprinkle fresh herbs to introduce a vibrant, aromatic flourish that brings the entire dish to life.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Carrots: Space carrots evenly on the baking sheet to ensure crispy, caramelized edges instead of steaming them.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust hot honey’s heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to match personal taste preferences.
• Whip Ricotta Perfectly: Use room temperature ricotta and whip until light and fluffy, avoiding over-mixing to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs like za’atar, smoked paprika, or cumin to transform the dish’s flavor profile and keep it exciting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg