Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey is a simple yet elegant dish that combines sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. This recipe highlights tender roasted carrots paired with airy ricotta and a drizzle of spicy-sweet honey, perfect as a side or light appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb baby or heirloom carrots
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley), for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Roast the carrots for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
4. Step 4: While the carrots roast, whip together the ricotta, heavy cream, and lemon zest in a food processor or with a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and airy. Set aside.
5. Step 5: To serve, spread the whipped ricotta on a platter and arrange the roasted carrots on top.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the hot honey over the carrots and ricotta, then garnish with fresh herbs if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper if you don’t have hot honey on hand.
• Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the whipped ricotta for a tangy twist.
• Swap fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish if you prefer a different herbal note.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute ricotta with a whipped cashew or almond cream.

Storage

Store any leftover roasted carrots and whipped ricotta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the carrots gently in a low oven or microwave, and serve the ricotta chilled or at room temperature. Drizzle with fresh hot honey before serving again for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes, regular carrots work well. Just peel and cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

What can I use if I don’t have a food processor for whipping ricotta?

You can use a hand mixer or vigorously whisk the ricotta with heavy cream and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy.

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 503 reviews

This Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey recipe offers a deliciously vibrant side dish featuring tender caramelized carrots tossed with warm spices, served atop a creamy, airy whipped ricotta, and finished with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that can complement any meal.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Carrots and Seasoning

• 1 lb baby or heirloom carrots
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Whipped Ricotta

• 1 cup ricotta
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Toppings and Garnish

• 2 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh herbs (like mint or parsley), for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Toss Carrots: In a large bowl, combine the baby or heirloom carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly so each carrot is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Roast Carrots: Spread the seasoned carrots evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through cooking to ensure they caramelize evenly and become tender.
4. Whip Ricotta: While the carrots roast, place the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and lemon zest in a food processor or use a hand mixer to whip the mixture until it becomes smooth, light, and airy. Set this whipped ricotta aside for serving.
5. Assemble the Dish: Once the carrots are roasted and caramelized, spread the whipped ricotta evenly on a serving platter. Arrange the warm roasted carrots on top of the ricotta layer.
6. Add Final Touches: Drizzle the hot honey over the carrots and ricotta for a sweet and spicy finish. Garnish with fresh herbs such as mint or parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute honey for the hot honey if you prefer less heat or don’t have hot honey available.
• For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup without honey.
• Adjust the amount of cumin and smoked paprika to taste for more or less smoky flavor.
• Carrots can be roasted ahead of time and the dish assembled just before serving.

Keywords: roasted carrots, whipped ricotta, hot honey, side dish, easy carrot recipe, roasted vegetable, vegetarian appetizer