Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey is a simple yet elegant side dish that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. With tender caramelized carrots paired with creamy ricotta and a drizzle of spicy honey, it’s perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb rainbow carrots, washed and peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp hot honey
• Crushed pistachios (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Place the peeled carrots on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Spread the carrots out in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
4. Step 4: While the carrots roast, place the ricotta in a mini food processor and blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
5. Step 5: Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter. Top with the roasted carrots, drizzle with hot honey, and garnish with crushed pistachios if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use rainbow carrots for a colorful presentation or substitute with classic orange carrots.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios or substitute with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.
• If you don’t have a food processor, whip the ricotta with a hand mixer or whisk until fluffy.
• Adjust the amount of hot honey depending on your preferred level of heat and sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover roasted carrots and whipped ricotta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the carrots gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warm. Serve ricotta chilled or at room temperature for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?

Yes, regular honey works well if you prefer less heat. You can add a pinch of chili flakes to mimic the spicy kick if desired.

How do I make hot honey at home?

To make hot honey, gently warm honey with chili flakes or fresh chili peppers for 5–10 minutes, then strain if desired. Store in a jar and use as needed.

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey Recipe

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4.9 from 61 reviews

This Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey recipe features tender, caramelized rainbow carrots perfectly roasted and paired with creamy, fluffy ricotta cheese whipped to airy perfection. Finished with a drizzle of spicy hot honey and optional crushed pistachios, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors—ideal for an elegant side or a light vegetarian appetizer.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots & Seasoning

• 1 lb rainbow carrots, washed and peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

Ricotta & Toppings

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsp hot honey
• Crushed pistachios (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the carrots. This ensures a hot environment to caramelize the natural sugars in the carrots.
2. Prepare the Carrots: Place the peeled rainbow carrots on a baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with fresh thyme, salt, and cracked black pepper. Toss the carrots thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated with the seasonings and oil.
3. Roast the Carrots: Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to promote even caramelization and ensure they become tender and slightly browned.
4. Whip the Ricotta: While the carrots are roasting, place the whole milk ricotta cheese into a mini food processor. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the ricotta becomes smooth, fluffy, and airy, transforming the texture to a whipped consistency.
5. Assemble and Serve: Spread the whipped ricotta onto a serving platter as a creamy base. Arrange the roasted carrots over the ricotta. Drizzle the dish generously with hot honey to add a sweet heat. For added texture and a nutty flavor, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

• Use rainbow carrots or any colorful carrot variety for a visually appealing dish.
• Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your preferred spice level.
• Whipped ricotta can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to one day; bring to room temperature before serving.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios.
• This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.

Keywords: Roasted carrots, whipped ricotta, hot honey, Mediterranean side dish, easy vegetable recipe, healthy vegetarian appetizer