Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey Recipe

Introduction

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey is a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect as a side or a light appetizer. The tender carrots pair beautifully with the airy ricotta and a drizzle of spicy honey.

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 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 on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Roast the carrots for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
4. Step 4: While the carrots roast, combine ricotta, heavy cream, and lemon zest in a food processor or bowl. Whip until smooth and airy. Set aside.
5. Step 5: To serve, spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter. Arrange the roasted carrots on top.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the hot honey over the carrots and ricotta, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the carrots before roasting.
• Substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter whipped ricotta.
• Use regular honey mixed with chili flakes if hot honey is unavailable.
• Garnish with toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the whipped ricotta and roasted carrots separate if possible. Reheat carrots gently in the oven or microwave, then dollop or spread the ricotta on top before serving. The dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby or heirloom carrots?

Yes, regular carrots work well. Cut them into uniform sticks or rounds so they roast evenly.

What can I substitute for ricotta if I don’t have any?

You can use cream cheese, mascarpone, or even Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture, though flavors will vary slightly.

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 142 reviews

This delightful recipe features tender roasted carrots seasoned with warm spices and a touch of maple syrup, paired with creamy whipped ricotta enhanced by lemon zest. Finished with a drizzle of spicy hot honey and fresh herbs, this dish perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and creaminess, making it a vibrant side or appetizer that’s both simple and sophisticated.

• Author: Rita
• 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

Scale 1x2x3x

Roasted Carrots

• 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 cheese
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Finishing Touches

• 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 ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Carrots: In a mixing bowl, toss the baby or heirloom carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Roast Carrots: Spread the seasoned carrots evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown and caramelize evenly, becoming tender and flavorful.
4. Whip Ricotta: While the carrots are roasting, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and lemon zest in a food processor or bowl. Whip with a hand mixer until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and airy. Set aside for assembly.
5. Assemble the Dish: Once the carrots are roasted, spread the whipped ricotta onto a serving platter in an even layer. Arrange the warm roasted carrots on top of the ricotta layer elegantly.
6. Finish with Hot Honey and Herbs: Drizzle the roasted carrots and ricotta with hot honey to add a sweet and spicy kick. Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• You can use any variety of carrots—baby, heirloom, or regular carrots cut into sticks.
• If you prefer less spice, adjust the amount of hot honey accordingly or substitute with regular honey.
• To make homemade hot honey, gently warm honey with red chili flakes until infused, then strain.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time: roast carrots in advance and whip ricotta just before serving.
• To keep the ricotta airy, whip it just before serving to prevent it from deflating.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute ricotta with whipped tofu or a cashew-based cheese.

Keywords: roasted carrots, whipped ricotta, hot honey, side dish, autumn recipe, easy appetizer, sweet and spicy, vegetarian