Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
