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