Mediterranean Hot Honey Carrots & Burrata Grazing Board
This grazing board brings together roasted rainbow carrots drizzled with spicy-sweet hot honey, creamy burrata, and a variety of Mediterranean-inspired nibbles. It’s colorful, balanced, and perfect for sharing as an appetizer, brunch centerpiece, or wine night platter. The mix of textures—soft burrata, crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruit, and crisp crackers—makes it both elegant and satisfying.
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Assembly Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4–6 (as an appetizer)
Ingredients
For the Carrots:
1 ½ lbs (680g) rainbow carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp hot honey (or regular honey + pinch of chili flakes)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Grazing Board:
2 balls burrata cheese
½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
1 cup grapes or figs, halved
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup assorted crackers or crostini
Fresh basil or arugula leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Carrots:
Place carrots on the sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
Glaze with Hot Honey:
Remove carrots from the oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey (or honey mixed with chili flakes). Toss lightly to coat. Let cool slightly before arranging on the board.
Assemble the Grazing Board:
Place burrata balls on a large serving platter or wooden board.
Arrange roasted carrots around the cheese.
Add grapes or figs, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, and crackers.
Garnish with fresh basil or arugula leaves for color and freshness.
Serve:
Just before serving, drizzle a little extra hot honey over the burrata for extra flavor. Serve with crackers or crostini to scoop up the creamy cheese alongside the roasted carrots.
Tips & Variations
Carrot Alternatives: Swap rainbow carrots for baby carrots, parsnips, or roasted sweet potatoes if you prefer.
Honey Heat Level: Adjust the spice by using more or less chili flakes, or try different chili-infused honeys.
Cheese Swap: If burrata isn’t available, use fresh mozzarella, whipped ricotta, or goat cheese for a similar creamy element.
Fruit Options: Grapes and figs work beautifully, but you can also use fresh pears, apples, or even pomegranate seeds for brightness.
Nut Variations: Almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts can replace walnuts or pecans. Toasting them enhances flavor and crunch.
Add a Dip: Include a small bowl of hummus or baba ganoush for an extra Mediterranean touch.
Serving Style: For a more rustic presentation, serve the carrots warm on the board. For a picnic or casual grazing table, let them cool completely before arranging.
Make It a Meal: Add slices of prosciutto, grilled chicken skewers, or roasted chickpeas to turn the board into a light main course.
Q&A
Q: Can I serve the carrots warm or should they be cooled before adding to the board?
A: Either works. Warm carrots are comforting and pair nicely with creamy burrata, but cooled carrots make the board easier to set out for longer gatherings.
Q: What if I can’t find burrata?
A: Fresh mozzarella balls or whipped ricotta are excellent substitutes. Goat cheese also brings a nice tangy contrast.
Q: Can I make the carrots ahead of time?
A: Yes. Roast the carrots a few hours ahead and store them at room temperature. Add the hot honey glaze just before serving for the best flavor.
Q: How do I keep the board balanced?
A: Include a variety of textures—something creamy (burrata), crunchy (nuts, crackers), fresh (fruit, greens), and chewy (dried cranberries).
Q: Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
A: Yes, it’s completely vegetarian. Just be sure your hot honey doesn’t contain added non-vegetarian ingredients (some brands infuse with bacon).
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~280
Protein: 8 g
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 18 g
Sodium: ~220 mg
(Values are approximate and will vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Hot Honey Carrots & Burrata Grazing Board is a vibrant, shareable dish that’s equal parts elegant and approachable. The sweet-heat of roasted carrots with creamy burrata creates the centerpiece, while nuts, fruit, and crackers round out the board with variety and texture. It’s perfect for entertaining, pairing with wine, or elevating a casual get-together into something special.