Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. The natural sweetness of roasted carrots is enhanced with a drizzle of hot honey, while the whipped ricotta provides a luxurious, creamy contrast. It’s an elegant yet simple side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grain bowls, or even as a light appetizer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Roasted Carrots:

1 lb (450g) carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise

1 ½ tbsp olive oil

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)

½ tsp garlic powder

1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

For the Whipped Ricotta:

1 cup (240g) whole milk ricotta cheese

¼ cup heavy cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier version)

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp salt

½ tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp lemon juice

¼ tsp black pepper

For the Hot Honey:

¼ cup honey

½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)

½ tsp apple cider vinegar

Garnishes:

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or mint

2 tbsp chopped pistachios or walnuts (for crunch, optional)

Flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions

 Roast the Carrots

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Toss the peeled and halved carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme in a bowl until evenly coated.

Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

 Prepare the Whipped Ricotta

In a food processor or with a hand mixer, blend the ricotta, heavy cream, olive oil, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.

Whip for about 1-2 minutes until smooth and airy. Set aside.

 Make the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey until it is runny (do not boil).

Stir in the red pepper flakes and apple cider vinegar. Let it infuse for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

 Assemble the Dish

Spread the whipped ricotta onto a serving plate in a thick layer.

Arrange the roasted carrots on top.

Drizzle generously with the hot honey.

Sprinkle with fresh herbs, nuts, and flaky sea salt.

 Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm as a side dish or appetizer. Enjoy with grilled meats, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.

Tips & Tricks

Roasting Tips:

Don’t overcrowd the pan! Give the carrots space to caramelize for the best flavor.

Make it Dairy-Free:

Swap ricotta for whipped cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt.

Make it Spicier:

Add more red pepper flakes to the hot honey for extra heat.

Prep Ahead:

Roast the carrots and make the whipped ricotta in advance. Assemble just before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 220

Protein: 6g

Carbohydrates: 25g

Fiber: 3g

Fat: 11g

Sugar: 15g

Sodium: 280mg