Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta & Hot Honey
A Sweet-Spicy Side Dish That Steals the Show! 🌟
These Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey are the perfect harmony of flavors—tender, caramelized carrots meet luxuriously creamy ricotta, all finished with a spicy-sweet honey drizzle. Elegant enough for dinner parties, easy enough for weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Perfectly balanced – Sweet carrots + creamy ricotta + spicy honey.
✔ Simple but impressive – Looks gourmet with minimal effort.
✔ Vegetarian & gluten-free – Great for dietary restrictions.
✔ Versatile – Serve as a side, appetizer, or light meal.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Carrots
- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled (or rainbow carrots for color)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Whipped Ricotta
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (whole milk for best texture)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- 1 tsp honey (to sweeten lightly)
For the Hot Honey Drizzle
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp hot sauce (like sriracha or Calabrian chili)
- Pinch of flaky salt
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Toasted pistachios or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Carrots
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 25-30 mins, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
2. Whip the Ricotta
- Blend ricotta, lemon zest (if using), and honey until smooth.
3. Make the Hot Honey
- Warm honey and hot sauce in a small pan or microwave (10 sec).
4. Assemble & Serve
- Spread whipped ricotta on a plate.
- Top with roasted carrots.
- Drizzle with hot honey and garnish.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal | 9% |
Carbs | 18g | 6% |
Protein | 4g | 8% |
Fat | 11g | 17% |
Fiber | 3g | 12% |
Based on a 2,000-calorie diet
Pro Tips
🔥 Char for depth – Broil 1-2 mins at the end for extra caramelization.
🍯 Adjust heat – Add more hot sauce or chili flakes for spice lovers.
🧀 Ricotta swap – Try whipped feta or goat cheese for tang.
Serving Suggestions
🍗 With roasted chicken – A perfect pairing.
🍞 On crostini – As an elegant appetizer.
🥗 Over greens – For a hearty salad.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store components separately for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Carrots in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 mins.
Final Thoughts
This dish is simple magic—sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy all at once. A must-try for carrot lovers!