Looking for a show-stopping side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? These Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey are sweet, savory, creamy, and a little spicy — a perfect combination for your dinner table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish will impress every guest at first bite.
Table of Contents
🥕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about carrots — it’s about layers of flavor and texture:
- Tender roasted carrots with caramelized edges
- Creamy whipped ricotta for a smooth, rich base
- Drizzle of hot honey for that irresistible sweet-heat kick
- Crunchy pistachios and fresh herbs for color and texture
It’s quick to make, visually stunning, and surprisingly elegant for such simple ingredients!
🥕 Ingredients
For the Roasted Carrots
- 1 lb (450g) baby or heirloom carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup (225g) ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
For the Hot Honey
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
For Topping
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Carrots
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and beautifully caramelized.
Step 2: Whip the Ricotta
- In a food processor, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth, creamy, and slightly fluffy.
- Set aside — this will be your base layer.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and red pepper flakes.
- Warm gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly (don’t let it boil).
- Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar.
- Let it cool slightly before using.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- On a serving platter, spread the whipped ricotta into a smooth layer.
- Arrange the roasted carrots neatly on top.
- Drizzle generously with the hot honey.
- Sprinkle over the chopped pistachios, thyme, and parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
🌿 Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a side for roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a festive holiday spread.
It’s also a stunning vegetarian appetizer — perfect with crusty bread or a light salad.
🧮 Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
💡 Pro Tips
- Want it spicier? Add extra chili flakes to your hot honey.
- Use colorful carrots (purple, yellow, orange) for a vibrant presentation.
- No ricotta? Substitute with whipped goat cheese or cream cheese for a tangier twist.
🥄 Final Thoughts
These Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey aren’t just a side dish — they’re an experience of taste and texture. Every bite is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and slightly spicy, making it the kind of recipe that gets remembered long after the meal ends.
Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or simply elevating your everyday menu. ✨
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