Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish takes simple ingredients and elevates them into something truly special. Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sweetness, while the whipped ricotta adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the earthy flavors of the carrots. The hot honey drizzle at the end is the cherry on top, offering a slight heat and sweetness that enhances the entire dish. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Roasted Carrots:

• 1½ lbs carrots (about 6–8 medium), peeled & halved lengthwise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Whipped Ricotta:

• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the peeled and halved carrots with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Spread the carrots out evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the carrots for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized at the edges.
4. While the carrots roast, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta, milk or cream, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Once the carrots are done roasting, plate them and generously spoon the whipped ricotta on top.
6. Drizzle the hot honey over the dish before serving, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped roasted nuts like almonds or pistachios on top of the finished dish.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the whipped ricotta with a dairy-free cream cheese or cashew-based ricotta for a vegan version.
• Herb Infused Ricotta: Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the ricotta mixture for a fresh twist.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of hot honey or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover roasted carrots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the whipped ricotta and hot honey separate if possible to preserve their textures.
• Reheating: Reheat the carrots in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. The ricotta can be lightly warmed or served cold, depending on preference.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots for this recipe?

Yes, you can use baby carrots! Simply adjust the cooking time as they may roast faster than regular carrots.

Can I make the whipped ricotta ahead of time?

Yes, the whipped ricotta can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.

Is there an alternative to hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, you can use regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy twist.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free option, substitute the whipped ricotta with a vegan ricotta or a cashew-based cheese.

Can I make this recipe on a sheet pan with other vegetables?

Yes, you can add other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes to the sheet pan for a more substantial dish.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

How do I make sure the carrots are perfectly roasted?

Make sure the carrots are evenly spaced on the baking sheet and turn them halfway through roasting for even caramelization.

Can I use low-fat ricotta for the whipped ricotta?

You can use low-fat ricotta, but the texture and creaminess may not be as rich as with whole-milk ricotta.

What can I serve this dish with?

This roasted carrot dish pairs well with roasted meats like chicken or lamb, or as a vegetarian main with a side of grains like quinoa or couscous.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you want more heat, add extra chili flakes to the whipped ricotta or drizzle a hotter variety of honey over the carrots.

Conclusion

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and elevated flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main, it’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for something comforting yet fancy. The combination of roasted sweetness, creamy ricotta, and spicy-sweet honey is undeniably delicious and easy to make. Enjoy!

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