These roasted carrots are bright and sweet, roasted to perfection and topped with creamy whipped ricotta and a drizzle of spicy hot honey. It’s comfort food with a twist!
My favorite part? The hot honey gives a fun kick! It’s the kind of dish that makes veggies exciting. I could eat this combo all week—who knew carrots could steal the show?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Carrots: These are sweeter and more tender compared to regular carrots. If you can’t find baby carrots, you can cut regular carrots into sticks or rounds. They will work just fine!
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese is key for the whipped element. If you’re looking for a lighter option, cottage cheese can be blended until smooth as a substitute.
Hot Honey: This adds a sweet and spicy kick! If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a similar effect.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme and parsley are great options for garnishing. If you don’t have them, try basil or even green onion for a fresh touch.
Lemon Zest: This optional element brightens the dish. If you’re out of lemons, a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavor as well, though zest adds a unique aroma.
How Do You Perfectly Roast Carrots for the Best Flavor?
The key to roasting baby carrots is to ensure they get caramelized while remaining tender. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature (425°F or 220°C) to encourage caramelization.
- Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper generously. This helps them roast evenly.
- Spread them out in a single layer in your baking dish to avoid steaming.
- Turn them halfway through the cooking time (20-25 minutes) for an even roast. Look for that golden color!
How to Make Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Roasted Carrots:
- 1 lb baby carrots, trimmed and scrubbed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Whipped Ricotta:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Garnish:
- 2 tbsp hot honey (or regular honey with red pepper flakes)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as thyme or parsley)
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take you around 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for prep and then approximately 20-25 minutes for roasting the carrots. It’s simple and totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will get it nice and hot for roasting the carrots and bringing out their natural sweetness.
2. Prepare the Carrots:
In a baking dish, toss the trimmed baby carrots with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor!
3. Roast the Carrots:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give them a gentle turn to ensure they caramelize evenly. You know they’re done when they’re tender and beautifully golden!
4. Make the Whipped Ricotta:
While the carrots are roasting, prepare the whipped ricotta. In a food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend it until it’s smooth and creamy. If you want an extra burst of flavor, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and blend again.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Once the carrots are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, it’s time to assemble. Spread the creamy whipped ricotta onto a serving platter. Then, arrange the roasted carrots on top of the ricotta, creating a beautiful presentation.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle the hot honey over the roasted carrots and ricotta to give it a sweet and spicy kick. If you like, sprinkle fresh herbs and lemon zest on top for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
This dish is best enjoyed warm, whether as a fun appetizer or a delightful side dish. Dig in and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
Can I Use Regular Carrots Instead of Baby Carrots?
Yes, you can definitely use regular carrots! Just peel and cut them into similar size pieces to baby carrots for even roasting. Depending on the size, you may need to adjust the roasting time, so check for tenderness around the 20-minute mark.
What Can I Substitute for Hot Honey?
If you don’t have hot honey, you can make your own by mixing regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. This will give you a similar sweet and spicy flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Roasted Carrots and Ricotta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the carrots in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, and serve with fresh whipped ricotta on the side to keep the texture creamy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or radishes. Just make sure they all have a similar cooking time to ensure everything is roasted to perfection!
