Description

Delightfully sweet and spicy, these roasted carrots with whipped ricotta and hot honey make a perfect vibrant side dish. Tender carrots are caramelized in the oven, paired with creamy, fluffy ricotta infused with lemon, and drizzled with spicy hot honey for a delicious balance of flavors. Garnished with fresh parsley and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes, this easy-to-prepare dish brings a fresh twist to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Carrots

1 pound carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Whipped Ricotta

1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Toppings

2 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare carrots: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the peeled and halved carrots with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the carrots for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Roast until the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized on the edges, which brings out their natural sweetness.
Make the whipped ricotta: While the carrots are roasting, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender. Blend for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
Assemble the dish: Spread the whipped ricotta evenly on a serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the roasted carrots on top of the ricotta in a visually appealing manner.
Drizzle and garnish: Drizzle the hot honey over the carrots and ricotta. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired to add freshness and heat. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

You can prepare the whipped ricotta up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container to save time.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the ricotta with a cashew or almond-based cheese alternative.
To make your own hot honey, gently warm honey with a pinch of chili flakes over low heat until infused, then allow to cool before using.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American