The Best Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

Elevate your side dish game with these Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey. This recipe combines tender, caramelized carrots with a creamy ricotta base and a drizzle of sweet heat from homemade hot honey. It’s a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that works just as beautifully on a holiday table as it does for a weeknight dinner. Simple to make, yet stunning in presentation, this dish is where comfort meets sophistication.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally Sweet Carrots – Roasting brings out their deep, earthy flavor.
Hot Honey Drizzle – A sweet-and-spicy kick balances the creaminess beautifully.
Luscious Whipped Ricotta – Light, airy, and full of flavor.
Elegant but Easy – Looks fancy, but comes together with ease.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Carrots:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

For the Whipped Ricotta:

• ¾ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• ½ tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Hot Honey:

• 2 tbsp honey
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

1. Roast the Carrots
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and caramelized.

2. Make the Whipped Ricotta
In a food processor or using a hand mixer, blend the ricotta, yogurt, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Hot Honey
In a small saucepan, warm honey and red pepper flakes over low heat for 1–2 minutes. Stir in apple cider vinegar if using. Let cool slightly.

4. Assemble the Dish
Spread whipped ricotta on a serving plate. Top with warm roasted carrots. Drizzle with hot honey and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 145
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Customize the Heat – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra kick.
• Carrot Variety – Use rainbow carrots for a colorful presentation.
• Serve Warm or Room Temp – This dish holds well, making it great for gatherings.
• Extra Smooth Ricotta? – For an ultra-creamy result, strain your ricotta before whipping.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish is a brilliant mix of textures and flavors—roasted carrots are naturally sweet and slightly crispy, whipped ricotta brings creaminess and body, and hot honey ties it all together with warmth and depth. Each component is simple, but combined, they create a restaurant-worthy experience in your own kitchen.

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey is a side dish that’s anything but ordinary. With bold flavor, creamy richness, and a touch of spice, it’s the kind of recipe that surprises and delights—perfect for a dinner party or when you simply want vegetables to steal the show.