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Roasted carrots meet fluffy ricotta and spicy honey for a snack that's both sweet and a little fiery. The creamy ricotta balances the soft, caramelized carrots perfectly, while the spicy honey adds a fun zing that wakes up each bite.
I stumbled on this one when I wanted a simple but impressive dish for guests. It quickly became a top pick since it looks stunning and hits both cozy and fancy notes.
What You Need
- Fresh thyme or parsley: adds a fresh, herbal pop at the end
- Hot honey: poured over for a gentle spicy sweetness. Pick a good quality one for the best taste
- Extra virgin olive oil: stirred into ricotta for extra creaminess and a fruity hint
- Lemon zest and juice: brighten up the ricotta with lively citrus flavors
- Whole milk ricotta: makes a silky, creamy topping. Use fresh and rich ricotta
- Kosher salt and black pepper: season the carrots to bring out their natural taste
- Olive oil: helps get carrots soft and caramelized when roasted
- Carrots: peeled and trimmed for sweet, earthy flavor. Pick firm, colorful ones for the best roast
- Optional red pepper flakes: add if you want more heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast The Carrots:
- Heat your oven to 425°F and line a baking pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Mix carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated. Spread them out on the pan in one layer to get that perfect roast. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. You want tender carrots with nicely browned edges.
- Make The Whipped Ricotta:
- While the carrots cook, put ricotta in a bowl. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Whip it by hand or with a mixer till it's smooth and fluffy.
- Put It Together:
- On a serving plate, spread the whipped ricotta evenly creating a creamy base. Then carefully lay the roasted carrots on top.
- Finish It Up:
- Drizzle hot honey generously over the carrots. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like it spicier. Top with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve while it’s warm and inviting.
I like to finish with fresh thyme since it adds herbal notes without overpowering the creamy, sweet flavors. A friend once said this tastes like sunshine on a plate — I totally agree.
How To Store It
Pop leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to two days. Carrots will get softer though, so it's best fresh. Keep ricotta separate to hold its whipped texture. Warm the carrots gently in the oven to bring back their roast, then add ricotta and honey before serving.
Swap Suggestions
You can swap ricotta with whipped goat cheese for a tangier, richer taste. Try colorful baby or heirloom carrots to make it look super pretty. If you want sharper heat without sweetness, replace hot honey with chili oil.
Best Matches to Serve
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the bright, sweet flavors here. Add a simple grain salad or some toasted sourdough bread for a light but satisfying spread. Toss on some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for a crunchy, nutty touch.
This dish feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients lifted up with minimal fuss. Letting carrots caramelize slowly while the ricotta fluffs up creates something special out of everyday veggies. Take your time and enjoy all those layers of flavor coming together.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → How do I get the best roasted carrots for this dish?
Put the carrots in one layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment and roast at 425°F. Turn them halfway so they cook evenly and get nice and tender.
- → What’s the trick to creamy whipped ricotta?
Mix ricotta with lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil using a whisk or mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
- → Can I make this less spicy if I want?
Sure, red pepper flakes are totally optional. Add as much or as little as you like or leave them out to keep it mild.
- → What can I swap for hot honey?
You can mix regular honey with chili flakes or use a mild spicy sauce to keep that sweet and spicy kick.
- → What’s the best way to serve this dish?
Lay the roasted carrots over the whipped ricotta, splash on the spicy honey, add fresh herbs, and eat it right away for the best taste.