Roasted Carrots with Ricotta

This elegant roasted carrot dish transforms an everyday vegetable into something truly special. The sweet caramelized carrots paired with creamy whipped ricotta and spicy-sweet honey creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will impress at any dinner table.

I first served this at a holiday gathering when I wanted something different from the usual vegetable sides. The platter was completely empty within minutes, and now it's requested at every family celebration.

Ingredients

• Baby or heirloom carrots: Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted, and colorful varieties make for a stunning presentation
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor
• Maple syrup: Adds depth and helps achieve beautiful caramelization
• Ground cumin: Provides earthy warmth that complements the natural sweetness of carrots
• Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish
• Ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta works best for the creamiest texture
• Heavy cream: Helps achieve that luxurious whipped texture
• Lemon zest: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness
• Honey: Creates the base for our spicy drizzle
• Red pepper flakes: Adjust amount based on your spice preference
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity
• Pistachios: Their green color and crunch provide the perfect finishing touch
• Fresh herbs: Thyme and parsley add color and aromatic freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Roasted Carrots:

Preheat your oven to 400°F, ensuring it reaches full temperature before adding the carrots. Wash and dry your carrots thoroughly, leaving small tender ones whole or halving larger ones lengthwise for even cooking. In a large bowl, gently toss them with olive oil until evenly coated, then add maple syrup, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, giving each carrot space to caramelize properly. Roast for 20-25 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through for even browning.

Make the Whipped Ricotta:

While the carrots roast, drain any excess liquid from your ricotta by placing it in a fine-mesh sieve for about 10 minutes. This ensures a lighter, fluffier result. Add the drained ricotta to a food processor along with heavy cream, fresh lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Process for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes incredibly light and cloud-like in texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Prepare the Hot Honey:

In a small saucepan, combine honey and red pepper flakes over low heat. Warm gently for just 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. The goal is to infuse the honey with spice, not to cook it. Remove from heat once warmed through and stir in the apple cider vinegar, which will cut through the sweetness and add complexity. Let it cool slightly but use while still warm enough to drizzle.

Assemble the Dish:

Take a shallow serving platter and spread the whipped ricotta in an even layer, creating swoops and swirls with the back of a spoon for visual interest. Arrange the caramelized carrots artfully on top, varying their directions for a rustic, abundant look.

Add the Toppings:

Drizzle the warm hot honey generously over the arranged carrots, allowing it to pool in some areas for concentrated flavor hits. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly across the dish, followed by fresh thyme leaves. If using parsley, tear rather than chop the leaves for a more natural appearance.

Serve:

Present immediately while the carrots are still warm and the contrast between hot carrots and cool ricotta is at its peak. Provide serving spoons that will capture all layers in each portion.

pin it

My favorite element is definitely the hot honey. I discovered it years ago at a pizza restaurant where they drizzled it over the crust, and I've been finding excuses to use it in both sweet and savory applications ever since. This dish really showcases its versatility.

Make It A Meal

This versatile dish works wonderfully alongside a protein like roasted chicken or grilled fish. The flavors particularly complement Mediterranean and Middle Eastern main courses. For a vegetarian dinner, pair it with a hearty grain pilaf or serve it atop a bed of quinoa or farro to make it more substantial.

Storage And Reheating

The components are best stored separately. Keep the roasted carrots in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and the whipped ricotta can last up to 5 days refrigerated. The hot honey will keep for several weeks in a sealed jar at room temperature. When reheating, warm the carrots in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through, then assemble with room-temperature ricotta and freshly drizzled honey.

Seasonal Variations

In spring, use tender young carrots with their greens attached for a beautiful presentation. Summer brings colorful heirloom varieties that create a stunning rainbow effect. Fall is perfect for adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds instead of pistachios. Winter calls for heartier spicing consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the carrot seasoning.

pin it

This dish turns carrots into a stunning and flavorful masterpiece with minimal effort. It's the perfect combination of aesthetics and taste to impress your guests!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use regular carrots instead of baby or heirloom?

Yes, just peel and slice regular carrots into uniform pieces for even roasting. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

→ How do I make the whipped ricotta extra smooth?

Use a food processor and blend the ricotta with cream and zest until completely smooth. Scraping down the sides helps achieve a silky texture.

→ Is there a substitute for hot honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a similar sweet-spicy flavor.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can roast the carrots and make the ricotta and honey ahead. Reheat the carrots and assemble just before serving for best texture and flavor.

→ What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grain bowls, or as a centerpiece for vegetarian meals. It also works as a stunning appetizer.