Welcome to your new favorite way to eat carrots. These roasted carrots are caramelized and tender with just the right amount of char, layered over a bed of silky whipped ricotta, and finished with a golden drizzle of sweet-spicy hot honey. It’s rustic, elevated, and absolutely addictive.
This dish is perfect as a holiday side, a dinner party starter, or a weeknight upgrade when you want something fancy but fuss-free.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Deep flavor contrast – sweet carrots, creamy cheese, and spicy honey
- Visually stunning – bright orange carrots, fluffy ricotta, and golden drizzle
- Quick & easy – done in under 40 minutes
- Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and dinner-party approved
Ingredients
For the Roasted Carrots:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and trimmed (keep them whole or slice lengthwise)
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or cumin (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Whipped Ricotta:
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
- 1 tbsp cream cheese or sour cream (optional for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
For the Hot Honey:
- 3 tbsp honey
- ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- ½ tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for balance)
Want a shortcut? Use store-bought hot honey like Mike’s — but homemade is next-level.