Short Description
Tender, golden-roasted carrots served atop creamy whipped ricotta, all finished with a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey—simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Roasted carrots become caramelized and flavorful
- Smooth whipped ricotta offers fresh, creamy contrast
- Hot honey adds subtle spice and balanced sweetness
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Elegant side dish for weeknight dinners or entertaining

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and cut into even pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup whole‑milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, toss carrot pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway, until carrots are golden and tender.
- While the carrots roast, whip the ricotta in a bowl using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and slightly airy.
- Let the roasted carrots cool slightly. Spread whipped ricotta across your serving dish, top with the carrots, then drizzle generously with hot honey.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: Serves 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25–30 minutes
- Total time: ~35–40 minutes
Variations
- Use chili-infused oil instead of olive oil for extra spice
- Swap ricotta for Greek yogurt or labne for tangier creaminess
- Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or mint
- Garnish with toasted almonds or pistachios for crunch
- Use maple syrup with a pinch of chili flakes if hot honey isn’t available
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftover roasted carrots separately from whipped ricotta in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat carrots gently in a warm oven or skillet
- Add freshly whipped ricotta and drizzle honey just before serving
- Best served fresh for optimal contrast in texture and temperature

FAQs
Can I use baby carrots instead?
Yes — peel them slightly or leave whole if small. Adjust roast time as needed.
What kind of hot honey should I use?
Use any chili-infused honey or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to regular honey.
Can I prepare the whipped ricotta ahead of time?
Yes, make it a few hours early and keep chilled. Stir before serving.
How do I fix watery ricotta?
Drain it in a fine sieve over a bowl for 10–15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Can I serve this dish room temperature?
Yes, but the contrast of cool ricotta and warm carrots is part of the appeal.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave with chili flakes works well too.
How do I get the ricotta really smooth?
Use a handheld mixer or whisk and whip for several minutes until silky.
Can I add garlic powder or spices to the carrots?
Yes — cumin, smoked paprika, or garlic powder pair nicely with roasted carrots.
Can I make this vegan?
Use plant-based ricotta and toss the carrots with vegan “honey” or maple syrup.
What should I serve with this?
Pairs well with roasted meats, grilled fish, soft polenta, or crusty bread.
Conclusion
This dish balances earthy roasted carrots, silky whipped ricotta, and sweet-heat from hot honey beautifully. It’s simple, yet sophisticated—ideal for elevating any meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Print
Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender oven-roasted carrots paired with whipped ricotta and a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey—a simple yet elegant side that balances earthy, creamy, and sweet-heat flavors.
Ingredients
1 lb fresh carrots, peeled and cut into even pieces
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup whole‑milk ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220 °C).
- Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange in a single layer on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
- Roast 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and tender.
- While carrots roast, whip ricotta in a bowl using a mixer or whisk until smooth and slightly airy.
- Let carrots cool slightly. Spread whipped ricotta on a serving dish, top with carrots, then drizzle generously with hot honey.
Notes
- Drain ricotta in a sieve for 10–15 minutes if it’s watery, then whip for maximum creaminess.
- Use storage‑separated carrots and ricotta if making ahead to preserve texture.
- Add chopped herbs like thyme, parsley, or mint for freshness.
- Toast nuts like almonds or pistachios for crunch and garnish if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Modern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ lb carrots + ricotta + honey drizzle
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg