HOT HONEY WHIPPED RICOTTA CARROTS ULTIMATE

Tired of the same old boring side dishes? These Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Carrots are about to revolutionize your veggie game, offering a delightful dance of sweet, creamy, and spicy that’s incredibly addictive. Imagine tender roasted carrots nestled on a cloud of airy whipped ricotta, drizzled with a tantalizingly sweet and spicy hot honey – it’s a flavor explosion you won’t soon forget. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this surprisingly easy and utterly delicious recipe, I promise you’ll absolutely adore it!

Ingredients

For the Carrots:

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Whipped Ricotta:

• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite chili garlic sauce), or to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Chopped parsley
• Toasted nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

Let’s Talk About Carrots: Choosing the Right Ones

Okay, friend, let’s get real about carrots! While you *can* use those pre-cut baby carrots in a pinch, I highly recommend opting for whole carrots. Why? Because they tend to have a sweeter, more vibrant flavor and they roast more evenly. Look for carrots that are firm, smooth, and brightly colored. Avoid any that are cracked, soft, or have green spots near the top.

And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, grab some rainbow carrots! They add a beautiful pop of color to your dish and make it even more visually appealing. Just remember to peel them well, as the skins can sometimes be a bit bitter.

Mastering the Whipped Ricotta: The Secret to Creamy Perfection

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show: the whipped ricotta. This is where the magic happens, transforming a simple cheese into a light, airy cloud of deliciousness. The key here is to start with high-quality, whole milk ricotta cheese. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Draining the ricotta is also crucial. You want to remove as much excess moisture as possible to prevent the whipped ricotta from becoming watery. I like to wrap the ricotta in a clean cheesecloth or paper towels and let it sit in a strainer for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight in the fridge). If you’re in a hurry, you can gently press down on the ricotta to squeeze out the excess liquid.

When it comes to whipping, you can use a food processor, a stand mixer, or even a hand mixer. Just be careful not to over-whip, as this can cause the ricotta to become grainy. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy texture with soft peaks. A little olive oil and seasoning helps take this up a notch!

The Hot Honey Factor: Spice Level Control

Alright, let’s talk about the heat! Hot honey is the perfect complement to the sweetness of the carrots and the creaminess of the ricotta. But everyone’s spice tolerance is different, so feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking. I usually start with 1 teaspoon and then add more until I reach my desired level of heat.

If you’re not a fan of sriracha, you can use any hot sauce you like. Chili garlic sauce, gochujang, or even a dash of cayenne pepper will work. Just be sure to taste as you go and add the hot sauce gradually.

And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, try infusing your honey with other flavors. A few sprigs of rosemary or a pinch of smoked paprika can add a unique twist to your hot honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roasting the Carrots:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the carrots: In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure the carrots are evenly coated.
3. Roast the carrots: Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Making the Whipped Ricotta:

1. Drain the ricotta: Place the ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or paper towels. Let it drain for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a thicker consistency.
2. Whip the ricotta: In a food processor or with an electric mixer, combine the drained ricotta, heavy cream, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whip until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

Making the Hot Honey:

1. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Heat gently: Heat over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the honey is slightly warmed and the ingredients are well combined. Do not boil.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Spread the ricotta: Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Arrange the carrots: Arrange the roasted carrots on top of the whipped ricotta.
3. Drizzle with hot honey: Drizzle generously with hot honey.
4. Garnish (optional): Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, chopped parsley, and toasted nuts, if desired.
5. Serve immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions and Creative Twists

These Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Carrots are incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light meal. They pair perfectly with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or a hearty grain bowl.

If you’re looking to add a bit of crunch, try topping them with toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or crumbled bacon. For a more savory flavor, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled goat cheese.

You could even serve these carrots in individual phyllo cups for an elegant appetizer. Just bake the phyllo cups according to package directions, fill them with whipped ricotta, top with roasted carrots, and drizzle with hot honey. So simple, yet so impressive!

If you are a fan of carrots and honey, then you should also try Honey Glazed Veggies for another amazing recipe! You might also like Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Instructions

Want to get ahead of the game? You can roast the carrots up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The whipped ricotta can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

The hot honey can be made several days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will thicken as it cools, so you may need to gently warm it before serving.

Leftover Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Carrots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the whipped ricotta may lose some of its airiness over time. To revive it, simply give it a quick whisk before serving.

If you are looking for other carrot recipes, you might enjoy these Garlic Parmesan Carrots, or even Smashed Carrots!

Troubleshooting Tips: What to Do If Things Go Wrong

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans can go awry in the kitchen. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you troubleshoot any potential issues!

• Carrots are not roasting evenly: Make sure the carrots are cut into uniform sizes and spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they’re still not roasting evenly, try flipping them halfway through.
• Whipped ricotta is too watery: Make sure you’ve drained the ricotta well. If it’s still too watery, you can try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken it.
• Hot honey is too spicy: Add a tablespoon of butter to cut the spice.
• Hot honey is too thick: Add a teaspoon of water at a time until you get the desired consistency.

These Maple Dijon Apples And Carrots are another great side dish if you enjoy carrots! Also, you may enjoy these Honey Feta Sweet Potato Rounds.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Carrot Recipe Awaits!

There you have it! Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Carrots: a truly delightful and unexpected dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. With their vibrant flavors, creamy texture, and spicy kick, these carrots are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and get ready to experience a carrot revolution! Happy cooking, my friend!

Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Carrots

These Hot Honey Whipped Ricotta Carrots offer a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and spicy flavors. Tender roasted carrots are nestled on a cloud of airy whipped ricotta, drizzled with a tantalizingly sweet and spicy hot honey, creating a flavor explosion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese, drained well
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce such as sriracha or chili garlic sauce
• Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
• Fresh thyme sprigs optional
• Chopped parsley optional
• Toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans) (optional

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Cheesecloth or paper towels
• Food processor or electric mixer
• Small saucepan
• Serving platter or individual plates
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Make sure the carrots are evenly coated.
3. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Place the 15 ounces ricotta cheese in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or paper towels. Let it drain for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a thicker consistency.
6. In a food processor or with an electric mixer, combine the drained ricotta, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Whip until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
7. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup honey, 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
8. Heat over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the honey is slightly warmed and the ingredients are well combined. Do not boil.
9. Spread the whipped ricotta on a serving platter or individual plates.
10. Arrange the roasted carrots on top of the whipped ricotta.
11. Drizzle generously with hot honey.
12. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, chopped parsley, and toasted nuts, if desired.
13. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

You can roast the carrots and make the whipped ricotta up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The hot honey can be made several days in advance and stored at room temperature. For a spicier honey, add more hot sauce. To make ahead, roast carrots a day in advance, store in fridge. Make whipped ricotta a day in advance, store in fridge; bring to room temp before serving. Make hot honey several days in advance, store at room temp. Reheat gently if needed.