Roasted Carrots with Ricotta
	
		Roasted Carrots with Ricotta is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the natural sweetness of tender roasted carrots with the creamy richness of whole-milk ricotta cheese. This healthy and flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, offering vibrant colors, delightful textures, and customizable flavors that cater to any taste preference.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Judy
 
							- Prep Time: 10 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
 
							- Yield: 4 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Appetizers
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Gluten Free
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 lb (about 450g) fresh carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or rounds
 
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
 
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
 
- Sea salt, to taste
 
- Black pepper, to taste
 
- 1 tsp fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley), chopped
 
- 1 tsp lemon juice or zest
 
Optional Toppings
- Toasted nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or pine nuts), chopped
 
- Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling
 
- Chili flakes
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Prepare and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the carrots if needed and cut them into uniform sticks or rounds to ensure even cooking.
 
- Season the Carrots: Toss the carrots in olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs until each piece is well-coated, maximizing flavor and caramelization during roasting.
 
- Roast to Perfection: Spread the carrots evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the carrots are tender and have beautifully browned edges.
 
- Plate with Ricotta: Transfer the roasted carrots to a serving dish and dollop generous spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over them. Finish by sprinkling lemon zest and drizzling olive oil or honey if desired.
 
- Garnish and Serve: Add optional toppings like toasted nuts or chili flakes to introduce extra texture and flavor contrast. Serve warm for the best experience.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- Choose uniform carrots to ensure even roasting and tenderness.
 
- Use good-quality olive oil for rich flavor and caramelization.
 
- Fresh herbs provide brighter, fresher aromas compared to dried.
 
- Serve ricotta slightly chilled or at room temperature to contrast with warm carrots.
 
- Adding crunchy toppings enhances texture and adds excitement to the dish.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
 
							- Calories: 150
 
							- Sugar: 6g
 
							- Sodium: 150mg
 
							- Fat: 10g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 3g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 12g
 
							- Fiber: 3g
 
							- Protein: 5g
 
							- Cholesterol: 15mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: roasted carrots, ricotta cheese, healthy appetizer, gluten free, easy dinner, baked vegetables, simple side dish