Hot Honey Carrots

When it comes to side dishes, Hot Honey Carrots might just be the most exciting one yet. This recipe perfectly balances sweetness, spice, creaminess, crunch, and a hint of smokiness. 

The caramelised roasted carrots take on a deep, honeyed richness, while the whipped feta adds a cooling contrast. Crispy quinoa provides a savoury crunch, and the spring onion salsa brings everything together with its smoky tang. It’s more than just a side – it’s a dish that demands attention on any table.

See how I make this dish over on my Instagram!

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Why Roasting Works Wonders for Carrots
• Hot Honey: The Ingredient That Transforms the Dish
• The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Quinoa
• Whipped Feta: The Creamy Counterpoint
• Charring for Maximum Flavour: The Salsa That Brings It All Together
• How to Plate Hot Honey Carrots
• Hot Honey Carrots: Pairing Suggestions
• Addicted to Hot Honey?

Ingredient Breakdown

• Carrots: Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a tender, caramelised texture.
• Hot honey: Adds a touch of heat to the natural sweetness of the carrots.
• Coriander seeds: Brings warmth and citrusy notes to the dish.
• Cumin seeds: Provides an earthy, slightly nutty depth of flavour.
• Quinoa: Roasted until crisp for a light, savoury crunch.
• Greek yoghurt: A creamy, tangy base for the whipped feta.
• Feta: Adds saltiness and richness to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Spring onions: Charring brings out smoky and slightly sweet flavours.
• Red chilli: Adds heat and a vibrant depth to the salsa.
• Fresh coriander: Brightens the dish with freshness.
• Olive oil: Used to enhance flavour and texture throughout the recipe.
• Lemon juice: Provides acidity to balance the richness.

Why Roasting Works Wonders for Carrots

Roasting vegetables unlocks incredible depth of flavour, and Hot Honey Carrots are no exception. Roasting is one of the best ways to bring out the natural sweetness of carrots. When exposed to high heat, the natural sugars in carrots begin to caramelise through the Maillard reaction, creating complex, nutty, and slightly smoky flavours. This process deepens their colour, enhances their texture, and intensifies their natural sweetness.

However, roasting isn’t just about throwing carrots in the oven and hoping for the best. The size and shape of the carrots affect how they cook. Cutting them too small can lead to excessive browning before they become tender. Leaving them whole on the other hand, may result in uneven cooking. To achieve the ideal texture, soft on the inside with caramelised, crispy edges, it’s best to halve or quarter them lengthwise. This ensures each piece has enough surface area to develop that signature golden-brown crust.

Another factor is the oven temperature. A high roasting temperature, such as 200°C (180°C fan), allows the carrots to cook quickly and evenly, while also helping the honey to form a rich glaze without burning. The final step, adding the hot honey towards the end. This ensures the glaze clings to the carrots without turning bitter from overcooking.

One of the best parts of this method is its ease. Once the carrots are in the oven, they require minimal attention, allowing the heat to work its magic. By the time they come out, they’re tender on the inside with crisp, slightly charred edges – perfect for soaking up the final drizzle of hot honey.

Hot Honey: The Ingredient That Transforms the Dish

Hot honey might not be the first thing you think to pair with roasted carrots, but it’s the secret ingredient that makes this dish stand out. The combination of floral sweetness and fiery heat enhances the earthy notes of the roasted carrots, creating a balanced flavour profile that keeps every bite interesting.

But what exactly is hot honey? Simply put, it’s honey infused with chilli, creating a sweet-spicy condiment that adds depth and complexity to both savoury and sweet dishes. The heat level can vary depending on the type of chilli used. Some versions have a mild warmth, while others bring an intense kick.

If you prefer a more intense heat, drizzle a little extra hot honey over the dish just before serving. You can also experiment by making your own hot honey at home, infusing high-quality honey with fresh or dried chilli for a personalised level of spice.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Quinoa

Quinoa is often associated with grain bowls and salads, but in this recipe, it takes on a whole new role as a crispy topping. The key to achieving that perfect crisp lies in the preparation. First, the quinoa needs to be cooked and fully dried before roasting. Any excess moisture will prevent it from crisping properly, so spreading it out on a baking tray ensures even dehydration. Tossing it with olive oil, cumin, and coriander seeds before roasting infuses it with warm, aromatic flavours that complement the carrots.

The roasting process transforms quinoa into tiny, crunchy morsels that provide textural contrast against the soft, caramelised carrots and the creamy whipped feta. If you’re a fan of texture-driven dishes, this element alone makes the dish worth trying.

Whipped Feta: The Creamy Counterpoint

While crumbled feta is often used as a topping for roasted vegetables, whipping it with Greek yoghurt takes the experience to another level. The process of whipping feta creates a smooth, spreadable consistency that coats the palate with a creamy, tangy richness.

But why does whipped feta work so well in this dish? Firstly, it acts as a cooling contrast to the heat from the hot honey and red chilli in the salsa. The mild acidity in both the yoghurt and feta helps cut through the sweetness of the honey, preventing the dish from becoming overpowering. Secondly, its soft, airy texture ensures that every bite is balanced, blending seamlessly with the other ingredients rather than simply sitting on top.

To make the best whipped feta, use high-quality feta cheese. A creamy variety made from sheep’s milk will have a richer, more complex flavour than a drier, lower-fat version. The key is to blend it until smooth, adding just enough Greek yoghurt to create a silky texture without thinning it out too much.

Charring for Maximum Flavour: The Salsa That Brings It All Together

A good salsa does more than just add a pop of freshness. It ties all the flavours in a dish together. The spring onion and red chilli salsa in Hot Honey Carrots does exactly that, with smoky depth, bright acidity, and just the right amount of heat.

Charring the spring onions and red chilli is what sets this salsa apart. High heat brings out their natural sweetness while adding a subtle smokiness that contrasts beautifully with the honeyed carrots. Finely chopping them and combining them with fresh coriander, olive oil, and lemon juice creates a salsa that cuts through the richness of the whipped feta and roasted vegetables. The result is a dish that feels layered, dynamic, and deeply satisfying.

How to Plate Hot Honey Carrots

Presentation plays a huge role in how we experience food, and Hot Honey Carrots deserve to be served in a way that highlights their beauty. Instead of simply piling everything onto a plate, take a moment to layer the components thoughtfully:

• Start with the whipped feta: Spread it across the base of a large serving platter to create a creamy foundation.
• Add the roasted carrots: Arrange them in a way that shows off their caramelised edges and honeyed glaze.
• Sprinkle on the crispy quinoa: Distribute it evenly so that every bite has some crunch.
• Drizzle with the smoky salsa: Let the charred spring onion and chilli mixture weave through the dish, adding vibrancy and depth.
• Garnish with extra coriander: A final flourish of fresh herbs brings brightness and balance.

This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Whether paired with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a mezze spread, it stands out as a star on the table.

Hot Honey Carrots: Pairing Suggestions

While Hot Honey Carrots shine on their own, they also work beautifully alongside a variety of dishes. Here are some great pairings:

• Grilled Chicken or Lamb: The smoky, spiced elements in this dish complement charred, grilled meats perfectly.
• Warm Flatbreads: Scooping up the whipped feta and salsa with soft flatbreads adds another layer of texture.
• Grain Bowls: Serve the carrots over a bed of couscous or bulgur wheat for a more substantial meal.
• Roasted Cauliflower or Aubergine: For a vegetarian-friendly spread, pair with other roasted vegetables for a mix of flavours and textures.
• Crisp White Wine or Sparkling Water with Lemon: The bright acidity in a good Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy sparkling water balances the richness of the dish.

Addicted to Hot Honey?

If this dish has given you the hot honey itch, why not try out some more recipes featuring this spicy, sticky and quite frankly addictive condiment:

• Halloumi Nuggets with Hot Honey: Nuggets meet mozzarella sticks. Halloumi is great, but halloumi nuggets are even better! These bite-sized, cheesy treats drizzled with hot honey are insanely delicious and crazy addictive. 
• Hot Honey Charred Cabbage: If you think you hate cabbage, think again; this Hot Honey Charred Cabbage will definitely convert you.
• Hot Honey Brown Butter Brussel Sprouts: Hot honey meets nutty brown butter, with just enough garlic and chilli to turn even the most avid brussels sprouts hater into a lover.