Charred and caramelized baby carrots tossed in warm spices and sesame seeds, layered atop a bed of creamy whipped feta — this elegant side dish offers the perfect balance of earthy sweetness and tangy richness. Ideal for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or elevating a simple weekday meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This roasted carrot dish brings out the natural sweetness of carrots with high-heat roasting, enhanced by the smokiness of paprika and nuttiness from sesame seeds. The whipped feta adds a luscious, salty counterpoint that turns this vegetable side into something truly special. It’s visually stunning, bursting with flavor, and easy to prepare. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a versatile addition to any menu.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Carrots:

• 1 lb baby carrots with tops (trimmed and scrubbed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Whipped Feta:

• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh carrot tops or parsley
• Extra sesame seeds and chili flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss the baby carrots with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, sesame seeds, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until caramelized and tender.
4. While the carrots roast, prepare the whipped feta. In a food processor or blender, combine feta cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Spread the whipped feta across the base of a serving platter or individual plates.
6. Arrange the warm roasted carrots on top of the whipped feta.
7. Garnish with chopped carrot tops or fresh parsley, and sprinkle with additional sesame seeds and chili flakes, if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 as a side dish.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add honey: Drizzle roasted carrots with honey before serving for a sweet-savory twist.
• Use different root vegetables: Swap carrots with parsnips or multicolored heirloom carrots for variety.
• Make it dairy-free: Use a dairy-free feta substitute and plant-based yogurt to keep the dish vegan.
• Add nuts: Top with toasted pistachios or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Herb swap: Try dill, mint, or cilantro instead of parsley for a new flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the carrots and whipped feta separate if possible.
• Reheating: Reheat carrots in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Whipped feta is best served at room temperature.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of both carrots and feta may degrade after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of baby carrots?

Yes, simply peel and cut them into sticks or chunks of similar size for even roasting.

Is it necessary to use a food processor for the whipped feta?

A food processor provides the smoothest texture, but a blender or even a hand mixer can also work.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, roast the carrots and make the whipped feta a day ahead. Assemble just before serving.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

Sour cream or plain regular yogurt will also work, though the texture may be slightly looser.

Are the carrot tops edible?

Yes, they are completely edible and make a great garnish, similar to parsley.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, substitute the feta and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.

What can I serve this with?

This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted lamb, or grain-based dishes like quinoa or couscous.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for optimal flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

How spicy is this dish with chili flakes?

Mildly spicy. Adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preference or omit entirely for a milder dish.

How do I prevent the feta from being too salty?

Use a mild feta or soak the feta block in water for 30 minutes before blending to reduce its saltiness.

Conclusion

Roasted carrots with whipped feta is an elegant, flavorful side dish that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy plate. The contrast between warm, spiced carrots and cool, creamy whipped feta makes it an instant favorite. Perfect for dinner parties or weeknight meals, this versatile recipe is both simple to prepare and impressive to serve.

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