Name: Harissa Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb. petite carrots, peeled and trimmed; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon harissa paste (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon honey; 1 garlic clove; 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled or broken into pieces; ½ – ¾ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (start with ½ cup and add more if needed); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Chopped cilantro or mint (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 52 reviews

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful side dish that’s as stunning on the plate as it is delicious, the Harissa Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe is your new go-to. This beautifully balanced dish combines the smoky heat of harissa-coated, tender roasted carrots with the creamy, tangy goodness of whipped feta. Every bite bursts with layers of warm spices, a touch of honeyed sweetness, and refreshing herbs, making it irresistibly addictive and perfect for impressing guests or elevating a simple weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A baking tray lined with brown parchment paper holds two neat rows of whole cooked carrots. The carrots are bright orange with a shiny glaze and scattered black pepper dots across their smooth surfaces. Each carrot has a small piece of green stem at the top. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the short list fool you. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, contributing texture, color, or that special punch of flavor that brings the Harissa Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe to life. From the earthy warmth of coriander to the bright lemony notes, these essentials combine like a well-rehearsed orchestra, creating a harmonious explosion of taste.

1 lb. petite carrots (peeled and trimmed): Choose small, tender carrots for the sweetest flavor and quickest roasting time.

1 tablespoon avocado oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for roasting without overpowering the spices.
½ teaspoon ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrusy warmth that complements the harissa beautifully.
½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper: Offers a mild heat and fruity undertone, shaping the distinct flavor profile.

½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the heat and sweetness.
1 tablespoon harissa paste: The star fiery paste that brings smoky, spicy depth—adjust it to your heat preference.
1 tablespoon honey: Provides a touch of natural sweetness to caramelize the carrots and mellow the harissa.

Chopped cilantro or mint (for topping): Fresh herbs add a bright, refreshing finish that cuts through richness.
1 garlic clove: Adds a subtle pungency and complexity to the whipped feta.
8 ounces feta cheese (crumbled or broken into pieces): The creamy, tangy base for the luscious whipped feta spread.

½-¾ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream: Balances the feta’s saltiness while creating a luxuriously smooth texture.
1 tablespoon lemon juice (plus zest of 1 lemon): Brightens and lifts the whipped feta, adding citrusy zing.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Richness and silky smoothness for the whipped feta, plus subtle fruity notes.

How to Make Harissa Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe

Inside a clear round food processor container, there is a thick, creamy mixture that is light beige in color and smooth in texture. The mixture swirls evenly around the central beige plastic blade holder, which holds a sharp steel blade partially covered by the mixture. The surface beneath the container is white with a marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look to the scene. The photo was taken from above, showing the mixture close-up inside the processor. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Carrots

Start by positioning the oven rack in the center and preheating to 425ºF. Getting the oven nice and hot is key to roasting the carrots until they develop that perfect tender softness with caramelized edges. Peel and trim your petite carrots so they cook evenly and soak up the flavors.

Step 2: Season and Roast the Carrots

Place the carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle them generously with avocado oil. Mix the ground coriander, Aleppo pepper, and kosher salt together, then sprinkle this aromatic blend evenly over the carrots before tossing them lightly. Spread the carrots out so each has space to roast rather than steam. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure all sides get beautifully colored and tender. If your carrots are on the thicker side, don’t hesitate to leave them in for up to 35 minutes. The key is fork-tender perfection.

Step 3: Whip the Feta

While the carrots roast, get your whipped feta ready—it’s pure magic and the creamy anchor of this dish. Begin by mincing the garlic clove in a food processor, then add the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt (start with ½ cup), lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is thick and spreadable. If it feels too dense or salty, add the remaining yogurt or sour cream gradually until the texture is silky but still holds its shape. Be careful not to over-process, or it will become too liquidy. Spread this divine whipped feta evenly on your serving platter.

Step 4: Baste the Carrots with Harissa Honey

After the carrots are fork-tender and nicely roasted, mix together the harissa paste and honey in a small bowl. Brush this fiery-sweet glaze all over the carrots, then pop them back in the oven for another 5-7 minutes. This final step caramelizes the honey, creating gorgeous sticky edges and enhancing the spicy warmth of the harissa.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Once the carrots have cooled slightly, artfully arrange them over the whipped feta spread. Finish the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped mint or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Now, your Harissa Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe is ready to wow at the table!

How to Serve Harissa Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint aren’t just pretty; they bring a refreshing brightness that balances the caramelized heat of the roasted carrots. You can also add a few toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added texture and richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even couscous and warm pita for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The Harissa Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe shines as a vibrant side that complements heavier mains by adding a tangy, spicy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the whipped feta and carrots as part of a mezze platter alongside olives, roasted nuts, and fresh veggies. Alternatively, spread the whipped feta on toasted baguette slices and top with a few harissa carrots for an irresistible appetizer that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover roasted carrots and whipped feta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The carrots will keep for up to 3 days, while the whipped feta remains fresh for about 4-5 days, maintaining its creamy texture and flavor.

Freezing

The Harissa Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe doesn’t freeze particularly well because the whipped feta’s texture changes and the carrots lose their fresh roastiness. For best results, prepare fresh or keep leftovers refrigerated.

Reheating

Warm the roasted carrots gently in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through without drying out. Avoid microwaving whipped feta; instead, give it a quick stir at room temperature before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use regular carrots instead of petite carrots?

Absolutely! If you use larger carrots, just slice them into similar-sized sticks so they roast evenly and become tender without overcooking the outsides.

How spicy is the harissa paste in this recipe?

Harissa’s heat can vary by brand, but this recipe balances it with honey and yogurt, so it’s pleasantly warm rather than overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the amount of harissa to suit your taste.

Can I substitute the feta cheese with another cheese?

Feta’s tanginess is key here, but you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a slightly different creaminess, though the flavor profile will change.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute the feta and yogurt with a plant-based cheese and dairy-free yogurt, and use agave syrup instead of honey for roasting.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftovers are great cold in salads or as a sandwich topping, with the whipped feta adding creamy richness and the carrots delivering that spicy-sweet pop of flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the joyous discovery of a dish that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, textures, and colors in one unforgettable bite. The Harissa Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe is exactly that kind of recipe—a vibrant celebration of roasted warmth and creamy zest that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and prepare to impress everyone at your table with this bright, flavorful, and utterly satisfying dish.