If there’s one thing I love about the holiday entertaining season, it’s having a few irresistible appetizers up my sleeve. You know the kind, the ones that disappear almost as quickly as you put them on the table, with guests coming back for just one more bite!
These Garlic & Herb Roasted Carrots with Honey Whipped Goat Cheese are exactly that kind of appetizer. And here’s what makes them even better: they are vegetables! Who knew carrots could be so completely crave-worthy?
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, while garlic and herbs add wonderful savory flavor. Serve them with a bowl of whipped goat cheese, and you’ve got a mouthwatering combination. Trust me, people cannot stay out of this dish!
And because we’re heading into the busy entertaining season, I especially love that so much of the preparation can be done ahead. Cut your carrots the day before, whip up the goat cheese a couple of days in advance, and when your guests are on their way, all that’s left is roasting the carrots and arranging everything on a pretty platter.
It’s colorful, elegant, surprisingly simple, and just the kind of recipe that makes hosting feel effortless. I think you’ll find yourself making this one again and again!
Garlic & Herb Roasted Carrots with Honeyed Whipped Goat Cheese
4-6 large carrots, peeled and cut into 4-inch matchsticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Whipped Goat Cheese
6 ounces fresh chèvre
4 ounces cream cheese
½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons honey
Zest of a lemon and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
To prepare the whipped goat cheese, mix all the ingredients together using a handheld mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the carrots in a gallon zip-top bag and add olive oil. Toss to coat well. In a small bowl, mix herbs and seasonings very well. Spread carrots out on the baking sheet. Sprinkle them with the herb mixture. Toss to be sure they are coated well. Place in the oven and cook for 12 minutes. Remove, toss, and repeat. Once tender and slightly crisped, they are ready to serve with the Goat Cheese.
I hope you will enjoy this recipe as much as I do!
Looking for some Fresh Kitchen Inspiration?
I’d love to welcome you into my new kitchen. At ATOP cooking classes are back in full swing. Have a look at the upcoming classes, including the return of my much-loved Gifts from the Kitchen holiday class!
Thursday, November 19th 6:30-8:30 A Toast to Autumn: An Evening of Bites & Sips Grab your favorite foodie—or come solo and make new friends—for a Girls’ Night In filled with fabulous food, a little indulgence, and plenty of fun. We’ll kick things off with a festive Apple Cider Paloma and settle in for an evening of irresistible bites made for sharing. We’ll start with luscious Cream Cheese Crab Cakes, golden and crisp, served with a zesty Remoulade Sauce. Next, we’ll build a gorgeous Centerpiece of creamy Burrata, ripe Pears, toasted Walnuts, and a generous drizzle of golden Honey. Warm Baked Goat Cheese gets a burst of flavor from savory Pepper Tomato Confit, while Maple Bacon and Blue Cheese Crostini bring together smoky, salty, sweet, and creamy in one READ MORE & REGISTER
Gifts from the Kitchen! Thursday, December 3rd 6:00-8:30 READ MORE and REGISTER OR Friday, December 4th 11:00-1:00 READ MORE and REGISTER There’s something so special about giving a gift made with your own hands, and this festive class is filled with delicious inspiration for creating thoughtful gifts everyone on your list will adore. And of course, we’ll bring back everyone’s favorite part of the class: festive and creative packaging techniques that make homemade gifts truly extraordinary!We’ll begin with a cozy bowl of my signature Tomato Basil Soup, Crusty Artisan Bread, and a festive holiday cocktail. Then I’ll share a wonderful collection of sweet and savory gifts, with plenty of delicious tastes along the way. You’ll sample every offering and even take home a beautifully packaged treat of your own!We’ll start with one of the trendiest gift ideas of the season, Compound Butters, creating a trio of luscious flavors, perfect alongside a crusty loaf of Herb, Sun-Dried Tomato, and White Cheddar Bread. We’ll explore fragrant Herbes de Provence infused Olive Oil and a gorgeous Cranberry, Red Onion, and Balsamic Confit that will make any holiday cheese board shine.On the sweeter side, we’ll bake buttery French Lemon Pound Cakes, create an Elegant Collection of Chocolate-Dipped Dried Fruits, including candied oranges with dark READ MORE & REGISTER Thursday, December 3rd 6:30-8:30 OR READ MORE & REGISTER OR Friday, December 4th 11:00-1:30
And if France is calling, there are currently two opportunities to travel with A Taste of Paris in 2027, with more exciting trips coming very soon.
The Loire Valley April 8th-14th, 2027 Only 1 seat OPEN. A gorgeous escape into storybook châteaux, magnificent gardens, charming villages, beautiful wines, lush interiors, and the fascinating history of the French Renaissance.
Paris Flagship April 19th-25th, 2027 Takes us straight into the heart of the city I love so much. We’ll experience the iconic sites and museums, the beauty and flavor of Paris, and three outstandi
Creatives Renaissance September 21st – 27th 2027 Set against the inspiring backdrop of the City of Light — a muse to artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries — this trip invites you to awaken your senses and reconnect with your creative spirit.
Whether we gather around my kitchen island or a table in France, I hope we’ll have the pleasure of sharing something delicious together soon!
XOXO Lorie
