Parmesan Carrots with Hot Honey Mayo

Crunchy Parmesan Carrots with Hot Mānuka Honey Mayonnaise: The Ultimate Last-Minute Christmas Dish 

It’s Christmas Eve, the house is buzzing with festive energy, and suddenly you remember—you promised to bring a side dish to the family gathering. Panic sets in as you realize you need something quick, delicious, and a little bit impressive. Enter crunchy parmesan carrots with hot Mānuka honey mayonnaise, the perfect last-minute Christmas dish that’s sure to wow your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe. 

The Perfect Festive Side Dish 

Christmas is all about indulgence, warmth, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. But let’s be honest, holiday cooking can be a bit overwhelming. With all the elaborate main dishes and desserts, sometimes you just need a simple, yet crowd-pleasing side that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s where these crunchy parmesan carrots come in. 

Imagine tender, roasted carrots coated in a crisp layer of parmesan cheese, served with a side of hot Mānuka honey mayonnaise for dipping. The combination of sweet and savory, with a hint of spice, is pure Christmas magic. Not only do these carrots taste incredible, but they also add a pop of color to your holiday table, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious. 

Carrots: The Unsung Hero of Holiday Veggies 

Before we dive into the flavor explosion that is parmesan-crusted carrots, let’s take a moment to appreciate the humble carrot. Often overshadowed by more glamorous vegetables, carrots are actually a nutritional powerhouse, making them a fantastic addition to any holiday meal. 

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A—a nutrient essential for good vision, immune function, and skin health. They’re also packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage and support overall health. And let’s not forget about their fiber content, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling satisfied. 

In this dish, the natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by roasting, which brings out their rich, earthy flavor. The crispy parmesan coating adds a delightful crunch, creating a perfect contrast to the tender interior of the carrots. It’s a side dish that’s simple, nutritious, and oh-so-satisfying. 

Parmesan: The Cheese That Makes Everything Better 

Parmesan cheese is the secret weapon that takes these carrots from ordinary to extraordinary. This hard, nutty cheese has a rich umami flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots and adds a savory depth to the dish. When baked, parmesan becomes golden and crispy, creating a deliciously crunchy coating that’s hard to resist. 

But parmesan isn’t just about flavor; it also has some health benefits worth noting. Parmesan is high in protein and calcium, which are essential for strong bones and muscles. It’s also lower in lactose compared to many other cheeses, making it easier to digest for those with lactose sensitivity. 

In this recipe, the parmesan does double duty—providing both flavor and texture. It clings to the carrots, forming a crispy crust that’s impossible to resist. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by the tender sweetness of the roasted carrot. It’s a match made in Christmas heaven. 

The Star of the Show: Hot Mānuka Honey Mayonnaise 

Now, let’s talk about the real star of this dish: the hot Mānuka honey mayonnaise. This dipping sauce is where sweet meets heat, with a touch of creaminess that ties everything together. It’s the perfect complement to the crunchy parmesan carrots, adding a burst of flavor that elevates the dish to new heights. 

Mānuka honey, as you might already know, is no ordinary honey. Sourced from New Zealand, Mānuka honey is renowned for its unique properties, including its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s packed with methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it its powerful health benefits. Plus, Mānuka honey is rich and earthy, with a depth of flavor that’s far more complex than your average honey. 

In this mayonnaise, Mānuka honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the heat from the spices, creating a dipping sauce that’s both bold and comforting. The creamy mayonnaise base provides a smooth, rich texture that pairs perfectly with the crunchy carrots. It’s a sauce that’s as versatile as it is delicious—ideal for drizzling over vegetables, spreading on sandwiches, or, as in this case, dipping crispy parmesan carrots. 

Easy Peasy and Perfect for Christmas 

The best part about this dish? It’s incredibly easy to make, which is exactly what you need during the busy holiday season. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up these crunchy parmesan carrots in no time. They’re the ideal last-minute side dish—quick, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. 

Whether you’re hosting a big Christmas dinner or attending a casual holiday gathering, these carrots fit right in. They’re elegant enough to serve alongside the main course but simple enough to make without breaking a sweat. And because they’re so tasty, you might want to make a double batch—they’re sure to disappear fast! 

A Lighthearted Holiday Treat 

Let’s be honest, Christmas is all about enjoying good food with good company, and these crunchy parmesan carrots with hot Mānuka honey mayonnaise are a delightful way to do just that. They’re proof that a simple, humble vegetable can become the star of the show with just a little love and the right ingredients. 

This dish is also a great way to bring a little fun and creativity into your holiday cooking. The combination of flavors is unexpected but works beautifully together, creating a dish that’s both festive and flavorful. And because it’s so easy to make, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the holiday festivities—no stress required. 

What are you waiting for? 

Crunchy parmesan carrots with hot Mānuka honey mayonnaise are the ultimate last-minute Christmas side dish. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any holiday table. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the health benefits of carrots and Mānuka honey mean you can feel good about serving them to your loved ones. 

So next time you’re in need of a quick and delicious dish for a holiday gathering, give these parmesan carrots a try. They’re sure to become a new Christmas favorite, adding a little extra crunch and cheer to your festive celebrations. Merry Christmas and happy snacking! 

Ingredients 

• 1 lb carrots, medium or large sized

• 2 tbs olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1/2 heaping tsp each paprika, chili powder, onion powder + Italian herb seasoning

• salt to taste

• 3/4 cup grated parmesan 

Dip

• Hot Honey Mayo recipe = equal parts Manuka Honey, chilli sauce and mayonnaise - we used 1/4 cup of each, it depends on how much you want to make. 

Instructions