This Cacık recipe takes the classic Turkish yogurt dip and pairs it with sweet, caramelized honey roasted carrots — and the combination is absolutely addictive. Thick strained yogurt with cucumber, garlic, dill and mint, served alongside carrots roasted until deeply golden and sticky. Cool and creamy meets warm and sweet.
Cacık is a staple of Turkish cuisine — a refreshing yogurt dip served all across Turkey. This Cacık recipe uses süzme (strained thick yogurt) for an extra rich, dip-able texture, and pairing it with honey roasted carrots turns a simple meze into something special enough to serve to guests.
Why You’ll Love This Cacık Recipe
- Thick, rich süzme yogurt base — perfect for dipping
- The honey roasted carrots are sweet, caramelized and addictive
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Naturally gluten free and vegetarian
- Beautiful presentation for guests or meze spreads
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Cacık:
- 3 cups süzme yogurt (thick strained yogurt)
- 1 large cucumber or 3 small cucumbers, finely diced
- 1 tbsp dried mint
- Fresh dill, chopped (about 0.75oz)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Crushed pistachios for topping
For the honey roasted carrots:
- 4–5 medium carrots
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Cacık with Honey Roasted Carrots Recipe
Course: mezeCuisine: TurkishDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes35
minutes220
kcalIngredients
3 cups süzme yogurt (thick strained yogurt)
1 large cucumber or 3 small cucumbers, finely diced
1 tbsp dried mint
Fresh dill, chopped (about 0.75oz)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
Drizzle of olive oil
Crushed pistachios for topping
- For the honey roasted carrots
4–5 medium carrots
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ cup honey
Salt and black pepper to taste
Olive oil
Directions
- Cacık directions
- Halve the cucumbers and scoop out the watery centers so the dip doesn’t get runny, then dice into small cubes.
- Add the süzme yogurt to a bowl. Add the diced cucumber, chopped dill, dried mint, minced garlic and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the Cacık onto a serving plate. Drizzle with olive oil and top with crushed pistachios.
- Honey roasted carrots directions
- Peel the carrots and cut them in half lengthwise. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes.
- Add the honey and continue roasting until the edges are deeply caramelized and almost charred but not burnt — a rich golden brown color.
- Dip the warm honey roasted carrots into the cool Cacık. Afiyet olsun!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Strain your own yogurt if needed. To turn regular yogurt into thick süzme, line a strainer with a thin cloth, add the yogurt and let it drain for a few hours until all the excess moisture is gone.
- Scoop out the cucumber centers. This is the key to a thick Cacık recipe — the watery seeds make the dip runny if left in.
- Don’t be afraid to char the carrots. That deep caramelized, almost-black edge is where all the flavor is. Just don’t burn them all the way through.
