Description
Crispy Smashed Carrots are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish featuring tender boiled carrot rounds that are flattened, seasoned, and roasted to golden perfection. These flavorful carrots are enhanced with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese, then garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Perfect as a healthy snack or a complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds
Seasonings & Toppings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Boil Carrots: Boil the carrot rounds in salted water for 10–12 minutes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Drain the water and let the carrots cool slightly to handle safely.
- Smash Carrots: Arrange the cooked carrot rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently press down on each carrot round to slightly flatten them, which helps them crisp up during roasting.
- Season: Drizzle the flattened carrots with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Top each carrot round with grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, crispy crust.
- Roast: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and golden, crispy edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Once roasted, remove the carrots from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot as a delightful side dish or snack.
Notes
- Use carrots of similar size for even cooking.
- Do not over boil carrots; they should be tender but firm enough to smash.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the carrots for 1-2 minutes at the end of roasting.
- Parmesan can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste preference, adding more or less smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Crispy Smashed Carrots, roasted carrots, side dish, vegetarian, healthy snack, Parmesan carrots
