Crispy Smashed Carrots with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Smashed Carrots offer a delightful twist on a simple vegetable side dish. By boiling, smashing, and roasting, the carrots develop tender centers with crisp, caramelized edges. Enhanced with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan, this recipe is both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds
• 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Boil the carrot rounds in salted water for 10–12 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Arrange the carrots on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each round using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup until about half as thick.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the carrots evenly with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Step 5: Roast the carrots for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp on the edges.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Boil the carrots just until fork-tender to avoid mushiness and ensure they hold their shape when smashed.
• Use a firm, flat-bottomed object to achieve an even thickness for uniform roasting.
• For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for a fresh, tangy contrast.
• Serve with garlic aioli, ranch, or tahini dip for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Storage

Store leftover crispy smashed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other spices instead of smoked paprika?

Yes, you can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika, cumin, or chili powder to adjust the flavor profile to your liking.

How do I prevent the carrots from becoming mushy?

Boil the carrots just until fork-tender, not too soft, and allow them to cool slightly before smashing. This helps them hold their shape and ensures a crispy texture when roasted.

Crispy Smashed Carrots with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 127 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy Smashed Carrots are a delightful vegetable side dish that combines tender boiled carrots with a crispy, caramelized roasted exterior. Enhanced with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese, these smashed carrots offer a flavorful twist on a simple root vegetable. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe delivers a satisfying texture contrast and a rich umami depth, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or as a nutritious snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds

Seasoning and Topping

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Boil the carrots: Place the carrot rounds in salted boiling water and cook for 10–12 minutes until they become fork-tender but not mushy. Drain and let them cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
3. Smash the carrots: Arrange the carrots on the baking sheet and use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to gently flatten each piece until roughly half their original thickness. This increases surface area for better caramelization.
4. Season and add toppings: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the smashed carrots. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over them. Then, generously scatter grated Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, savory crust.
5. Roast the carrots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the carrots for 20–25 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly on both sides, developing a crisp texture and deep flavor.
6. Garnish and serve: Once roasted to a crisp golden-brown, remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the carrots. Serve hot to enjoy the perfect balance of tender interiors and crunchy edges.

Notes

• Do not overboil the carrots; they should be fork-tender but still hold their shape for smashing.
• Use a flat-bottomed object like a glass or measuring cup to gently flatten the carrots evenly for uniform roasting.
• Avoid skipping the flipping step during roasting to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
• You can substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: smashed carrots, roasted carrots, crispy carrots, side dish, easy vegetable recipe, garlic paprika carrots, Parmesan carrots, healthy carrot recipe