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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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