Description
Crispy Smashed Carrots are a delectable side dish featuring tender boiled carrots flattened and roasted to golden, crispy perfection with a flavorful blend of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe offers a simple yet irresistible way to elevate ordinary carrots into a crowd-pleasing delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 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 make cleanup easy.
- Boil Carrots: Boil the carrot rounds in salted water for 10-12 minutes until they are fork-tender. Then drain the carrots and allow them to cool slightly so they are easier to handle.
- Smashed Carrots: Place the cooled carrot rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass, gently press down on each round to flatten them without breaking them apart.
- Season: Drizzle the flattened carrots with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a rich, smoky, and savory flavor profile.
- Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each smashed carrot piece, which will create a wonderful crispy cheese crust when roasted.
- Roast: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the crispy smashed carrots from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Boil carrots until just fork-tender to avoid them becoming mushy when smashed and roasted.
- Flipping halfway through roasting ensures even crispiness on both sides.
- Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like thyme or rosemary for flavor variations.
- Use a sturdy glass or small pan bottom for smashing to keep the carrots intact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crispy smashed carrots, roasted carrots, Parmesan carrot recipe, easy vegetable side dish, healthy carrot recipe
