Smashed Roasted Carrots with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
Smashed Carrots are a deliciously crispy and flavorful side dish featuring tender boiled carrots that are gently crushed, seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese, then roasted to golden perfection. Finished with fresh parsley, this recipe offers a healthy and vibrant way to enjoy carrots with a satisfying texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Boil the carrots: Place the peeled and thickly sliced carrot rounds into salted boiling water. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until the carrots are fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and allow them to cool slightly to handle safely.
- Smash the carrots: Arrange the boiled carrot rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each carrot piece with the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to create smashed rounds, increasing their surface area for crisping.
- Season and top: Drizzle the smashed carrots evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on top to season. Evenly distribute the grated Parmesan cheese over the carrots for a cheesy crust.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes. About halfway through (at around 12 minutes), flip the carrots carefully to ensure even browning and crisping on both sides.
- Garnish and serve: Once the carrots are golden brown and crispy on the edges, remove them from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Boiling the carrots first ensures they are tender inside before roasting for crispiness.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a slight kick.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Use a sturdy glass or measuring cup to smash the carrots gently without breaking them apart completely.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
Keywords: smashed carrots, roasted carrots, crispy carrots, healthy side dish, parmesan carrots, easy vegetable recipe
