Crispy Smashed Carrots with Garlic and Parmesan Recipe
These Crispy Smashed Carrots with Garlic are a deliciously simple side dish featuring tender boiled carrots that are smashed and roasted to crispy perfection with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil. Garnished with optional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe offers a healthy and savory snack or side dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound small carrots, peeled
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cook Carrots: Boil or steam the peeled carrots for 10 to 12 minutes or until they become fork-tender. Drain well and allow them to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Arrange and Smash Carrots: Place the cooked carrots evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press down on each carrot using the bottom of a glass or a fork until they are flattened but still intact.
- Season Carrots: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the smashed carrots, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste, ensuring each carrot is well coated with seasoning.
- Roast Until Crisp: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the carrots halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Roast until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If using parmesan, sprinkle it over the carrots during the final 5 minutes of roasting so it melts and forms a delicious crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the carrots from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm as a tasty snack or flavorful side dish.
Notes
- You can steam the carrots instead of boiling to retain more nutrients and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning quantities according to your taste preference.
- Use fresh garlic minced instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory topping; omit for a dairy-free version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best crispiness.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the carrots for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Keywords: crispy smashed carrots, roasted carrots, garlic carrots, healthy side dish, vegetarian carrot recipe, roasted vegetable snacks
