Smashed Carrots with Parmesan and Spices Recipe

Introduction

Smashed carrots are a delicious twist on a simple vegetable side dish, offering a wonderful combination of tender centers and crispy, caramelized edges. Roasted with garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan, these carrots bring rich, savory flavors to your plate with minimal effort.

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 the 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 and gently flatten each one using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the flattened carrots with olive oil, then evenly season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Roast the carrots for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crisp and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes before roasting.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Use baby carrots or whole small carrots for a slightly different texture and presentation.
• Ensure not to smash the carrots too thin to avoid them breaking apart during roasting.

Storage

Store leftover smashed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the edges crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw carrots without boiling them first?

Boiling the carrots until fork-tender before smashing softens them enough to develop the tender inside and crispy edges when roasted. Using raw carrots directly may result in uneven cooking and a tougher texture.

What makes smashing the carrots different from regular roasting?

Smashing increases the surface area of the carrots, allowing more caramelization and browning during roasting. This creates a delightful contrast between crispy edges and a tender center, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Smashed Carrots with Parmesan and Spices Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 95 reviews

Smashed Carrots is a delightful side dish featuring tender boiled carrots that are gently flattened and roasted to golden perfection. This technique enhances caramelization and creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior, complemented by a savory blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a flavorful, textured twist on traditional roasted carrots perfect as a healthy and vibrant accompaniment.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds

Seasonings and 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

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting.
2. Boil the carrots: In a pot with salted water, boil the carrot rounds for 10–12 minutes until they become fork-tender. Once done, drain and allow them to cool slightly to handle.
3. Smash the carrots: Arrange the boiled carrots on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, gently flatten each carrot round to increase surface area for roasting.
4. Season and oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the smashed carrots. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on top. Then, spread the grated Parmesan cheese over the carrots.
5. Roast the carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20–25 minutes. Flip the carrots halfway through the cooking time to ensure they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior on both sides.
6. Garnish and serve: After roasting, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on the carrots. Serve hot to enjoy the perfect contrast of soft interiors and caramelized crispy edges.

Notes

• Ensure carrots are thick enough to hold their shape but tender after boiling for the best smashing effect.
• Use a sturdy glass or measuring cup to smash the carrots evenly without breaking them apart completely.
• Adjust seasoning to taste; adding more smoked paprika or Parmesan can intensify the flavor.
• For a dairy-free option, omit Parmesan or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
• Serve immediately after roasting for optimal texture, as the crispy edges soften if left too long.

Keywords: smashed carrots, roasted carrots, healthy side dish, caramelized carrots, Parmesan carrots, easy vegetable recipe, roasted vegetable side