Smashed Roasted Carrots with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe

Introduction

Smashed carrots are a simple, flavorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots while adding a crispy, savory twist. Roasted to golden perfection and topped with Parmesan, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

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 your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Boil the carrot rounds in salted water for 10–12 minutes until they are fork-tender, then drain and let them cool slightly.
3. Step 3: Arrange the carrots on the prepared baking sheet and gently press down each piece with the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to flatten them.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the flattened carrots with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Step 5: Roast the carrots in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crisp and golden brown on the edges.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
• Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
• Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a milder smoky flavor.

Storage

Store leftover smashed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy edges. Microwaving is quicker but may soften them.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole carrots instead of cut rounds?

Using whole carrots would increase cooking time and make smashing difficult. Thick rounds ensure even cooking and allow for easy flattening to achieve the crispy texture.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can use regular paprika or a dash of cumin for a different smoky depth, but smoked paprika adds a unique warmth that complements the carrots beautifully.

Smashed Roasted Carrots with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 84 reviews

Smashed Carrots is a simple, flavorful side dish featuring tender boiled carrots, gently crushed and roasted to perfection with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This roasted vegetable recipe delivers a delightful mix of crispy edges and soft interiors, garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

• Author: Natalie
• 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

Vegetables

• 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, to taste
• 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 prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
2. Boil the carrots: Place the sliced carrot rounds into a pot of salted boiling water and cook for 10–12 minutes until the carrots are fork-tender but not mushy. Drain and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
3. Smash the carrots: Arrange the boiled carrots on the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup, gently press down on each carrot slice until it slightly flattens but remains mostly intact.
4. Season and oil: Drizzle the smashed carrots evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over them, ensuring each carrot piece is well-seasoned. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
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 brown and crisp evenly on both sides.
6. Garnish and serve: Once roasted to a golden crisp, remove the carrots from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Boiling the carrots before roasting ensures they become tender inside while the oven roasting crisps the outsides.
• You can substitute Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Adjust the amount of seasoning according to your taste preferences.
• For an added kick, consider sprinkling a pinch of chili flakes before roasting.
• Use a sturdy glass or measuring cup to gently smash, avoiding completely mashing the carrots to keep some texture intact.

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