Smashed Roasted Carrots with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
