Crispy and Fun Smashed Carrots Recipe

Introduction

Crispy and Fun Smashed Carrots are a delightful way to enjoy a simple vegetable with exciting textures and flavors. Tender carrots get smashed, seasoned, and roasted to golden perfection, making a perfect side or snack. This easy recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
• Dipping sauce of choice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the peeled and chopped carrots in a pot, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and boil for 10–12 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: Spread out the boiled carrots on the baking sheet and gently smash each piece with a masher or the flat bottom of a glass.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the smashed carrots with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over them.
5. Step 5: Mix grated parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs together, then press this mixture lightly onto each smashed carrot.
6. Step 6: Roast the carrots for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy. For extra crunch, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Let the carrots cool slightly, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use sweet or rainbow carrots for a more colorful presentation and varied flavor.
• Swap parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly topping.
• Try different seasonings such as cumin or chili powder for a spicy twist.
• Serve with garlic aioli or a tangy yogurt dip to complement the crispy texture.

Storage

Store leftover smashed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, vegetables like small potatoes, parsnips, or beets work well when boiled and smashed with similar seasonings and toppings.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to keep the crispy texture without gluten.

Crispy and Fun Smashed Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 117 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy and Fun Smashed Carrots are a deliciously unique way to enjoy carrots, combining a tender interior with a crispy, golden exterior. Boiled until just fork-tender, these carrots are smashed flat, seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper, then topped with a savory parmesan-panko crust before roasting to perfection in the oven. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or a healthy snack, garnished with fresh herbs and served with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

• 1 lb medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

Seasoning & Toppings

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Garnish & Serving

• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
• Dipping sauce of choice

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Instructions

1. Boil the Carrots: Place the peeled and cut carrots in a pot, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and boil for 10–12 minutes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape without becoming mushy.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Smash the Carrots: Spread the boiled carrots evenly on the baking sheet. Using a masher or the flat bottom of a glass, gently press down on each carrot piece to smash it flat but not completely broken apart.
4. Season the Carrots: Drizzle the smashed carrots evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over them to impart a bold, savory flavor.
5. Add the Parmesan-Panko Topping: Mix the grated parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs together. Lightly press this mixture onto the top of each smashed carrot to create a crispy coating once roasted.
6. Roast to Crispness: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes until the carrots develop a golden, crispy crust. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the carrots from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible snack or side dish.

Notes

• Boil the carrots until just tender to avoid mushy smashed carrots.
• Use fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more paprika or garlic powder if desired.
• Broiling at the end is optional but adds an extra crunch to the topping.
• Try different dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or honey mustard for variety.
• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley enhance freshness but can be substituted with rosemary or chives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: smashed carrots, roasted carrots, crispy carrots, healthy side dish, vegetarian side, parmesan panko topping