Description
Looking for a fresh twist on veggies? These Crispy and Fun Smashed Carrots are the ultimate side dish — sweet, savory, and perfectly crisp around the edges. Roasted to golden perfection, then topped with Parmesan and herbs, they’re an easy recipe that elevates simple ingredients into something snackable and crowd-pleasing. Great for weeknight dinners, healthy snack ideas, or creative veggie-packed food ideas — this is a quick, delicious, and fun way to enjoy carrots!
Ingredients
1 lb carrots
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Dipping sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel the carrots and cut them into thick 1-inch rounds.
2. Boil the carrots in salted water for 10–12 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Drain and let them steam dry for a couple of minutes.
4. Place the carrots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently smash each piece with the bottom of a glass.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden and crispy on the edges.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle immediately with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
8. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Use thick whole carrots, not baby carrots, for best texture and smashability.
To make it dairy-free, swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: crispy carrots, smashed carrots, easy recipe, veggie sides