Crispy Smashed Carrots (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 pound fresh carrots, cleaned and chopped into 2-inch chunks
02 -
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
03 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
06 -
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
Add your carrot pieces to a medium pot and cover completely with water. Set the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a rolling boil. Let the carrots bubble away for about 10 minutes until they're tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
02 -
Drain the carrots well and let them sit for a few minutes to cool down. Meanwhile, heat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
03 -
Toss the slightly cooled carrots into a medium mixing bowl along with the Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until each carrot piece is nicely coated with the seasoning blend.
04 -
Spread the seasoned carrots across your prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not crowding each other. Take a flat-bottomed glass or small jar and gently press down on each carrot to flatten it - this creates more surface area for maximum crispiness!
05 -
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes until the edges start getting golden and crispy.
06 -
Carefully flip each smashed carrot over and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes. You're looking for beautiful caramelized edges and a crispy texture throughout. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and extra Parmesan if you're feeling fancy!
# Notes:
01 -
These carrots make an amazing side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can stand alone as a tasty appetizer.
02 -
The smashing technique creates extra surface area, which means more crispy, caramelized goodness in every bite.
03 -
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices - thyme, rosemary, or paprika would all be delicious additions.