Crispy Smashed Carrots Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Smashed Carrots are a delicious twist on a simple vegetable side dish. Tender carrots get boiled, smashed, and roasted to golden perfection with garlic, herbs, and a touch of honey for a balanced, flavorful bite. This easy recipe will elevate your weeknight dinners or holiday spreads alike.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds large carrots, peeled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Step 2: Add the peeled carrots to the boiling water and cook for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. Drain and let cool for about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Using the bottom of a glass or a fork, gently smash each carrot to flatten slightly without breaking completely. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Drizzle the carrots with olive oil and season with kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss gently with your hands to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Roast the carrots for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and crispy, and the carrots are caramelized and tender.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix honey, balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Drizzle this over the roasted carrots and gently toss to combine.
7. Step 7: Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and flaky sea salt on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, try broiling the smashed carrots for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking—watch closely to prevent burning.
• Swap thyme and rosemary for fresh oregano or sage depending on your preference.
• Make it vegan by omitting the Parmesan or using a plant-based alternative.
• Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover smashed carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness, or warm gently in a skillet. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots instead of large carrots?

Baby carrots are smaller and more delicate, so they may become mushy when boiled and smashed. Large carrots hold up better to this cooking method for optimal texture.

Is it necessary to boil the carrots before smashing?

Yes, boiling softens the carrots enough to smash without breaking apart. It also helps cook them partially so roasting doesn’t take too long.

Crispy Smashed Carrots Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 53 reviews

Crispy Smashed Carrots are a deliciously tender and caramelized side dish that combines boiled carrots smashed to release their natural sweetness and then roasted to achieve crispy edges. Enhanced with a flavorful blend of garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, honey, and balsamic vinegar, topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet with a satisfying crunch.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Carrots

• 2 pounds large carrots, peeled

Seasonings and Herbs

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

Finishing Touches

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Flaky sea salt for finishing

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook carrots: Add the peeled whole carrots to the boiling water and cook for 12-15 minutes until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. This ensures they finish cooking properly in the oven without becoming mushy.
3. Drain and smash: Drain the carrots and let them cool for about 5 minutes until they are safe to handle. Using the bottom of a glass or a fork, gently smash each carrot to slightly flatten it without breaking it completely.
4. Season the carrots: Arrange the smashed carrots evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not overlap. Drizzle with olive oil and season well with kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss gently with your hands to coat thoroughly.
5. Roast to crisp: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges become golden brown and crispy. The carrots should caramelize and become tender throughout.
6. Add herbs and finishing touches: After roasting, sprinkle fresh thyme, chopped rosemary, honey, and balsamic vinegar over the carrots to bring out aromatic flavors and a hint of sweetness.
7. Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

• Be careful not to overboil the carrots; they should be tender but not mushy to hold their shape when smashed.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and aroma, but dried can be substituted if necessary.
• Adjust honey according to your preferred sweetness level or omit for less sweetness.
• Parmesan adds a savory depth, but it can be left out for a vegetarian option.
• Flaky sea salt at the end enhances texture and adds a burst of flavor.

Keywords: crispy smashed carrots, roasted carrots, side dish, garlic carrots, caramelized carrots, healthy carrot recipe, vegetarian side