Description
These Crispy Carrots are tender on the inside and perfectly caramelized on the outside, coated with a savory blend of parmesan cheese and garlic. This simple yet flavorful side dish is made by boiling, smashing, and roasting carrots to achieve a delightful crispy texture that’s sure to impress at any meal.
Ingredients
Carrots
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into uniform 2-inch pieces
Coating & Seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
- Flake salt, for sprinkling (optional)
- Extra parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Carrots: Place the prepared carrots in a medium saucepan, cover them with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the carrots for about 10 minutes or until fork tender but not mushy.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the carrots thoroughly and let them cool slightly, making them easier to handle for the smashing step.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even roasting.
- Toss with Seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine the cooled carrots with grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and coarse ground pepper. Stir everything well to coat the carrots evenly with the mixture.
- Smash Carrots: Transfer the coated carrots to the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they don’t touch. Using a flat-bottomed glass or jar, gently smash each carrot piece to flatten them slightly, increasing the surface area for crispiness.
- Roast Carrots: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the carrots for 20 minutes. Then, remove the tray, carefully flip each carrot piece, and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the carrots become crispy and start to caramelize beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the carrots from the oven and optionally sprinkle them with flake salt and extra parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Ensure carrots are cut into uniform size pieces for even cooking.
- Do not overboil the carrots; they should be fork tender but still hold their shape to smash properly.
- You can adjust garlic powder and parmesan to taste for more flavor.
- For extra crispiness, use a high-quality olive oil and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Flake salt adds a nice finishing crunch but can be omitted for lower sodium intake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
