Description
Crispy and Fun Smashed Carrots are the ultimate veggie snack—easy to make, full of flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser. This healthy snack recipe turns simple carrots into golden, cheesy rounds with crunchy edges and a soft interior. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, a unique appetizer, or quick food ideas for picky eaters, this easy recipe checks every box. Perfect for anyone who loves crispy, roasted vegetables and creative ways to eat more plants.
Ingredients
1 pound carrots
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Place the peeled and sliced carrots into a pot of boiling salted water. Boil for 8-10 minutes until just fork-tender.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the boiled carrot slices on the sheet and gently press each one flat using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup.
4. Drizzle the smashed carrots with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Top each carrot with a generous pinch of grated Parmesan.
6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and crisp.
7. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, keeping an eye on them.
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Don’t overcook the carrots or they’ll fall apart when smashing.
For vegan version, swap Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
These are best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer for max crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 rounds
- Calories: 89
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 185mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: healthy snack, easy dinner, quick side, crispy carrots, roasted veggie snack, food ideas