Description
This Smashed Carrots recipe offers tender, roasted carrots with a crispy edge, enhanced by a savory Parmesan cheese topping. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, these carrots make a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Carrots and Seasoning
- 12 ounces medium carrots (about 4)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Topping
- 3 tablespoons grated or shredded Parmesan cheese (about 3/4 ounce)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven and heat the oven to 425ºF (220ºC) to ensure the baking sheet is hot for roasting.
- Prep Carrots: Peel the carrots and cut crosswise into 1 1/2- to 2-inch pieces. If the carrots are less than 3/4 inch in diameter, cut them in half lengthwise; otherwise, cut them into quarters lengthwise.
- Microwave Carrots: Place the carrot pieces and 2 tablespoons of water in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent open to release steam. Microwave on HIGH for 5 to 6 minutes until the carrots are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Drain and Season: Carefully remove the plastic wrap to release steam. Drain any excess liquid from the bowl. Add olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the carrots and toss well to coat evenly.
- Smash Carrots on Hot Baking Sheet: Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the preheated baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or metal measuring cup, press down on each carrot piece to smash until they crack and flatten slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Roast: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the smashed carrots. Roast in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and the carrots develop crispy edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the carrots cool for 5 minutes on the sheet to firm up and become extra crispy before serving.
Notes
- Using a hot baking sheet helps achieve a crispy exterior on the carrots.
- Be careful when removing plastic wrap from the microwave bowl to avoid steam burns.
- Cutting the carrots uniformly ensures even cooking and roasting.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during roasting.
- This recipe can be doubled easily if serving more people.
