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Smashed Carrots Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Smashed Carrots Bites are a delicious and healthy appetizer or side dish featuring tender boiled carrots that are flattened, seasoned, and roasted to golden perfection with a crispy edge. Enhanced with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese, these bites are garnished with fresh parsley for a flavorful and visually attractive treat that’s simple to prepare.


Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds

Seasonings & Toppings

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Boil Carrots: Place the carrot rounds in a pot of salted water and boil for 10 to 12 minutes until the carrots are fork-tender. Then drain them well and allow to cool slightly so you can handle them comfortably.
  3. Smash Carrots: Arrange the boiled carrots on the prepared baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to gently press down on each carrot piece until it is flattened but still intact.
  4. Season Bites: Drizzle the flattened carrots evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on top, then generously scatter the grated Parmesan cheese over the bites.
  5. Roast: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the carrots for 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the carrot bites halfway through cooking to ensure they become crisp and golden brown on both sides.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure not to over-boil carrots to avoid them becoming too mushy to smash.
  • Use a sturdy glass or measuring cup to flatten the carrots without breaking them.
  • You can adjust seasoning amounts to your taste, adding more paprika for smokiness or cheese for richness.
  • Serve these bites as a healthy snack, appetizer, or a side dish with your favorite main course.
  • Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to re-crisp before serving again.