Description
Parmesan Crusted Smashed Carrots are a delightful side dish featuring tender carrots topped with golden, crispy Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- Carrots: 1 pound, peeled and cut into thick slices (about 1 inch)
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (for roasting)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated (freshly grated for the best flavor)
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (adds depth of flavor)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (to taste)
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (freshly ground)
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential for achieving that perfect golden crust on the Parmesan cheese.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the carrot slices and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy.
- Once cooked, drain the carrots and let them cool slightly. Place the carrots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each carrot to about ½ inch thick. This will create more surface area for the cheese to adhere to.
- Drizzle the smashed carrots with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over each smashed carrot, ensuring they are well covered.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Ensure carrots are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Can substitute parsley with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg