Smashed Carrots Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple vegetable side dish that’s both healthy and irresistible, this Smashed Carrots Recipe is it. Roasted until golden with crispy edges and soft, tender centers, these carrots are lightly seasoned and packed with natural sweetness. They’re gluten-free, vegetarian, and perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or meal prep. With just a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes from start to finish, smashed carrots are about to become your new favorite way to serve veggies.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 13–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Serves: 2–4

Ingredients List

• 1 pound whole carrots, peeled
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large pot
• Colander
• Fork or flat-bottom glass (for smashing)
• Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1️⃣ Boil the Carrots

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Add whole carrots and cook for 10–12 minutes, until fork-tender but not mushy.

Drain well and let cool slightly.

2️⃣ Smash

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place carrots on sheet and gently press down with a fork or glass to flatten slightly.

3️⃣ Season 🧂

Brush or drizzle olive oil evenly over smashed carrots.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

4️⃣ Roast

Bake for 13–15 minutes, until edges are golden and slightly crispy.

For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

5️⃣ Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Pro Tips

• Extra Crisp: Pat carrots dry before smashing.
• Flavor Boost: Add grated Parmesan or a drizzle of honey.
• Spicy Version: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
• Meal Prep: Store in fridge up to 4 days; reheat in oven for best texture.

Nutrition Table

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 portion	86	2.7g	8.4g	4.9g	2.4g	4g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This Smashed Carrots Recipe transforms simple carrots into a crispy, flavorful side dish everyone will love. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a healthy addition to any dinner table.