Smashed Carrots – Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside

If you love roasted vegetables with bold texture and deep flavor, Smashed Carrots are about to become your new favorite side dish. This recipe transforms humble carrots into golden, crispy-edged bites with soft, tender centers—simple, rustic, and incredibly satisfying.

Smashed carrots take inspiration from the popular smashed potato trend, but with a lighter, naturally sweet twist. By parboiling carrots first and then roasting them after smashing, you create maximum surface area for caramelization. The result is a vegetable dish that’s crispy, savory, and packed with roasted flavor.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday tables, or healthy meal prep, smashed carrots are versatile enough to pair with nearly any main dish. Finished with olive oil, garlic, herbs, or Parmesan, they deliver restaurant-quality texture with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love These Smashed Carrots

This recipe is simple, flexible, and incredibly rewarding.

• Crispy edges with tender centers
• Naturally sweet and savory flavor
• Simple ingredients, big results
• Perfect for holidays or everyday meals
• Customizable with herbs, spices, or cheese
• Oven-roasted for deep caramelization

Even people who “don’t like carrots” often change their mind after trying them this way.

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INGREDIENTS

• Whole carrots (medium size)
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme or rosemary
• Paprika
• Optional garnish: grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, lemon zest

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel carrots and cut larger ones in half lengthwise.
3. Boil carrots in salted water until just fork-tender; drain well.
4. Arrange carrots on the baking sheet with space between each.
5. Use the bottom of a glass to gently smash each carrot.
6. Drizzle generously with olive oil.
7. Sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
8. Roast until edges are crispy and golden.
9. Flip carrots halfway through roasting for even browning.
10. Garnish with Parmesan or herbs before serving.

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Why Smashing Changes Everything

Smashing carrots exposes their surface area, allowing heat to penetrate more evenly and moisture to evaporate faster. This technique creates crispy edges while preserving the carrot’s natural sweetness inside. It’s the perfect balance of texture—soft, crunchy, and caramelized in every bite.

Unlike steaming or simple roasting, smashing adds a rustic, handcrafted look that feels both modern and comforting.

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Best Ways to Serve Smashed Carrots

• As a side for roasted chicken or beef
• Alongside grilled fish
• On vegetarian plates with grains
• As a holiday vegetable dish
• Topped with yogurt sauce or tahini
• Served warm or room temperature

They’re equally delicious fresh out of the oven or served later as part of a spread.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days
• Reheat in oven or air fryer for best crispiness
• Avoid microwaving if possible
• Can be parboiled ahead of time
• Best enjoyed freshly roasted

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Flavor Variations

• Add honey for sweet roasted carrots
• Use cumin or za’atar for Middle Eastern flair
• Finish with balsamic glaze
• Add chili flakes for heat
• Top with feta instead of Parmesan

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