Ingredients
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 (6-Qt)
Creator’s Choice
- 7 functions: Pressure, Slow, Sauté, Steam, Rice, Yogurt, Keep-Warm
- 6-Qt fits 4–6 servings • Dishwasher-safe pot & lid parts
- Stainless steel inner pot • Safety lock & overheat protection
Amazon
Fast delivery
Easy returns
Equipment
Method
Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrot rounds and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until just tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 3
- Drain the carrots and let them cool slightly for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
Step 5
- Use a fork or the bottom of a glass to gently smash each carrot round until slightly flattened but still intact.
Step 6
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the smashed carrots.
Step 7
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss or brush the seasoning over each carrot to coat evenly.
Step 8
- Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and caramelized.
Step 9
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot carrots. The residual heat will melt the cheese slightly, creating a delicious savory coating.
Step 10
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 11
- Serve your Healthy Smashed Carrots warm as a side dish or enjoy them as a guilt-free snack! 🥕
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
– Avoid microwaving — it can make the carrots soft instead of crispy.
– You can freeze cooked carrots, but they may lose some texture upon reheating. Tip: For best results, roast fresh each time — they’re so quick, it’s worth it! 🥄 Variations Give your Smashed Carrots a twist with these creative variations: Honey Garlic Glaze: Drizzle with honey and a pinch of garlic for a sweet-savory combo. Herb Lovers: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano before roasting for extra aroma. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat. Cheesy Delight: Use shredded mozzarella or feta instead of Parmesan for a new flavor. Lemon Zest Finish: Add a hint of lemon zest before serving for a bright, tangy pop. Vegan Option: Skip the cheese and sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Asian Fusion: Toss with a bit of sesame oil and soy sauce before roasting for an umami boost. Smoked Maple Glaze: Combine olive oil with a touch of maple syrup and smoked paprika for a cozy fall taste. Garlic Herb Butter: Melt butter with minced garlic and parsley to drizzle on top before serving. Crunchy Topping: Add toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for extra texture. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use baby carrots instead of sliced ones?
Yes! Baby carrots work perfectly — just boil and smash them the same way. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Boil and smash the carrots in advance, then roast right before serving. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely — they’re delicious even without it, or use a vegan alternative. Do I have to peel the carrots?
Not necessarily — just scrub them well if you prefer leaving the skins on. Can I roast them in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes until crispy. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, but olive oil gives a lighter and heart-healthier result. How do I make them extra crispy?
Make sure the carrots are dry before roasting and avoid overcrowding the pan. Can I use frozen carrots?
Fresh is best for texture, but thawed frozen carrots can work if well-drained. Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The natural sweetness of carrots makes them a hit with kids. What can I serve them with?
They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, salmon, tofu, or quinoa bowls. 🏁 Conclusion These Healthy Smashed Carrots are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. They’re slightly sweet, perfectly smoky, and beautifully crisp on the outside — everything you want in a healthy, satisfying side dish. From family dinners to festive feasts, these carrots bring color, texture, and nourishment to your plate. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, they’re a fun twist on traditional roasted veggies that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab that bunch of carrots and turn them into a vibrant, tasty dish that proves eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up flavor.
– Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
– Avoid microwaving — it can make the carrots soft instead of crispy.
– You can freeze cooked carrots, but they may lose some texture upon reheating. Tip: For best results, roast fresh each time — they’re so quick, it’s worth it! 🥄 Variations Give your Smashed Carrots a twist with these creative variations: Honey Garlic Glaze: Drizzle with honey and a pinch of garlic for a sweet-savory combo. Herb Lovers: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano before roasting for extra aroma. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat. Cheesy Delight: Use shredded mozzarella or feta instead of Parmesan for a new flavor. Lemon Zest Finish: Add a hint of lemon zest before serving for a bright, tangy pop. Vegan Option: Skip the cheese and sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Asian Fusion: Toss with a bit of sesame oil and soy sauce before roasting for an umami boost. Smoked Maple Glaze: Combine olive oil with a touch of maple syrup and smoked paprika for a cozy fall taste. Garlic Herb Butter: Melt butter with minced garlic and parsley to drizzle on top before serving. Crunchy Topping: Add toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for extra texture. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use baby carrots instead of sliced ones?
Yes! Baby carrots work perfectly — just boil and smash them the same way. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Boil and smash the carrots in advance, then roast right before serving. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
Absolutely — they’re delicious even without it, or use a vegan alternative. Do I have to peel the carrots?
Not necessarily — just scrub them well if you prefer leaving the skins on. Can I roast them in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes until crispy. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, but olive oil gives a lighter and heart-healthier result. How do I make them extra crispy?
Make sure the carrots are dry before roasting and avoid overcrowding the pan. Can I use frozen carrots?
Fresh is best for texture, but thawed frozen carrots can work if well-drained. Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The natural sweetness of carrots makes them a hit with kids. What can I serve them with?
They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, salmon, tofu, or quinoa bowls. 🏁 Conclusion These Healthy Smashed Carrots are the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. They’re slightly sweet, perfectly smoky, and beautifully crisp on the outside — everything you want in a healthy, satisfying side dish. From family dinners to festive feasts, these carrots bring color, texture, and nourishment to your plate. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, they’re a fun twist on traditional roasted veggies that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab that bunch of carrots and turn them into a vibrant, tasty dish that proves eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up flavor.