Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish? Look no further than these Crispy Smashed Carrots Bites! With a crispy exterior and a tender interior, these flavorful bites are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and smoked paprika creates a savory and irresistible taste.
- Quick prep time: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up these carrot bites in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these bites ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week as a snack or side dish.
Ingredient Notes:
- Carrots: Peeled and cut into thick rounds for the perfect size and texture.
- Olive oil: Adds a crispy and golden exterior to the carrot bites.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a cheesy and savory flavor.
- Garlic powder and smoked paprika: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of garlic and smokiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for a well-balanced flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil the carrot rounds until slightly tender, then drain and pat dry.
- Place the carrots on the prepared baking sheet and gently smash them with a fork.
- Drizzle olive oil over the smashed carrots and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure to boil the carrots until they are slightly tender but still firm to hold their shape when smashed.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as cumin, thyme, or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For an extra crispy texture, broil the carrot bites for a few minutes at the end of baking.
- Use a cast-iron skillet to smash the carrots for a more even and uniform shape.
- Serve with a side of creamy dip or aioli for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
These Crispy Smashed Carrots Bites pair perfectly with a tangy yogurt dip, a refreshing cucumber salad, or as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, place the cooled carrot bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other vegetables instead of carrots? While carrots work best for this recipe, you can also try using sweet potatoes or parsnips for a different twist.
- Can I make these carrot bites ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the smashed carrots ahead of time and bake them when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze these carrot bites? We do not recommend freezing these bites as they may become mushy when thawed.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re looking for a tasty and unique dish to impress your guests, give these Crispy Smashed Carrots Bites a try. They’re simple to make, bursting with flavor, and are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
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Crispy Smashed Carrots Bites
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy smashed carrot bites are a flavorful and easy appetizer or side dish. The carrots are roasted until tender, then smashed and topped with a savory Parmesan garlic mixture for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into thick rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roast Carrots: Toss the carrot rounds with olive oil, spread them on the baking sheet, and roast for about 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Smash Carrots: Remove from the oven, gently smash each carrot round with a fork or the bottom of a glass.
- Season Carrots: Sprinkle Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the smashed carrots.
- Final Bake: Return the carrots to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the seasonings to your preference by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- For extra crispiness, broil the carrots for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg