Parmesan Smashed Carrots

5 from 3 votes
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These parmesan smashed carrots are a deliciously savory appetizer or side. Served with an easy parmesan aioli dipping sauce that complements the carrots perfectly!

Parmesan smashed carrot dipped into  a homemade aioli sauce.
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Our Fave Parmesan Smashed Carrots

We can’t stop making these parmesan smashed carrots! They’re smashed and then baked to crispy perfection — then dip them in our homemade parmesan aioli for the ultimate side or appetizer. They’re the perfect savory dish to pass!

why you’ll love ’em!

  • Perfect for sharing
  • A great alternative to fries
  • Easy to make
Ingredients for parmesan smashed carrots in bowls.

Smashed Carrots

  • Carrots
  • Spices: crushed red pepper, dried thyme, salt & pepper
  • Grated parmesan cheese 
  • Olive oil 

Parmesan Aioli 

  • Mayonnaise 
  • Lemon juice 
  • Grated garlic cloves 
  • Kosher salt 
  • Grated parmesan cheese
risotto in bowl

Try it!

Parmesan Cheese Recipes

Love parmesan cheese? Check out some of our very best recipes featuring parmesan cheese!

Parmesan smashed carrots on a baking sheet.

How to Make Parmesan Smashed Carrots

Prepare carrots

Cut the carrots into ½ inch chunks. 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add the carrots and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. 

Smash carrots

Using the bottom of a mason jar or heavy-bottomed glass, smash the carrots to flatten them. 

Season carrots & bake

Drizzle with olive oil and season them with salt, thyme, pepper, red pepper, and parmesan cheese, and bake for 30 minutes at 425℉. 

Prepare aioli

Add all of the aioli ingredients to a small bowl and mix until combined. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. 

Serve & Enjoy!

Serve the carrots either hot or cold with the aioli as a dipping sauce. Yum!

Parmesan smashed carrots on a baking sheet after being baked.

Top Tips for Perfect Parmesan Smashed Carrots

  • If making ahead of time: the aioli can be made the day before serving, and stored in the fridge. If the carrots are going to be served cold (which is still delish!) they can be made the day before as well.
  • Double or triple: this is a great recipe to double or triple to serve a crowd! If you’re planning to serve the carrots hot, baking a few batches of the carrots to serve guests over time is a great option!
  • Make it spicy: If you would like your parmesan smashed carrots to be spicy, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to 1/2 or 1 teaspoon.
A hand dipping a parmesan smashed carrot in homemade aioli.

Storage

Let the parmesan smashed carrots cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The aioli can be stored separately in an airtight container in the fridge as well.

A hand holding a parmesan smashed carrot.
5 from 3 votes

Parmesan Smashed Carrots

These parmesan smashed carrots are a deliciously savory appetizer or side. Don't skip the easy homemade parmesan aioli dipping sauce!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • 1 lb. carrots, washed and peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Parmesan Aioli

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions 

  • Cut the carrots into ½ inch chunks, and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 425℉ and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for 10 minutes. Drain and place on the baking sheet.
    sliced carrots on a baking sheet.
  • Using the bottom of a mason jar or heavy-bottomed glass, smash the carrots to flatten them.
    sliced carrots on a baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and season them with salt, thyme, pepper, red pepper, and parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.
    sliced carrots on a baking sheet.
  • While the carrots are baking prepare the aioli. Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and mix until combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • Serve the carrots either hot or cold with the aioli.
    Parmesan smashed carrots on a plate with aioli dipping sauce.

Tips & Notes

  • The aioli can be made the day ahead.
  • If the carrots are going to be served cold they can be made the day before.

Nutrition

Calories: 356 kcal, Carbohydrates: 14 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 32 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 6 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Emily Richter

Emily spent the first 10 years of her career in marketing and advertising roles and started side-hustling with our sister site, Fit Foodie Finds, in Fall of 2015. She joined the team full-time in the Spring of 2018. Em lives in Minneapolis with her husband and dog, and manages The Cheese Knees (and Fit Foodie Finds) business operations as well as all things sponsorships and brand collaborations.

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Alyssa
Alyssa
May 2, 2023 8:17 pm

5 stars
Great and easy to follow recipe! Was a hit for the whole family and a different way to serve carrots