These Crispy and Fun Smashed Carrots are a playful and delicious way to get kids excited about eating their veggies! Tender on the inside with golden, crispy edges, they’re packed with flavor and are perfect for weeknight meals or healthy snacks. This simple recipe is easy to make, and with the option to customize the flavor with fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

Crispy and Fun Smashed Carrots Recipe Kids Will Love

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kid-Friendly: The fun smashed shape and crispy texture make these carrots a hit with kids.
Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with natural sweetness, garlic, and olive oil, these carrots are as flavorful as they are nutritious.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these carrots are a fast side dish that’s perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Top with fresh herbs, Parmesan, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds small carrots (rainbow or orange, peeled if needed)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for garnish
Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: Drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Boil the Carrots: Add the carrots to a large pot of salted water. Boil for 12-15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Drain and Dry: Drain the carrots and pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with oil.
Smash the Carrots: Place the boiled carrots on the baking sheet and gently press each one with a flat glass or a masher to flatten slightly.
Season: Drizzle the olive oil over the carrots and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add any optional herbs or cheese if desired.
Roast: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the carrots halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs, Parmesan, or a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Air Fryer Option: For a quicker alternative, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Sweet Option: Drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Cheesy: Add grated Parmesan cheese on top before roasting for a cheesy, crispy finish.
Herb Infused: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant touch.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop the carrots in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use baby carrots instead of small carrots?

Yes, baby carrots work perfectly fine. Just adjust the boiling time as they may be smaller and cook faster.

How do I get the carrots extra crispy?

Make sure to dry the carrots well after boiling. Any excess moisture will prevent them from getting crispy during roasting.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can pre-boil and smash the carrots ahead of time. Just refrigerate them and roast before serving for a quick meal.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can easily substitute dried herbs or skip them altogether if you prefer a simpler flavor. Garlic and olive oil alone make the carrots delicious!

Can I make these without garlic?

If you don’t want garlic, you can simply omit the garlic powder or substitute it with onion powder for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These Crispy and Fun Smashed Carrots are the perfect way to get kids (and adults!) to enjoy their veggies. The crispy edges and soft inside make them irresistible, and the simple seasoning lets the natural sweetness of the carrots shine through. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, these carrots are sure to become a family favorite!