Description
Crispy Parmesan Carrots are a flavorful side dish featuring roasted carrots coated in a cheesy, spiced crust with garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley. Perfect as a meat-free accompaniment for dinners or holiday meals, these tender yet crispy carrots offer a delightful burst of savory goodness with an easy roasting method.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 medium-large carrots (approx 700 grams)
- 70 grams freshly grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano cheese)
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves minced or grated
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Handful fresh parsley finely chopped
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400℉) to ensure it’s fully heated before roasting the carrots.
- Prepare Carrots: Peel the carrots, then slice each carrot lengthwise into quarters so each piece has a flat side for better roasting and cheese adherence.
- Make Marinade: In a large bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin powder, chili powder, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat Carrots: Add the carrot pieces to the marinade and toss well until each piece is evenly coated with the spiced mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Sprinkle a handful of the grated parmesan cheese onto a non-stick oven dish or baking sheet to create a cheesy base layer.
- Coat with Parmesan: Dip the flat sides of each carrot piece into the remaining grated parmesan cheese, then place them cheese side down onto the baking sheet, arranging them closely in an even layer without gaps.
- Roast Carrots: Roast the carrots in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and the parmesan crust is golden and crispy. Check doneness by inserting a fork or toothpick.
- Flip and Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately use a spatula to gently flip each carrot over to reveal the crispy parmesan crust. Serve warm as a delicious meat-free side dish, ideal for holiday meals or any roast dinner.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated to achieve better melting and crust formation.
- You can adjust the chili powder amount to control the spiciness or substitute with mild paprika if preferred.
- These carrots pair wonderfully with vegetarian gravy or alongside roasted meats for a balanced meal.
- Ensure carrots are cut into similar sizes to promote even cooking.
- If Parmesan is unavailable, Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for a sharper flavor.
- Use a non-stick baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
