Serve them as a “crouton” on this Harvest Salad, or pair them with another snack like Crispy Kale Chips or Air Fryer Mozz Sticks. Smashed vegetables are so much more fun than regular vegetables. I mean, you get to smash them (so satisfying), and they become ultra-crispy around the edges (double whammy!). You may have seen our smashed broccoli and smashed Brussels sprouts, but have you tried our world-famous ranch smashed baby carrots with Parmesan yet?! This side dish requires a slightly different technique than other smashed recipes, but it’s actually more straightforward and takes less time!
It’s worth the hype
Parmesan cheese on the bottom of the pan is key to smashed carrots. This essentially creates a crispy ‘chip’ into which the carrots are nestled. Boiling the carrots retains their moisture but softens them enough to smash (instead of roasting them first, which would dry them out). Ranch seasoning is packed with savory, herby yumminess in one little package, making this recipe ridiculously easy (and kid-approved!).
Grab These 4 Ingredients
I’ve expertly (I say expert because I studied food for a long time) selected 4 easy staples for this recipe. Even if you don’t use ranch seasoning regularly, I’m guessing you have a lone packet in the back of your cupboard!
The Core: We’ll need baby carrots and olive oil for the base. I prefer baby carrots because they are already bite-size, saving us time! Added Flavors: To create the crunch and flavor, we will mix a ranch seasoning packet and freshly grated Parmesan.
Let’s Smash Some Carrots!
These smashed baby carrots are ready in 30 minutes thanks to a few tricks, like crisping the parmesan on the bottom of the pan! This is just a quick overview. Jump to the recipe for the full printable instructions!
Recipe Testing Notes
These smashed carrots are so darn simple yet so perfect. Here’s how to make a smashing recipe every time (see what I did there?).
Ranch seasoning is the quickest and easiest way to take your carrots to flavor town. Seriously, nothing with ranch can taste bad. (I don’t make the rules—I just follow them.) A full layer of Parmesan delivers that crispy, mouthwatering bite. The Parmesan can’t be so thick that it doesn’t crisp, but it can’t be too thin, or it will burn! Lining the pan with parchment paper before placing the Parmesan is key to getting the carrots and cheese off the tray. Don’t miss this step!
Serve These With…
Smashed carrots work well as an appetizer or a side dish! Here are a few ideas.
Feta Tzatziki Sauce: If you’re looking for the sauce pairing of the century, this flavor-packed option is amazing. 30-Minute Black Bean Burger: Swap out the usual burger side and serve these smashed carrots as your “fries.” Harvest Fall Salad: These carrots act as a delicious crouton here!
