With just two ingredients, these Smashed Carrots are proof that simple can still be delicious! Cheesy, keto-friendly, and kid-approved, what more could you ask for in a side dish?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 2 Ingredients. This recipe only requires two primary ingredients plus any spices you choose to add.
- Keto-Friendly. Carrots aren’t always considered low carb but this recipe only has 4.5 net carbs per serving!
- Kid-Friendly and Versatile. These crispy smashed carrots work well as a side dish or an appetizer and are a great way to get the kids to eat carrots.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need for this cheesy low carb side dish! Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for exact measurements.
- Baby Carrots: you can save time with prep by choosing a bag of pre-cut and washed baby carrots.
- Parmesan Cheese: I recommend high quality, grated parmesan for the best flavor.
- Spices: salt and pepper to taste
How to Steam Carrots
*Most baby carrots are already washed. However, prior to steaming, be sure to peel and wash your carrots if you are using carrots that have not already been peeled and washed.
Microwave: The microwave is certainly the most convenient way to steam carrots. In a microwave safe bowl, add the carrots and a few tablespoons of water. Cover with a microwave safe plate or lid and microwave until tender which you can test with a fork. I would check them first after 2-3 minutes but it can take up to 5 minutes depending on your microwave.
Stovetop: You will need a steamer basket to steam your carrots on the stovetop. First, add a couple inches of water to your saucepan and bring to a boil. Add your steamer basket, ensuring it is just above the boiling water. Now, add the carrots and cover the saucepan. Slightly vent the lid of the saucepan while steaming the carrots until tender (usually 5-10 minutes).
How to Make Smashed Carrots
You will need a sheet pan, heavy bottom jar or glass, and steamer basket (if using a stovetop to steam carrots) for this recipe. Follow these step-by-step instructions below or scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for ingredients, amounts, and instructions.
Steam the Carrots
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F while steaming the carrots until fork tender. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave. Once the carrots are tender, spray a nonstick baking sheet thoroughly with cooking oil.
Smash the Carrots
Sprinkle half of the parmesan in an even layer across the pan. Then evenly space the carrots on top of the parmesan. Next, use a heavy bottom glass or jar carefully to smash the carrots. Then top with the remaining parmesan and add salt and pepper to taste.
Bake
You will bake the carrots for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown around the edges and the carrots are crispy. Now, you’re ready to serve!
Serve
You can serve these smashed carrots as an appetizer or a side dish. We love to serve it as a side. We’ve shared some of our favorite entrees to serve it with below.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to allow to cool completely prior to storing the leftover smashed carrots in an airtight container. We don’t recommend freezing this recipe.
Smashed Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby carrots
- 1 cup good quality grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Meanwhile, steam the carrots until fork tender. You can do this on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Once the carrots are tender spray a nonstick baking sheet with cooking oil very well. Then sprinkle half of the parmesan in an even layer across the pan. Evenly space the carrots on top of the parmesan.
- Now, using a heavy bottom glass or jar, carefully smash the carrots. Top the carrots with the remaining parmesan and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the carrots for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden around the edges and the carrots are crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
Clayton is a Registered Nurse with a Master’s Degree in Diabetes Nursing. After a decade in healthcare—and living firsthand with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease—he joined his wife in 2023 to create practical, delicious low-carb and gluten-free recipes. Clayton brings a blend of medical expertise and personal experience to every dish, helping others navigate dietary needs without giving up flavor (or cheesecake). When he’s not in the kitchen or behind the camera, you’ll probably find him in a tent somewhere in the mountains—with a strong cup of coffee in hand.
