Crispy Garlic Parmesan Carrots are roasted to golden perfection with herbs, cheese, and a hint of lemon—your new favorite easy side dish.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Carrots are the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight. Roasted until golden with garlic, herbs, and plenty of Parmesan, these carrots are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory flavor. Serve them with roasted chicken, pasta, or anything that needs a flavorful, easy veggie upgrade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Carrots are easy to make with simple ingredients
- Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots
- Garlic and Parmesan add bold, savory flavor
- Perfect as a side dish for weeknight meals or special occasions
- Beautifully golden and packed with texture from the cheese and herbs
Ingredient Notes
- Carrots work best when cut evenly—use small whole ones for presentation or cut larger ones into sticks for even roasting.
- Fresh garlic adds the most flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
- Smoked paprika gives the carrots a warm, slightly smoky depth that pairs well with the Parmesan.
- Use finely grated Parmesan so it sticks to the carrots and crisps up in the oven.
- A little lemon zest adds brightness and balances the richness—optional but highly recommended.
Before You Make
Can I use baby carrots instead of whole or cut carrots?
Yes, you can use baby carrots, but be aware they may take a little longer to caramelize and may not get as crispy on the edges.
Should I peel the carrots first?
Peeling is optional but recommended for a smoother texture and cleaner presentation, especially if you’re using full-size carrots.
Do I need to flip the carrots while roasting?
Yes—flipping halfway through helps them brown evenly and keeps the Parmesan from sticking to the pan.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Ibs carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or left whole if small
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of ½ lemon, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese and toss again.
- Spread the carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 minutes, then flip the carrots and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
- Roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the carrots are caramelized and fork-tender.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon zest
FAQ
Can I make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Carrots ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can roast them earlier in the day and reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
What temperature is best for roasting carrots?
425°F works well to caramelize the edges while keeping the inside tender.
How do I keep the Parmesan from burning?
Add half before roasting and sprinkle the rest during the last 10–15 minutes to keep it golden and flavorful without burning.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes—skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. The seasoning still brings great flavor.
What goes well with Crispy Garlic Parmesan Carrots?
They pair perfectly with roasted chicken, steak, pasta, or grain bowls—anything that needs a flavorful veggie side.
Sprinkle of Fun
Turn an ordinary weeknight into something worth looking forward to. Throw some steaks on the grill, blast your favorite playlist, and roast up these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Carrots while you unwind. It’s a simple way to shake off the day—good food, good music, and that satisfying smell of garlic and Parmesan filling the kitchen.
Grab More Treats
Another one of my favorite side dishes is Easy Garlic Cheese Bread Loaf
Find more savory ideas here
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