When it comes to side dishes that are both easy and a crowd-pleaser, roasted carrots are always a hit in my family. I first made these crispy roasted carrot sticks on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick, healthy, and satisfying for the kids. To my surprise, they devoured them as if they were fries!
What I love about this recipe is that it’s so simple to prepare, yet the flavor combination of parmesan, garlic, and a little kick of crushed red pepper really elevates the dish. It’s become one of my go-to recipes for casual family dinners, and sometimes I even make a batch just for snacking during the day. Trust me, once you try these roasted carrot sticks, they might just replace your usual fries too.
This recipe has a nice balance of crispy edges and tender centers, making it perfect for pairing with your favorite dipping sauce or serving alongside a grilled chicken or steak dinner. Plus, the kids love helping with the prep—tossing the carrots in the seasoned oil is something even little hands can manage! It’s a wholesome, delicious way to get everyone to enjoy more veggies.
Making Crispy Roasted Carrot Sticks
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Ingredients
- 14 oz pre-cut carrot sticks, well-drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced and mixed with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Use a paper towel to pat the carrot sticks dry, ensuring they are free of excess moisture.
In a small bowl, mash the minced garlic with sea salt to create a paste. Stir in the olive oil, parsley, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
Coat the carrot sticks thoroughly with the seasoned oil mixture, tossing them until evenly covered.
Add the grated parmesan and garlic powder to the carrots, tossing them again to ensure the cheese and spices are well distributed.
Arrange the carrots in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even roasting.
Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, then flip the carrots over and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and healthy snack or side dish!
Storing Suggestion
Store any leftover roasted carrot sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Cooking Tips
If you want even crispier carrot sticks, try placing them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow air circulation. This will help them crisp up all around. You can also sprinkle a little extra parmesan during the last 5 minutes of baking for an added flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy carrot sticks are great on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping sauce. Try serving them with a side of ranch dressing, a garlic aioli, or a tangy Greek yogurt dip with a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of parmesan, you can use pecorino romano or another hard cheese. For a dairy-free version, you can skip the cheese and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste, like adding smoked paprika or cumin for a different twist.
Seasonal Variations
In the spring, you can swap out carrots for fresh asparagus or green beans and follow the same method. During the fall, try roasting root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes to bring out their natural sweetness while using the same seasonings.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy in the form of parmesan cheese. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the parmesan with nutritional yeast. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and nut-free, but be sure to check that your spices and other ingredients are free from cross-contamination if needed.
FAQ
Can I use baby carrots instead of carrot sticks?
Yes, baby carrots can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since they are usually thicker than pre-cut carrot sticks. Just make sure to check for doneness by poking them with a fork.
Can I make these carrot sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the carrot sticks and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to toss them in the oil and spices right before baking to ensure they crisp up properly.
How do I keep the carrots crispy for longer?
The key to keeping the carrots crispy is to serve them right away. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve, but try to avoid covering them as that will trap moisture.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted for an air fryer. Cook the carrots at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
What other vegetables can I use in this recipe?
You can use this seasoning mix on a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower. Adjust the roasting time according to the vegetable’s size and thickness.
How can I reduce the spice level?
If you want a milder version, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper. You can also balance out the heat by serving the carrot sticks with a creamy, cooling dip like ranch or yogurt.
Crispy Roasted Carrot Sticks
Ingredients
- 14 oz pre-cut carrot sticks well-drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced and mixed with sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the carrot sticks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with sea salt and mash into a paste. Stir in olive oil, parsley, crushed red pepper, and black pepper.
- Toss the carrot sticks in the seasoned oil mixture until well-coated.
- Add the grated parmesan and garlic powder to the carrots, tossing them again to coat evenly with the cheese and spices.
- Spread the carrot sticks in a single layer on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for proper crisping.
- Roast in the oven for 25 minutes, flip the carrots, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until they become crispy and golden.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce—options like Greek yogurt with lemon or classic ketchup work great!
