Crispy Cheddar Carrot Bites

Ingredients

• 4 carrots (medium, peeled and thinly sliced into matchsticks or rounds)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder (divided)
• 1 tsp onion powder (divided)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (divided)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar recommended)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. 2

   Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, toss the sliced carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese onto the prepared baking sheet in small piles.

5. 5

   Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika over the cheese piles and toss slightly to combine.

6. 6

   Gently press the seasoned carrot slices on top of each cheese pile.

7. 7

   Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

8. 8

   Remove from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes on the pan; this allows the cheese to crisp up fully before you move them.

9. 9

   Serve warm, optionally with ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

The cheese used (Cabot Seriously Sharp) is naturally lactose-free. Ensure the carrots are sliced very thinly so they cook through in the same time it takes the cheese to crisp.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• snack
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• baked
• low-carb