Crispy Cheesy Carrot Rings

Ingredients

• 4 medium carrots (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 sharp cheddar cheese (Shredded; the author specifies Cabot Vermont Seriously Sharp Cheddar)
• ranch dressing (Optional, for dipping)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Place the sliced carrots in a medium bowl. Add the olive oil, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until the carrot pieces are evenly coated.

3. 3

   Scatter the shredded cheddar over the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging it into small cheese piles with space between them so the piles can crisp separately.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika over the cheese. Gently toss the cheese and seasonings together without spreading the piles too thin.

5. 5

   Gently press the seasoned carrot slices onto the top of each cheese pile, keeping the carrots in a single layer where possible.

6. 6

   Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are golden brown. Listen for sizzling as the cheese crisps.

7. 7

   Remove the pan from the oven and let the carrot-and-cheese pieces cool on the pan for a few minutes. This resting time allows the cheese to firm up and become crisp before removing them with a spatula.

8. 8

   Serve warm, with ranch dressing on the side for dipping if desired.

Notes

The carrots may be sliced into thin matchsticks or rounds. The cheese crisps as it cools, so allow the pieces to rest on the baking sheet before transferring them. The author notes that the featured cheddar has 0 g of lactose per serving.

Nutrition per serving

• appetizer
• snack
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• baked
• crispy
• cheesy
• kid-friendly