3 Easter carrot recipes that will have everyone reaching for seconds

These carrot recipes go way beyond steamed.

It only make sense to have carrots at your Easter dinner. We're presenting three different ways to dress them up and take them from side to star! KSL Lifestyle Contributor Maddy Tolman shared her carrot recipes for elevated dishes that will steal the show.

Smashed Parmesan Carrots

Serves 3-4

INGREDIENTS

• 4 medium carrots
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 Tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese

METHOD

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F with a rimmed baking sheet inside so it heats up as well. While the oven warms, peel 12 ounces of medium carrots and cut them into 1½- to 2-inch pieces. If the carrots are thinner than ¾ inch, slice them in half lengthwise; if they're thicker, cut them into quarters.
2. Add the carrots to a large microwave-safe bowl along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the carrots are tender when pierced with a knife. Carefully remove the plastic wrap, letting the steam release away from you.
3. Drain any remaining liquid, then toss the carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
4. Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the preheated baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or metal measuring cup, gently press down on each piece until it flattens and cracks slightly. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
5. Roast for 13 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden and the edges of the carrots are crisp. Let them sit on the pan for about 5 minutes before serving so they continue to crisp up.

Carrot Fries

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

• 3 lbs carrots
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated black pepper
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil or other neutral flavored oil

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper, foil, or spray with nonstick spray.
2. Peel the carrots. Cut into thin sticks. About the thickness of a potato fry.
3. Place the carrot fries in a large bowl and toss with cornstarch. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and toss until coated. Drizzle the oil over the carrots and toss to combine. This works well with your hands!
4. Divide the carrot fries evenly between the baking sheets. You want to make sure none of the fries are touching each other, or else they won't crisp up.
5. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip fries over or give them a stir to cook evenly.
6. Bake for 10-15 more minutes. Keep a close eye on them so they don't burn.
7. Serve with garlic aioli (listed below!) or eat plain.

Garlic Aioli

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup mayo
• 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed
• 3 Tablespoons pesto
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated

METHOD

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Best if made ahead of time, so the flavors have time to sit together.