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Photo: Jason Donnelly

Make these smashed vegetable recipes for a healthy and flavorful side dish. Whether it’s beets, potatoes or root vegetables, smashing the vegetables allows them to absorb flavor so they’re delicious on the inside and outside. Try recipes like Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts and Crispy Smashed Cauliflower with Pesto for a fun and nutritious side that will make any meal tastier.
01of 13Crispy Smashed Cauliflower with PestoView RecipeJason DonnellyCauliflower gets steamed before it gets flattened and flavored with a dollop of pesto. A quick trip under the broiler gives it a satisfying, crispy exterior.
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Crispy Smashed Cauliflower with Pesto
View Recipe
Jason Donnelly
Cauliflower gets steamed before it gets flattened and flavored with a dollop of pesto. A quick trip under the broiler gives it a satisfying, crispy exterior.
02of 13Crispy Smashed Brussels SproutsView RecipeJacob FoxBrussels sprouts get crispy and flavorful in the oven when they’re “smashed” and seasoned with Parmesan cheese and everything bagel spice.
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Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Jacob Fox

Brussels sprouts get crispy and flavorful in the oven when they’re “smashed” and seasoned with Parmesan cheese and everything bagel spice.
03of 13Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Za’atarView RecipeJason DonnellyZa’atar spice coats broccoli florets that crisp up under the broiler. A dollop of yogurt adds a creamy finish. Serve as an easy side paired with grilled kebabs or as a light appetizer.
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Crispy Smashed Broccoli with Za’atar

Za’atar spice coats broccoli florets that crisp up under the broiler. A dollop of yogurt adds a creamy finish. Serve as an easy side paired with grilled kebabs or as a light appetizer.
04of 13Smashed CarrotsView RecipeJason DonnellySmashing steamed carrots coated in curry powder then finishing them under the broiler lets the flavor set in and gives the carrots a light, crispy edge.
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Smashed Carrots

Smashing steamed carrots coated in curry powder then finishing them under the broiler lets the flavor set in and gives the carrots a light, crispy edge.
05of 13Smashed Butternut Squash with Harissa & Goat CheeseView RecipeJason DonnellyButternut squash is roasted and topped with spicy harissa and creamy goat cheese before sizzling under the broiler. Serve this flavorful dish as an appetizer or as a side paired with roasted chicken or lamb chops. Choose a squash with a long neck if possible.
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Smashed Butternut Squash with Harissa & Goat Cheese

Butternut squash is roasted and topped with spicy harissa and creamy goat cheese before sizzling under the broiler. Serve this flavorful dish as an appetizer or as a side paired with roasted chicken or lamb chops. Choose a squash with a long neck if possible.
06of 13Smashed Sweet PotatoesView RecipeJason DonnellySouthwestern spices coat slices of sweet potato that are baked, smashed and then broiled to create a light, crispy exterior. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt finishes the dish.
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Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Southwestern spices coat slices of sweet potato that are baked, smashed and then broiled to create a light, crispy exterior. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt finishes the dish.
07of 13Crispy Smashed Beets with Goat CheeseView RecipeCooked beets are lightly pressed and pan-fried for a charred, crispy outer crust–similar to that of smashed potatoes. The herbed goat cheese dip makes this healthy appetizer or easy side dish even more delicious.
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Crispy Smashed Beets with Goat Cheese

Cooked beets are lightly pressed and pan-fried for a charred, crispy outer crust–similar to that of smashed potatoes. The herbed goat cheese dip makes this healthy appetizer or easy side dish even more delicious.
08of 13Garlic-Rosemary Smashed PotatoesView RecipeA combination of baked, mashed and roasted, these crusty, garlicky smashed potatoes are a healthy and creative alternative. Serve alongside a seared steak or roasted pork tenderloin and green beans.
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Garlic-Rosemary Smashed Potatoes

A combination of baked, mashed and roasted, these crusty, garlicky smashed potatoes are a healthy and creative alternative. Serve alongside a seared steak or roasted pork tenderloin and green beans.
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Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Green Horseradish Sauce

10of 13Creamy Smashed TurnipsView RecipeRich in vitamin C, these mashed turnips are flavored with reduced-fat cream cheese and chives. A perfect side dish for any meal.
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Creamy Smashed Turnips

Rich in vitamin C, these mashed turnips are flavored with reduced-fat cream cheese and chives. A perfect side dish for any meal.
11of 13Smashed Cucumber Salad with Lemon & CuminView RecipeDon’t skip salting the cucumbers in this quick cucumber salad recipe–just 10 minutes pulls out some of their excess moisture, concentrating the flavor and keeping the salad from being watered down. Serve as a healthy side dish at a summer cookout alongside burgers and hot dogs.
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Smashed Cucumber Salad with Lemon & Cumin

Don’t skip salting the cucumbers in this quick cucumber salad recipe–just 10 minutes pulls out some of their excess moisture, concentrating the flavor and keeping the salad from being watered down. Serve as a healthy side dish at a summer cookout alongside burgers and hot dogs.
12of 13Smashed ParsnipsView RecipeInstead of serving mashed potatoes for dinner, try this smashed parsnip recipe. Parsnips are higher in fiber and lower in calories and carbs than potatoes. This side dish is ready in just 35 minutes–perfect for dinner after a busy day at the office.
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Smashed Parsnips

Instead of serving mashed potatoes for dinner, try this smashed parsnip recipe. Parsnips are higher in fiber and lower in calories and carbs than potatoes. This side dish is ready in just 35 minutes–perfect for dinner after a busy day at the office.
13of 13Smashed Spiced Sweet PotatoesView RecipeChile powder, cumin and ginger combined with a touch of maple syrup create a spicy-sweet flavor addition to a traditional Thanksgiving player.
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Smashed Spiced Sweet Potatoes

Chile powder, cumin and ginger combined with a touch of maple syrup create a spicy-sweet flavor addition to a traditional Thanksgiving player.
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