Cheese And Carrot Combinations: Perfect Pairing Tips

Carrots and cheese are a delicious combination and can be used in a variety of dishes. A popular way to serve carrots with cheese is to roast or glaze them with a variety of cheeses such as parmesan, gouda, or cheddar. This creates a crispy, cheesy crust that takes the dish to the next level. Another option is to grate the carrots and cheese and combine them with mayonnaise, onion, and hot sauce to make a sandwich filling that is both tasty and nutritious. This filling can also be used in wraps or rolls for a portable and satisfying meal. For a fun and creative option, you can even shape a mixture of cream cheese and cheddar into carrot shapes for an adorable and tasty appetizer.

Crispy Parmesan Carrots

Ingredients:

• 6 medium-large carrots (approx 700 grams)
• 70 grams freshly grated parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano cheese)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes (adjust to your preference)
• Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Pinch of sea salt

Optional:

2 tablespoons Panko breadcrumbs or normal breadcrumbs

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F.
• Prepare the carrots by peeling them and slicing each in half lengthwise, and then in half again so that each piece has a flat side.
• In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, grated garlic, paprika, cumin, chili, parsley, and a pinch of salt.
• Add the carrots to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade.
• Sprinkle a handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese onto a non-stick oven dish or baking sheet.
• Dip the flat sides of the carrots into the remaining grated parmesan cheese and place them, cheese-side down, on the baking sheet.
• Repeat until all carrots are coated and placed in a single layer on the baking sheet, with no gaps in between.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, checking that the carrots are tender.
• Remove from the oven and immediately flip the carrots over with a spatula to reveal the crispy parmesan crust.

Tips:

• For the best flavour and texture, buy a block of good-quality Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-grated cheese won't give the same result.
• If you can't get hold of Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano is a great substitute—it's a little cheaper but not as full of flavour.
• You can easily make these carrots vegan by using plant-based parmesan cheese.
• For the oil, you can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even melted butter.
• Fresh garlic is preferable, but garlic powder can be used instead.
• Smoked paprika gives a lovely colour and smoky flavour, but sweet paprika works great too.
• This recipe is very customisable—you can add more or less chili powder or red pepper flakes, depending on how spicy you like it.
• Fresh parsley is the preferred herb, but fresh thyme or dried herbs such as oregano would also work well.
• Try to buy carrots of similar length and size so that they can be sliced evenly and will cook at the same rate.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they will last for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer to make them crispy again.

Serving Suggestions:

These crispy parmesan carrots make a great side dish and go well with various proteins and other sides. Here are some ideas:

• Teriyaki salmon or other fish
• Cauliflower steaks, tofu steak, or chicken
• Ultimate meat-free gravy
• Mushroom pea risotto
• Stuffed Portobello mushrooms
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Baked sweet potato slices
• Sautéed mushrooms and onions
• Oven-roasted vegetables
• Crispy roasted potatoes

Carrot and Cheese Sandwich Filling

A carrot and cheese sandwich is a super tasty and nutritious option for a quick lunch or a picnic. The filling tends to stay inside the sandwich, making it a mess-free option.

Ingredients

• 1 medium carrot, trimmed but not peeled
• 60g of cheddar cheese (Red Leicester is a good alternative)
• 1 spring onion (scallion) – can be swapped for a little red onion
• 2 tsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp chilli sauce (or just a few drops if you prefer less heat)
• 2-4 lettuce leaves (optional)
• 2 thick slices of wholemeal bread or two wholemeal rolls

Method

• Grate the carrot and place it in a mixing bowl.
• Grate the cheese using the same grater and add to the bowl.
• Finely chop the spring onion and add to the bowl.
• Add the mayonnaise and chilli sauce and stir until everything is well mixed and sticks together.
• Spread the mixture over one slice of bread and top with the lettuce leaves, if using.
• Place the other slice of bread on top and cut into two halves. If using rolls, place half the mixture inside one and half inside the other.

Tips

• This recipe makes a generous amount of filling for one large sandwich or two bread rolls. You can use half the amount of mixture for a less filling sandwich, or make two sandwiches.
• Double, triple, etc., the quantities as needed.
• This filling will keep in a covered container in the fridge for three to four days.
• You can add a small handful of raisins to the mix for little bursts of sweetness.
• A squeeze of lemon or lime juice will add a little zip to the filling.
• If you like onion, swap the spring onion for some finely chopped red onion. If you're not keen on raw onion, snip in a few chives instead.
• For a vegan option, use vegan cheese and mayonnaise.

Cheese and Honey-Glazed Carrots

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 4-5 medium-large carrots
• Honey
• Salt

Optional Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin powder
• Chili powder or red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley
• Black pepper

Method

First, peel and cut the carrots in half crosswise. Boil a small amount of salted water and cook the carrots until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain the water and place the carrots in a greased baking dish. Drizzle honey over the carrots. You can also add olive oil, garlic cloves, smoked paprika, cumin powder, chili powder, and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the carrots and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or broil until the cheese melts.

Tips

• Try different types of cheese such as mild Colby Jack, cheddar, or Parmesan.
• For a vegan option, use plant-based cheese and honey.
• Adjust the amount of honey and spices to your taste preference.
• For a healthier option, reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese.
• You can also try grating the carrots and cheese and combining them with mayonnaise, onion, and hot sauce to make a sandwich filling.

Grated Carrot and Cheese

Carrots and cheese are a delicious combination and make for a super tasty and nutritious meal or snack. This unlikely pairing works well as a sandwich filling, a crunchy topping, or even as a fun, edible craft.

How to Make Grated Carrot and Cheese

The key to a good grated carrot and cheese mixture is to use a combination of equal parts carrot and cheese. The best cheeses to use are cheddar or Red Leicester, grated with a box grater or food processor. For the carrot, simply trim and scrub the carrot, then grate it. You can peel the carrot if you prefer, but it's not necessary.

Once you have your grated carrot and cheese, add some sliced spring onion, mayonnaise, and hot sauce to taste. Mix everything together, and you're done! This mixture can be used as a sandwich filling, or as a dip for crackers or crudites.

Variations and Tips

• For a vegan option, use vegan cheese and mayonnaise.
• Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for a tangy twist.
• For a healthier option, use wholemeal bread for your sandwich.
• If making a sandwich, add some lettuce for extra freshness and texture.
• This mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
• For a fun twist, shape the mixture into carrot shapes and decorate with parsley sprigs for a cute Easter treat.

Other Carrot and Cheese Combinations

If grated carrot and cheese doesn't appeal to you, there are other ways to combine these two ingredients.

• Crispy Parmesan Carrots: These carrots are coated in a smoky spice rub and roasted with a parmesan crust.
• Cheese and Honey-Glazed Carrots: This dish involves boiling carrots, placing them in a baking dish, sprinkling with shredded cheese, and baking until melted.
• Carrot and Cheese Balls: Instead of shaping the mixture into carrots, you can form it into balls.

Carrot and Cheese Sculptures

Cheese Carrots

These sculptures are shaped like carrots and made with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spices. They are an excellent option for those seeking a simple and quick sculpture project, as they only require a few ingredients and take about 30 minutes to make.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese (3 ounces)
• Finely shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
• Paprika (1/4 teaspoon)
• Onion powder (1/8 teaspoon)
• Celery salt (1/8 teaspoon)
• Granulated garlic or garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon)
• Fresh parsley sprigs

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl using a fork. Then, use your clean hands to mix and form a smooth cheese mixture.
• Divide the mixture into 5-6 sections, depending on how many carrots you want to create.
• Shape the cheese mixture into carrot forms using your hands.
• Use a knife to add details to the cheese carrots, such as ridges and grooves.
• Place the cheese carrots on a platter and add parsley sprigs to create carrot tops.
• Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Serve with crackers or crudités.

Tips

• Use a favourite cheese ball recipe as long as it holds its shape.
• Reduced-fat or regular cream cheese can be used.
• Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it can create a weird texture when trying to mould the carrots.
• These sculptures can be made ahead of time, tightly wrapped in plastic, and refrigerated for up to two days.

Other Carrot and Cheese Ideas

If you're looking for something different, here are some additional ideas to combine carrots and cheese in creative ways:

• Crispy Parmesan Carrots: Carrots are coated in a smoky spice rub and roasted with a Parmesan cheese crust.
• Carrot and Cheese Sandwich Filling: Grated carrot and cheese are mixed with mayonnaise, onion, and hot sauce to create a tasty and crunchy sandwich filling.
• Cheese and Honey-Glazed Carrots: Carrots are boiled, baked with shredded cheese, and drizzled with honey for a sweet and savoury dish.
• Gouda and Carrot: Gouda's subtle sweetness pairs well with carrots, offering a crisp contrast to the softness of the cheese.

Frequently asked questions