Imagine a snack so simple yet so decadent that it feels like a guilty pleasure—Parmesan crisps, an easy-to-make delight that’s just as addictive as your favorite TV series (I’m looking at you, “Succession”). These golden rounds of cheesy perfection are the kind of treat you’ll find yourself craving at odd hours, and honestly, who could blame you?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Grate your choice of cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, and create small, even mounds on the lined baking sheet, spacing them apart for spreading.
- Optionally, sprinkle your preferred seasonings, such as chili powder or Italian seasoning, over the cheese mounds for added flavor.
- Bake the cheese mounds in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, watching closely until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the tray from the oven and let the crisps cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up.
- Transfer the cooled crisps to a paper towel to absorb excess grease, then move them to a rack to finish cooling and remain crispy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Optional flavorings: chili powder, everything bagel seasoning, Italian seasoning
FAQ
- What oven temperature should I use to bake cheese crisps?
- The recommended oven temperature for baking cheese crisps is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to follow the recipe closely to achieve the best results.
- How long can I store cheese crisps, and how should I keep them crispy?
- You can store cheese crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain their crispiness, it’s best to reheat them in the oven before serving.
- Can I use semi-hard cheeses like Comté or Gruyère for cheese crisps?
- Yes, semi-hard cheeses like Comté or Gruyère can be used to make cheese crisps, although I haven’t personally tried them. Feel free to experiment and see how they turn out!
- Is it better to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated?
- Using freshly grated Parmesan from a block or pre-shredded cheese from the refrigerated section is preferable. It’s recommended to avoid the shelf-stable, powdery Parmesan found in plastic jars for this recipe.
- What do I do if my cheese crisps don’t stay crispy the next day?
- If your cheese crisps lose their crispness, you can place them back in the oven for a short time to restore their texture.
Tips
- For best results, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-packaged cheese in a jar, as it melts better and provides optimal texture.
- To maintain the crispiness of your cheese crisps, allow them to cool on a paper towel to absorb excess grease before transferring them to a wire rack.
- If your crisps lose their crunch after a day, place them back in the oven for a short time to restore their crispiness.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Gruyere or Comte, and flavorings like chili powder or Italian seasoning to discover your favorite combination.
Equipment
- Nonstick Muffin Pan – Useful for making uniform-shaped cheese crisps.
- Parchment Paper – Essential for preventing cheese crisps from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Baking Sheet – A must-have for baking the cheese crisps in the oven.
- Cheese Grater – Needed if you are grating cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
- Oven Thermometer – Ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for baking.
