There's something undeniably satisfying about biting into a Parmesan crisp. Its delicate crunch, followed by the rich, savory flavor of aged Parmesan cheese, is truly a delight for your taste buds. With just a handful of ingredients and a few spare minutes, you can have these crispy, golden Parmesan crisps ready for your next family gathering or a quiet evening at home.
The first time I made Parmesan Crisps, it was nothing short of a revelation.
I'd been searching for a savory and satisfying snack, something that would hit the spot when those mid-afternoon cravings came calling. And then, I stumbled on a bag of cheese crisps while shopping at Whole Foods.
They were just as perfect for munching as they were for adding some crunch to my salads or soups.
I knew I had to make them at home!
With just one key ingredient - good quality Parmesan cheese - and a hot oven, you're just minutes away from snack heaven.
The trick is to grate the cheese finely so that it melts evenly, forming those beautiful, lacy edges we love. And don't worry about perfect circles, embrace the irregular shapes - it adds to the homemade charm!
Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll be making these Parmesan Crisps for every occasion, or just because it's Tuesday, and why not?
Ingredients
- Parmesan Cheese - This is the star of our recipe. A good quality Parmesan cheese brings a rich, savory flavor that is simply unmatched. It melts beautifully to create that perfect crisp texture we're after. If you're looking for substitutions, you could try using Asiago or Romano, though keep in mind the flavor profile will slightly change.
- Arrowroot Powder (Optional) - A little bit of arrowroot powder helps to absorb any excess moisture, ensuring your crisps come out perfectly crunchy every time. If you don't have arrowroot powder on hand, don't fret! You can easily substitute it with organic cornstarch, which works equally well or just leave it off. They will still be great!
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper - Adding a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper gives these Parmesan crisps a lovely little kick. It's the perfect counterpoint to the rich, cheesy goodness of the Parmesan. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. If you're making these for little ones or those with sensitive palates, you might want to go easy on the pepper.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Preheat your oven to a toasty 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat. This non-stick surface is going to be the perfect stage for our Parmesan crisps to bake to golden perfection.
Next, in a small bowl, let's blend together our Parmesan cheese and arrowroot powder. This combo is what gives our crisps their crunch. Don't forget to add a dash of fresh ground black pepper for that extra kick!
Now, it's time to get shaping! Using a tablespoon measure, scoop out the Parmesan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Keep them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread out. Go ahead and gently flatten them with a clean hand.
Put them in the oven and let them bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You'll know they're done when they've turned a beautiful golden brown. Let them cool completely in the pan before gently lifting with a spatula.
🧀 Tricks of the Trade: Parmesan Crisps 🧀
- Cheese Selection is Key: Go for high-quality Parmesan. Grate it yourself for the best freshness and flavor. This little step can make a big difference in your crisps!
- Size Matters: When you spoon your cheese onto a baking sheet, aim for small, evenly spaced mounds. This ensures they cook evenly and gives you that perfect crisp edge every time.
- Patience, Darling: Don’t rush your crisps out of the oven. They should be golden and lacy before you even think about touching them. And once they're out, give them a moment to cool and firm up on a cooling rack.
- Spice It Up: Before baking, feel free to sprinkle a little magic on your Parmesan mounds—think black pepper, paprika, or even a bit of garlic powder. It’s your crisps; play with your flavors!
- Parchment Paper is Your Pal: For an effortless slide-off-the-pan experience, always lay down a sheet of parchment paper or silicone mat first. It's a simple step that means no sticking, no mess.
More Recipes with Parmesan to Try
- Dive into the rich flavors of this Garlic Parmesan Sauce, perfect for adding a burst of savory goodness to your favorite dishes.
- Indulge in a comforting and effortless meal with Slow Cooker Eggplant Parmesan, a hearty and flavorful dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
- Elevate your dinner game with Grilled Chicken Parmesan, a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite that's bound to impress your taste buds.
- Savor the vibrant flavors of summer with Broiled Parmesan Tomatoes, a simple yet elegant side dish that perfectly complements any meal.
15-Minute Parmesan Crisps
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese good quality
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch (optional)
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
- In a small bowl combine Parmesan and arrowroot powder. Add fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Using a tablespoon measure, place Parmesan mixture on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten with a clean hand.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool completely in the pan and then gently lift with a spatula.
Shannon Graham
What a delicious garnish or even a delicious snack!
Shannon Graham
Wow, that is a great appetizer!
Terri Allen
Are the Nutrition Facts for one crisp?
Wendy Polisi
The nutritional information is for 1/8th of the recipe.
Karen
WHat does the cornstarh do for the parmesan crisps ?
Wendy Polisi
I found it helps to make sure they are crispy, but it is an optional ingredient. You can leave it out and they will still be great.