Baked Cheese Crisps
Here’s the ultimate snack fix that’s gonna rock your world – Baked Cheese Crisps! In just 8 minutes tops, you can have these crispy cheese crackers ready to enjoy. They’re ridiculously easy to throw together, and you can tweak them to your heart’s content. And get this – there’s no need for flour, potatoes, or even oil, but these cheese crisps still turn out perfectly thin and crunch-tastic. So tasty, it’s impossible to have just one!
I’ve whipped up these oven baked cheese crisps more times than I can count, no kidding. They’re great for saving some bucks on store-bought crisps, plus you dodge all those unnecessary preservatives and additives that you most likely can’t even pronounce. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Whisps crisps as much as the next person. However… Homemade always takes the crown. Especially when you only need 3 simple ingredients to get the job done. Triple yum!
Baked Cheese Crisps Overview
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of Ingredients: 3
Total Cook Time: 8 minutes
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Low-Fat, Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly
Key Flavor: Cheesy and savory with a hint of Italian herbs
Skill Level: Beginner
Notable mentions
- Ridiculously Simple to Make: With just three ingredients and a straightforward process, making these crisps is as easy as pie – or, in this case, easier!
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: If you’re someone who believes cheese is its own food group, then these crisps are your soul food. The blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan creates a rich, full-bodied cheese flavor that’s irresistibly good.
- Texture Perfection: Achieving that perfect crunch in a snack can be tricky, but these cheese crisps hit the mark every time. The edges get wonderfully golden and crispy, while the middle stays slightly softer. Delicious!
- Wallet-Friendly Snack: Forget about splurging on pricey, store-bought cheese snacks. With this baked cheese crisps recipe, you’ll only use basic ingredients and won’t break the bank!
Ingredients to make Baked Cheese Crisps
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan is like the reliable BFF of cheese crisps – it always guarantees that crunchy, golden perfection. It’s got that perfect balance of flavor and crispiness that makes these crisps irresistible.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar brings the meltiness and depth that pairs SO well with the crispiness of Parmesan. It’s like they were made to go together!
- Italian Seasoning or Herbs of Choice: This is where you get to play and customize your crisps. Italian seasoning offers that classic, herby punch, but feel free to mix it up with whatever dried herbs you love or have on hand.
How to make Baked Cheese Crisps
- Add Parmesan and cheddar cheese to a small bowl.
- Mix the cheese thoroughly.
- Spoon the cheese mix onto the parchment paper in even-sized mounds, spacing them well apart (about 3 inches) to allow for spreading.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top of the cheese mounds.
- Bake in a preheated oven. Start checking at 4 minutes and let them bake until the edges are golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes depending on your oven.
Popular substitutions & additions
- Swap the Cheese: Venture beyond Parmesan and cheddar! Use low-moisture part-skim mozzarella (yep, it has to be that specific so it crisps), pepper jack, or Swiss. Each cheese brings its own unique taste and texture.
- Add Toppings: Before baking, why not throw on some extra goodies? Think thinly sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat, chopped pancetta for a meaty crunch, or sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Experiment with Seasonings: If you want to step away from Italian seasoning, there’s a whole world of spices to explore. Smoked paprika can add a deep, smoky flavor, while a sprinkle of garlic powder brings a savory note. For something a bit different and spicy, you can even try Tajin!
- Make it Sweet: For those who love the sweet and savory combo, a light drizzle of honey over the baked cheese crisps can be a game-changer.
Tips for making the best cheddar parmesan cheese crisps
- Keep the Mounds Small: Keep your cheese mounds on the smaller side, about a tablespoon or so. This ensures they crisp up perfectly without becoming too thick.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Don’t stray too far once your crisps hit the oven. They bake up quickly and can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a second, so start checking around the 4-minute mark.
- Be Patient: I know it’s hard, but resist the urge to dive in immediately after they come out of the oven. Letting the crisps cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes will reward you with a better texture and crunch.
- Always Use Parchment Paper: Don’t skip the parchment paper! It will help you avoid a sticky situation and ensure your cheddar parmesan cheese crisps slide off the baking sheet effortlessly.
How to store Baked Cheese Crisps
The key to keeping your cheese crisps crispy is to store them in an airtight container. Pop them in there, and keep them at room temp. If you’re in a particularly humid environment, you might want to toss in a small piece of bread into the container to absorb any excess moisture – just a little trick to keep them extra crunchy!
How long will Baked Cheese Crisps last?
Your homemade cheese crisps will keep their crunch and deliciousness for 2-3 days when stored properly.
Can I freeze oven baked cheese crisps?
To be honest, I rarely have leftovers to freeze because these crisps tend to disappear almost instantly. But if you have a larger batch that you can handle, you can freeze it! Spread the crisps out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to a month. You can reheat them and re-crisp them in the oven or the air fryer.
What to serve with Baked Cheese Crisps
- Dips Galore: I’ve dunked them in everything from a slow cooker buffalo chicken dip and Jarlsberg Cheese Dip to guacamole, creamy tzatziki, and even corn salsa for a little kick. And for those die-hard cheese fans, a rich queso is a must-try.
- Sprinkle on Salads: I used to be a croutons person until I tried crumbling these oven baked cheese crisps over my salad. Total revelation! Toss them on a Caesar for a twist or mix them into a garden salad.
- Dunk ’em in Soup: Hear me out, a cozy bowl of tomato soup with these crisps on the side for dunking… I’ve done it, and it’s comfort food at its finest. They also rock with butternut squash soup or a chunky minestrone, adding that perfect crunch with every spoonful.
- Versatile Side Dish: And let’s not forget, these crisps aren’t just for snacking! They make an awesome side dish for just about any main. I’ve served them alongside sheet pan burgers, and BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches, and the rave reviews just keep coming.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these crisps in the air fryer?
You bet! First, line the basket with parchment paper, if it’s safe for your model. Then, keep the temperature at 360°F and check them around the 3-4 minute mark. Air fryers tend to cook a bit more quickly, so keep an eye out to prevent over-crisping.
My cheese crisps came out soggy. What happened?
It might be that the cheese used was too moist or the crisps didn’t bake long enough. If you find yourself with soggy crisps, just pop them back in the oven for an extra minute or two.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
You can, but I recommend shredding your own cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often comes with added starches to prevent clumping, which can affect how your crisps turn out.
And there you have it – your guide to making the crunchiest, tastiest Baked Cheese Crisps evah! Doesn’t matter if you’re diving into a bowl solo during movie night or sharing them with family and friends at your next gathering, these crisps are sure to disappear lighting-fast. So make sure to whip up a big batch!
More Easy 3 Ingredient SnackRecipes:
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Salt and Vinegar Popcorn
- Vanilla Fudge
- Marshmallow Popcorn
I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Baked Cheese Crisps recipe or any other of my other easy recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
Baked Cheese Crisps
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or herbs of choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, and set aside.
- Add Parmesan and cheddar cheese to a small bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Spoon the cheese mix onto the parchment paper in even sized mounds, spacing them well apart (about 3 inches) to allow for spreading.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning on top of the cheese mounds.
- Bake in the preheated oven. Start checking at 4 minutes and let them bake until the edges are golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes depending on your oven.
- Once done, remove the tray from the oven and allow the crisps to cool on the baking sheet.
Notes
- Keep the Mounds Small: Keep your cheese mounds on the smaller side, about a tablespoon or so. This ensures they crisp up perfectly without becoming too thick.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Don’t stray too far once your crisps hit the oven. They bake up quickly and can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a second, so start checking around the 4-minute mark.
- Be Patient: I know it’s hard, but resist the urge to dive in immediately after they come out of the oven. Letting the crisps cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes will reward you with a better texture and crunch.
- Always Use Parchment Paper: Don’t skip the parchment paper! It will help you avoid a sticky situation and ensure your cheddar parmesan cheese crisps slide off the baking sheet effortlessly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
