Crispy Cheese Crisps – A Quick and Easy Snack
A versatile, one-ingredient snack that’s keto-friendly and ridiculously easy to make.
Key Information
Prep Time: 1-5 minutes
Cook Time: 2-7 minutes
Total Time: 3-12 minutes
Servings: 8-20 crisps
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Vegetarian, Keto, Low-carb, Gluten-free
Equipment Needed
• Baking sheet + parchment paper (for oven method)
• Microwave-safe plate + parchment paper (for microwave method)
• Air fryer basket (for air fryer method)
• Non-stick skillet (for stovetop method)
• Fine grater or microplane
Ingredients
• 1 cup (100g) finely grated hard cheese (Parmesan, aged Cheddar, Gruyère, or Asiago)
Optional add-ins:
• Pinch of herbs (rosemary, thyme)
• Thin jalapeño slices
• Cracked black pepper
Cooking Methods
Oven Method (Recommended)
1. Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
3. Place 2-tablespoon mounds of cheese 2 inches apart
4. Bake for 6-7 minutes until golden and lacy
5. Cool for 5 minutes until crisp
Microwave Method (Quickest)
1. Line microwave-safe plate with parchment
2. Place 1-tablespoon cheese mounds 2 inches apart
3. Microwave on HIGH for 1-2 minutes
4. Let cool completely before handling
Air Fryer Method
1. Preheat to 350°F/175°C
2. Line basket with parchment
3. Add cheese mounds
4. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden
Stovetop Method
1. Place cheese in cold non-stick pan
2. Heat on medium until edges brown (2-3 minutes)
3. Flip carefully, cook additional minute
Crucial Tips
• Use finely grated, DRY aged cheese
• Watch closely – they burn quickly!
• Let cool completely for maximum crispiness
• Don’t crowd the pan/tray
Storage
• Room temperature: 3 days in airtight container
• Refrigerated: Up to 2 weeks
• Reheat briefly in oven to re-crisp if needed
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using fresh/wet mozzarella
• Removing from surface before fully cooled
• Making pieces too thick
• Setting temperature too low
Variations
• Taco-spiced: Add chili powder and cumin
• Italian: Mix in dried oregano and garlic powder
• Spicy: Top with red pepper flakes
• Pizza-style: Add dried basil and oregano
These crisps make perfect low-carb croutons, sandwich alternatives, or elegant appetizer garnishes. Master the basic recipe, then get creative with your favorite flavors and uses!