Name: Parmesan Herb Crisps
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487093H25M29S
Total time: PT-487093H25M29S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)

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These Parmesan Herb Crisps are the perfect savory snack or appetizer, combining the rich flavor of freshly grated Parmesan cheese with the aromatic taste of Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Baked until crispy and golden, these crisps are incredibly easy to make and can be customized with a dash of cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb snack, a crunchy salad topping, or a delightful side, these Parmesan Herb Crisps will be a hit every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about the simplicity of Parmesan cheese and a few seasonings coming together to create a crispy, flavorful treat. The Parmesan crisps are naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making them a great option for those on a keto or low-carb diet. With a savory and satisfying crunch, they pair perfectly with salads, soups, or can even be enjoyed on their own. Plus, they are super quick and easy to make, taking just a few ingredients and about 10 minutes in the oven.

Parmesan Herb Crisps

Ingredients

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Form the crisps: Spoon small mounds (about 1 tablespoon) of the Parmesan mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon to form small rounds.
Bake the crisps: Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the crisps are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as they can go from crispy to overdone quickly.
Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the Parmesan crisps cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, carefully transfer them to a serving plate.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 12-15 crisps, depending on the size.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5-7 minutes
Total time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

Add Herbs: Experiment with additional herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to create your own custom flavor profile.
Spicy: For a spicy version, add more red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture before baking.
Cheese Combo: Mix in other cheeses such as cheddar or Asiago to vary the flavor of your crisps.
Dips: Serve these crisps with a variety of dips like marinara sauce, pesto, or creamy ranch dressing for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the Parmesan crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for these crisps as it melts better and gives a richer flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that may affect the texture of the crisps.

2. Can I make these Parmesan crisps ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container and they’ll stay crispy for a few days.

3. Can I freeze these Parmesan crisps?

Yes, these crisps can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

4. Can I make these Parmesan crisps without the seasonings?

Yes, you can omit the Italian seasoning and garlic powder if you prefer a more straightforward Parmesan flavor, or substitute with your favorite spices.

5. Are these Parmesan crisps gluten-free?

Yes, these crisps are naturally gluten-free, making them a great snack for those following a gluten-free diet.

6. Can I add other ingredients to the Parmesan crisps?

Feel free to experiment by adding finely chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even crumbled beef for added flavor.

7. How do I prevent the crisps from sticking to the baking sheet?

Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will help prevent sticking and ensure the crisps bake evenly.

8. How thick should I make the crisps?

Flatten the cheese mounds to about 1/4 inch thick for the crisps to bake evenly and get nice and crispy.

9. Can I bake these crisps in a convection oven?

Yes, you can bake them in a convection oven. Just reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 4-6 minutes, checking for crispness.

10. Can I use these Parmesan crisps as a topping?

Absolutely! These crisps make a great topping for soups, salads, or even casseroles for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

These Parmesan Herb Crisps are an easy, flavorful, and low-carb snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a savory bite or need a crunchy topping for your favorite dish, these crisps provide the perfect crispy and cheesy texture. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy this delicious treat in no time.