These Parmesan Crisps are a quick, delicious way to enjoy a crunchy, cheesy snack with minimal effort. Made from just one main ingredient—freshly grated Parmesan—these golden crisps bake into light, lacy rounds that are perfect for snacking, topping salads, or serving on a charcuterie board. Whether you're following a low-carb or keto lifestyle or simply love the bold flavor of real Parmesan, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch in minutes. With their versatility and irresistible taste, Parmesan crisps are sure to become one of your go-to homemade snacks.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5–7 mins
- Total Time: 10–12 mins
- Servings: 6
- Yield: About 12 crisps
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (for spice)
Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts and crisps more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper browning.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is crucial—Parmesan crisps will stick to bare pans.
- Scoop the Parmesan into small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) on the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each mound into a thin circle.
- Add seasonings, if using. A sprinkle of black pepper, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes adds extra flavor without overpowering the cheese.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and lacy.
- Cool completely. Allow the crisps to rest on the sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. They will continue to crisp as they cool.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Best Practices:
- Do not overbake—Parmesan can burn quickly once it browns.
- For larger crisps, spread the cheese wider, but keep it thin for maximum crunch.
- Experiment with shapes by using cookie cutters as molds.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 10g
Conclusion
Parmesan Crisps are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create impressive, crowd-pleasing results. Whether you're making them as a quick appetizer, a crunchy salad topping, or an easy snack, these crisps offer bold flavor with almost no effort. Their versatility and minimal ingredient list make them ideal for busy cooks and cheese lovers alike. Add these to your homemade snack rotation, and you’ll always have something delicious and satisfying ready to enjoy.
