Ina Garten’s Crispy Parmesan Cheese Crisps Recipe

Parmesan cheese crisps transform ordinary cheese into a delectable, crispy sensation that elevates any appetizer spread.

These delicate wafers offer a perfect blend of crunch and rich, nutty flavor that melts in your mouth.

The magic happens when grated cheese transforms into golden, lacy rounds with irresistible texture and intense taste.

Each crisp delivers a concentrated burst of savory goodness that tantalizes your palate.

Simple kitchen techniques turn ordinary cheese into an elegant, restaurant-worthy garnish that impresses guests and satisfies serious cheese lovers.

Our method guarantees foolproof results that will make you feel like a culinary expert: crisp, delicious, and utterly addictive.

How to Bake Crisps That Snap Just Right

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the center of the oven for even cooking.

Step 2: Set Up Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of cheese crisps.

Step 3: Create Cheese Rounds

• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
• Optional: black pepper or herbs for seasoning

Drop heaping tablespoons of Parmesan cheese onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each mound about 1/2 inch apart.

Step 4: Shape The Crisps

Gently tap and spread each cheese mound with the back of a spoon, creating thin circular shapes that will transform into crispy delights.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and watch closely as the cheese melts and turns golden brown, typically taking 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Cool And Crisp

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cheese crisps cool completely on the tray, allowing them to firm up and become delightfully crunchy.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Once cooled, carefully lift the Parmesan crisps from the baking sheet and serve as a elegant appetizer, salad topping, or snack.

Pro Tips for Getting the Thinnest, Tastiest Crisps

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan delivers superior flavor and melts more smoothly than pre-packaged alternatives.
• Space Wisely: Leave ample room between cheese spoonfuls to ensure each crisp forms independently without merging.
• Watch Closely: Cheese crisps transform rapidly from perfectly golden to burned, so monitor them carefully during baking.
• Temperature Matters: Use a room temperature baking sheet to help cheese spread evenly and crisp consistently.
• Cooling Technique: Let crisps cool completely on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crunchiness and prevent breaking.

How to Store Them Without Losing Crunch

• Countertop Trick: Avoid storing crispy parmesan crisps at room temperature. Humidity and heat quickly destroy their delicate crunch, making them soggy and unappetizing within hours.
• Refrigerator Method: Seal completely cooled crisps in a tight glass container with a silica gel packet to absorb moisture. Layer between parchment paper sheets to prevent breaking. These delicate cheese wafers stay crisp for 3-4 days when stored properly.
• Freezer Preservation: Arrange crisps in a single, flat layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to a vacuum-sealed bag or freezer-safe container. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen parmesan crisps maintain their texture for up to 1 month when carefully protected from moisture and air exposure.

Add Flare to Your Crisps—From Herbs to Heat

• Herb-Infused Crisp Delight: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil over the Parmesan cheese before baking to add an aromatic flavor profile.
• Spicy Pepper Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or ground black pepper with the Parmesan cheese for a zesty and bold taste sensation that elevates the classic crisp.
• Garlic Parmesan Crunch: Grate fresh garlic or sprinkle garlic powder onto the cheese before baking to create a savory and intense flavor that complements the natural saltiness of Parmesan.
• Mixed Cheese Fusion: Combine Parmesan with other hard cheeses like aged cheddar or Pecorino Romano to create a more complex and rich cheese crisp with multiple flavor dimensions.

Parmesan Crisp Wrap-Up: The Crunch Continues

Parmesan cheese crisps bring sophisticated simplicity to snack experiences.

Garten’s recipe transforms humble ingredients into culinary magic.

Crispy, delicate medallions emerge from basic techniques with professional-level results.

Cheese lovers will appreciate Mediterranean-inspired elegance on their plates.

Salt-kissed rounds provide perfect appetizer companions for charcuterie boards or elegant gatherings.

Crunch meets refined flavor in this effortless recipe – so grab those ingredients, create magic in your kitchen, share your masterpiece with friends, spark conversations about your gourmet skills, and watch social media light up with delicious admiration!

Why You’ll Keep Reaching for These Parmesan Crisps

• Savor Instant Crunch: These Parmesan cheese crisps deliver an irresistible crispy texture that snaps perfectly with every bite, offering a delightful contrast to softer appetizers.
• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: With just one ingredient and minimal steps, anyone can create a gourmet-style appetizer that looks professionally prepared in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or unexpected guests.
• Embrace Versatile Munchies: These cheese crisps work wonderfully as standalone snacks, salad toppers, soup garnishes, or elegant charcuterie board additions, transforming simple dishes into restaurant-quality experiences with zero complex cooking skills required.
• Celebrate Healthier Indulgence: Unlike traditional chips, these crisps provide pure cheese goodness without unnecessary additives, offering a protein-packed, low-carb option that satisfies cravings while keeping nutrition in mind.

Just a Few Ingredients for That Cheesy Crunch

• Parmesan Cheese: High-quality aged cheese with nutty flavor, provides crisp texture and rich taste. Look for authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for best results.

• Silicone Baking Sheet, Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface helps cheese crisps release easily and prevents burning. Silicone mat preferred for even heat distribution.

• Black Pepper, Herbs: Optional seasonings to enhance cheese crisp flavor. Fresh cracked black pepper or dried herbs like thyme can add extra dimension.

Ina Garten Parmesan Cheese Crisps Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 8 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Parmesan cheese crisps from Ina Garten’s kitchen offer a crisp, elegant appetizer that elevates simple ingredients into gourmet magic. Guests will savor these delicate, golden rounds that crunch with sharp cheese flavor and make entertaining effortlessly sophisticated.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound pasta
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 400°F (204°C), ensuring optimal temperature for crispy cheese wafers.
2. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
3. Carefully drop precise tablespoon-sized portions of Parmesan cheese onto the prepared baking surface, maintaining consistent spacing of approximately 1/2 inch between each portion.
4. Using the back of a spoon or clean fingertips, gently flatten each cheese mound to create uniform, thin circular shapes that will crisp evenly during baking.
5. Position the baking sheet in the preheated oven, placing it on the center rack to ensure balanced heat distribution.
6. Monitor the cheese crisps closely, allowing them to transform into golden, lacy wafers within 3 to 5 minutes – watching for the precise moment when edges turn delicately crisp and amber-colored.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Parmesan crisps cool completely on the surface, where they will continue to firm up and develop a satisfying crunch.
8. Once cooled, carefully lift the cheese wafers using a thin spatula, handling them gently to preserve their delicate structure.

Notes

• Crisp edges turn these cheese crackers into a delightful, crunchy snack perfect for entertaining or solo munching.
• Sharp Parmesan delivers a bold, tangy punch that elevates these simple baked crisps from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Precise spacing prevents cheese from melding together, ensuring each wafer remains beautifully individual and perfectly shaped.
• Watching closely during baking guarantees a golden-brown finish without risking bitter, burnt edges that ruin the delicate flavor.
• Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and creates a more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg