Parmesan Crisps

Parmesan Crisps That Pack Cheesy CRUNCH!

I was first introduced to parmesan crisps when one of my favorite salad restaurants topped my salad with parmesan crisps. I couldn’t stop thinking about them. The crunch, the texture, the way it gave the salad the perfect cheesy bite. I just had to make these at home myself.

Then Costco started selling bags of parmesan crisps (whisps is what they called it) and I’m telling you, they were addicting little snacks. It’s much more economical to make these at home yourself, plus, the best part is that you can buy high quality parmesan from the cheese monger to make these. They will definitely be worth it especially for the flavor and nuttiness that higher quality parmesan cheeses yield.

Parmesan Crisp Tips

• Buy a high quality parmesan cheese wedge and grate it yourself. If you buy the pre-grated ones, it won’t turn out as nice because of the added coating that is added to pre-shredded cheese. Fresh is best and freshly grated is always going to melt better and easier than pre-grated.
• Use a microplane zester/grater to finely grate the parmesan cheese. This allows it to be thinly grated and easier to work with and it will melt better since it’s so thin.
• Mound the parmesan and don’t spread it out too thin. As it melts in the oven, it’ll already spread out so if you spread it out prior to the oven, it’ll be too thin and burn.
• Allow the parmesan crisps to set up after baking. Do not move them immediately!

Parmesan Crisp Variations

I can think of so many flavor variations for parmesan crisps to change it up from regular cheesy crisps to a unique flavor combo! Here are some ideas to sprinkle on top of your parmesan crisps before baking:

• Everything bagel seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Za’atar
• Italian seasoning
• Ground black pepper (cacio e pepe twist, anyone?)

Ways to Use Parmesan Crisps

• Top on a salad. The most classic way is to crush these up and top them on a salad for that texture, crunch, and cheesiness! This shredded chicken kale caesar salad was the inspiration for these parmesan crisps.
• Add onto soup. I can think of a variety of soups that these crisps would be the perfect addition to. Chicken tortilla soup, lasagna soup, Southwest chicken chili, and minestrone soup.
• Eat them as a snack or dipping vessel. These are good just on their own as a snack or you can use them to dip into hummus or kopanisti.

Storage Instructions

These crisps will last for at least 2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also put them in the refrigerator if you want to extend the life a little bit longer, but remember they don’t have preservatives so don’t keep them around for too long, although, I’m sure you will have no issues with that ;)