Parmesan Cheese Crisps: A Keto Snack Option?

Parmesan crisps are a popular keto-friendly snack that can be whipped up in minutes. They are made with a single ingredient – parmesan cheese – and are perfect for those on a keto, low-carb, grain-free, or gluten-free diet. The simplicity of the recipe and the short preparation time make these crisps a favourite among those who enjoy a crunchy, tasty snack without the carbs.

How to make Parmesan cheese crisps

Parmesan cheese crisps are a keto-friendly, low-carb snack that can be made with just one ingredient. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is recommended, but pre-grated or shredded will also work)
• Spices or herbs of your choice (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Parchment paper is recommended to prevent sticking.
• If using spices or herbs, mix them with the Parmesan cheese.
• Place heaping tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch to 2 inches of space between each mound. Flatten the mounds slightly with your spoon or spatula.
• Bake for 3-8 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before removing from the baking sheet. This step is important to ensure they don't fall apart.
• Enjoy your Parmesan cheese crisps as a snack or use them as a topping for soups, salads, or other dishes!

Storage:

These crisps can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to several days. They are not recommended for refrigeration or freezing as they may lose their crisp texture.

Are Parmesan cheese crisps keto-friendly?

Yes, parmesan cheese crisps are keto-friendly! They are low-carb and can be made with just one ingredient: parmesan cheese.

How to Make Parmesan Cheese Crisps

Parmesan cheese crisps are simple to make and only require one ingredient: parmesan cheese. You can use either freshly grated or pre-grated parmesan cheese, but freshly grated cheese will yield the best results as pre-grated cheese contains anti-clumping agents that can affect the taste and texture of the crisps.

To make the crisps, preheat your oven to between 350-400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place small mounds of shredded parmesan cheese onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each mound as they will spread out while baking. You can also add spices or herbs to the cheese for extra flavor.

Bake the parmesan cheese crisps in the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool before removing them from the baking sheet, as they will continue to crisp up as they cool.

How to Serve Parmesan Cheese Crisps

These crisps make a great keto-friendly snack on their own, but they can also be served with dips such as marinara sauce, eggplant dip, or warm marinara. They can also be crumbled over salads or soups as a crunchy topping, or used in place of crackers on a cheese board.

How to Store Parmesan Cheese Crisps

Parmesan cheese crisps can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature and will stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 6 months, but be sure to remove any air pockets to prevent the crisps from softening.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for parmesan cheese crisps will vary depending on the amount of cheese used and any additional ingredients. However, on average, each crisp contains around 1 gram of carbohydrates, 4-11 grams of protein, and 3-9 grams of fat.

How to store Parmesan cheese crisps

Parmesan cheese crisps are a delicious keto-friendly snack that can be stored in a variety of ways to maintain their freshness and crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your Parmesan cheese crisps:

Choosing the Right Container:

Select an airtight container made of glass or plastic with a secure lid. Ensure that the container is clean and dry before storing the crisps to prevent moisture buildup.

Preparing the Crisps:

Allow your Parmesan cheese crisps to cool completely before placing them in the container. Warm crisps can create condensation, leading to sogginess. Place the crisps in a single layer, separating layers with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.

Storing at Room Temperature:

Seal the container tightly and store it in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Avoid areas with direct sunlight or heat sources, as temperature fluctuations can impact the crisps' texture. Parmesan cheese crisps can be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 weeks.

Adding Silica Gel Packets:

Include one or two silica gel packets in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and extend the crisps' freshness. Periodically check the silica gel packets, and replace them if they become saturated or discolored.

Storing in the Fridge:

Although not recommended, you can store Parmesan cheese crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain crispiness. However, they may lose some of their crunchiness due to the moisture in the fridge.

Portion Control:

Avoid exposing the entire batch of crisps to air by portioning them into smaller servings. This reduces their exposure to moisture and maintains their crunchy texture.

Checking for Freshness:

Regularly inspect your Parmesan cheese crisps for any signs of staleness, mold, or spoilage. Discard them immediately if they show any signs of deterioration.

By following these storage instructions, you can enjoy your Parmesan cheese crisps at their crispy, flavorful best!

Are there alternatives to Parmesan cheese crisps?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Parmesan cheese crisps that are keto-friendly. Here are some suggestions:

Keto-Friendly Cheese Alternatives

As Parmesan cheese crisps are essentially baked shredded cheese, you can easily substitute Parmesan with other keto-approved cheeses such as Cheddar, Asiago, or aged Mozzarella. These cheeses can be baked in the same way as Parmesan to create delicious, crispy cheese alternatives.

Low-Carb Vegetable Chips

If you're looking for a non-dairy option, there are several low-carb vegetable chips that you can enjoy as a keto-friendly snack. Some options include:

• Zucchini fries
• Oven-baked zucchini chips
• Salt and vinegar cucumber chips
• Radish chips
• Roasted chickpeas

Keto Crackers and Chips

For a more traditional cracker or chip experience, there are keto-friendly options available, such as:

• Keto tortilla chips
• Keto crackers (often made with just a few simple ingredients)
• Keto french fries
• Pasta chips

So, if you're looking for a change from Parmesan cheese crisps, there are plenty of tasty and keto-approved alternatives to choose from!

What to serve with Parmesan cheese crisps

Parmesan cheese crisps are a keto-friendly snack option that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

As a Snack

These crisps can be enjoyed as a standalone snack. Their crunchy texture and salty flavour make them a satisfying and delicious option when you're craving something savoury.

With Dips

You can serve parmesan crisps with various dips. Some popular options include warm marinara sauce, eggplant dip, or a nice citrus-infused pesto. For a lighter option, try a cucumber salsa or a fresh veggie dip.

As a Topping

These crisps also work well as a topping for soups, salads, or pasta dishes. Float them on top of a creamy tomato or broccoli soup, crumble them over a Caesar salad, or use them as a crunchy garnish on pasta or risotto.

On a Charcuterie Board

Add parmesan crisps to a charcuterie board for a crunchy element. They pair well with cheeses, cured meats, and other savoury snacks like zucchini fries, chicharrones, or roasted chickpeas.

As a Substitute

Use parmesan crisps as a low-carb substitute for croutons in a salad or as a dipping chip for your favourite dips.

With a Twist

Get creative and add some herbs and spices to your parmesan crisps. Try black pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, cayenne, or everything bagel seasoning. Not only will this enhance the flavour, but it will also give your crisps a personalised touch.

Frequently asked questions