Crispy & Savory: Easy Everything Parmesan Cheese Crisps, The Ultimate Appetizer
As another year winds down and new beginnings approach, the search for the perfect quick and easy appetizer becomes a priority for any celebration. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large party, these Everything Parmesan Cheese Crisps are here to effortlessly elevate your menu and delight every guest. Imagine a snack that’s not only incredibly simple to prepare but also bursting with a symphony of flavors and textures – that’s precisely what these cheesy crisps deliver.
If you’re among the many who can’t resist the distinctive taste of an Everything bagel, then prepare to meet your new favorite crunchy, cheesy culinary creation. This recipe transforms humble Parmesan cheese into addictively crispy bites, perfectly seasoned with the iconic Everything bagel blend. Best of all, you only need a handful of common ingredients and approximately 15 minutes to go from mixing bowl to a platter of delectable, salty, crunchy, and irresistibly cheesy crisps that are truly New Year’s Eve-worthy. The convenience doesn’t stop there; these delightful cheese crisps can be prepared a day in advance, making your party planning a breeze. Simply store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be ready to impress when it’s time to pop the bubbly!
Why You’ll Love These Everything Parmesan Cheese Crisps
These Parmesan cheese crisps aren’t just an appetizer; they’re a revelation in simplicity and flavor. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your recipe collection:
- Effortlessly Quick: With a mere 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking, you can whip up a batch in under 15 minutes. Perfect for last-minute guests or sudden snack cravings.
- Irresistibly Flavorful: The “Everything” seasoning blend provides a complex taste profile – nutty, garlicky, oniony, and perfectly salty – that perfectly complements the rich, savory notes of Parmesan cheese.
- Crunchy & Addictive Texture: Baked to golden perfection, these crisps offer a satisfying crunch that makes them incredibly moreish.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them up to a day in advance, store them, and serve them when needed. This feature is a lifesaver for entertaining.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them on their own, pair them with various dips, or use them as a crunchy garnish for salads and soups.
- Naturally Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Made almost entirely from cheese and spices, these crisps are an excellent option for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, offering a guilt-free indulgence.
The Magic of Everything Bagel Seasoning
The secret to the distinctive flavor of these cheese crisps lies in the “Everything” seasoning. This popular blend, typically found on Everything bagels, brings together a harmonious mix of savory elements that truly live up to its name. It usually consists of poppy seeds, sesame seeds (white and/or black), dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and a generous sprinkle of coarse salt. This combination creates an explosion of texture and taste, turning a simple cheese crisp into something extraordinary. The nuanced flavors of the seasoning penetrate the melting Parmesan, creating a crust that’s both aromatic and deeply satisfying. It’s this blend that takes these crisps beyond a basic cheese cracker, making them truly special.
Simple Ingredients, Exceptional Taste
You’ll be amazed at how such a small list of ingredients can yield such impressive results. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: This is the foundation of our crisps. High-quality Parmesan (whether pre-shredded or freshly grated from a block) is crucial for the best flavor and melting consistency. It renders beautifully in the oven, creating that signature lacy, crispy texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Using a mix of shredded and grated Parmesan helps achieve a perfect balance of melt and crisp. The finer grate melts more quickly and evenly, contributing to the delicate crispness.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a subtle nuttiness and a delightful visual appeal, along with a slight textural crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: Providing a rich, toasted flavor when baked, sesame seeds are a cornerstone of the Everything blend, offering depth and aroma.
- Minced Dried Garlic & Onion: These dehydrated aromatics are key to the savory, umami notes that define the “Everything” flavor. They release their potent flavors as they bake, infusing the cheese.
- Kosher Salt: A touch of coarse salt not only enhances all the other flavors but also provides a pleasant pop of salinity, balancing the richness of the cheese and the other seasonings.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Cheese Crisps
Achieving that ideal crispness is key to these Parmesan bites. Follow these tips for flawless results every time:
- Use Quality Cheese: While pre-shredded Parmesan works, grating your own from a block of high-quality Parmesan will yield superior flavor and melt.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure adequate space (at least 2 inches) between each mound of cheese on the baking sheet. This allows for even air circulation, which is vital for crisping, and prevents them from melding together.
- Parchment Paper or Silpat: These are non-negotiable. They prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the delicate crisps once cooled. Aluminum foil is not recommended as the cheese may stick.
- Watch Closely: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep a close eye on the crisps, especially towards the end of the baking time. They should be golden brown around the edges and slightly darker in the center. Over-baking can lead to a burnt taste, while under-baking will result in a chewy, rather than crispy, texture.
- Cool Completely: This is perhaps the most critical step for crispness. Do NOT attempt to remove the crisps from the baking sheet while they are still warm. They will be soft and break apart. Allow them to cool entirely on the parchment paper; they will firm up and become perfectly crisp as they cool.
- Even Spreading: Lightly flatten the spoonfuls of cheese mixture to ensure a uniform thickness. This helps them bake evenly and crisp up all at once.
Serving Suggestions for Your Crisps
These Everything Parmesan Cheese Crisps are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways:
- Standalone Snack: They are utterly delicious on their own, perfect for munching.
- Dip Companions: Pair them with your favorite dips. They are fantastic with classic marinara sauce, creamy Hot and Creamy Artichoke Dip, spinach dip, hummus, or even a fresh salsa or guacamole.
- Soup & Salad Topper: Crumble them over creamy tomato soup, French onion soup, or your favorite green salad for an added crunch and burst of savory flavor.
- Charcuterie Boards: A sophisticated addition to any cheese or charcuterie board, offering a gluten-free and flavorful alternative to traditional crackers.
- Cocktail Hour Bites: Their salty, savory profile makes them an ideal accompaniment to a glass of wine or a celebratory cocktail.
Flavorful Variations to Try
While the Everything Parmesan version is phenomenal, feel free to experiment with different cheeses and seasonings to create your unique crisps:
- Cheese Swaps: Try using other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano, Gruyere, or even a sharp cheddar. A blend of cheeses can also be delicious!
- Herbal Infusion: Mix in finely chopped fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or chives with the cheese mixture before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle or pronounced heat.
- Smoky Flavor: A hint of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth to the crisps.
- Garlic & Herb: If you’re not an “Everything” fan, simply use garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning for a classic savory crisp.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best features of these crisps is their make-ahead potential, which is ideal for party planning. They retain their crunch beautifully for several days when stored correctly.
- Advance Preparation: You can make these cheese crisps up to 3 days in advance.
- Storage: Once completely cooled, store the crisps in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as humidity can make them lose their crispness.
- Refreshing Crisps: If your crisps lose some of their crunch over time, simply pop them back into a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes, then let them cool completely. They should regain their crisp texture.
For more easy appetizer inspiration, don’t miss our other crowd-pleasing favorites, including recipes for Arancini with Marinara Sauce, Hot and Creamy Artichoke Dip, and Baked Brie Bites.
Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes, meal plans and a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And stay in touch on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Everything Parmesan Cheese Crisps
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons minced dried garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (Silpats) to prevent sticking.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients: shredded Parmesan cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, minced dried garlic, minced dried onion, and kosher salt. Stir well until all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
- Spoon heaping tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space the mounds at least 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading and crisping. Gently flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake the crisps for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and appear bubbly and slightly lacy around the edges. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close watch to prevent burning. Remove them from the oven immediately.
- Allow the cheese crisps to cool completely on the baking sheets. This step is crucial for them to firm up and become perfectly crisp. Attempting to move them while warm will cause them to break. Once cooled, use a thin spatula to carefully transfer the crisps to serving plates. Serve immediately for the best texture, or store them as directed above.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Nutrition
Did you try this recipe?
Leave a comment below with your star rating!