Thin, golden, ultra-crispy Parmesan cheese chips baked to perfection with just a few ingredients—an easy low-carb snack or garnish ready in minutes.
Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: About 16 chips
- Dietary: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb
Ingredients
- Parmesan cheese (finely grated, freshly grated preferred) – 1 cup
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried parsley or Italian seasoning (optional) – 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan onto the baking sheet, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each mound into a thin circle using the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle each circle lightly with black pepper, garlic powder, and optional herbs.
- Bake for 6–8 minutes, until edges are golden brown and centers are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let chips cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to fully crisp.
- Transfer to a plate and serve immediately.
Additional Notes
- Use finely grated Parmesan for even melting.
- Chips will crisp as they cool.
- Ingredient substitutions and flavor variations are listed below.
Brief Introduction
These crispy Parmesan cheese chips are one of those recipes that feel almost too simple to be real. With just cheese and seasoning, you get a crunchy, savory snack that works as a low-carb alternative to crackers, a soup topper, or a salad garnish. This is a fast, foolproof recipe perfect for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. Fresh cheese melts more evenly and produces a smoother, crispier chip.
Tip: Avoid piling the cheese too thick—thin layers crisp best.
Step 2: Shape the Chips
Flatten each cheese mound into a thin circle. Uniform thickness ensures even browning.
Tip: If the cheese spreads unevenly, gently reshape before baking.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden
Bake just until the edges turn golden brown. Overbaking can cause bitterness.
Tip: Watch closely after the 6-minute mark.
Step 4: Cool for Crispness
Let the chips cool before moving them. This final step is what makes them crunchy.
Ingredient Details and Substitution Tips
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan is ideal because it has low moisture and high fat, which creates crisp chips. Avoid soft cheeses.
Substitutes:
- Asiago (finely grated)
- Aged Pecorino Romano (slightly saltier)
- Sharp cheddar (will spread more; reduce portion size)
Seasonings
Season lightly since Parmesan is naturally salty.
Optional Add-ins:
- Smoked paprika – 1/4 teaspoon
- Chili flakes – pinch per chip
- Everything bagel seasoning – 1/2 teaspoon total
Equipment Alternatives
- No parchment paper? Use a silicone baking mat.
- No oven? These can be cooked in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
- Add 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary for a savory twist
- Mix 1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella with Parmesan for a softer center
- Sprinkle lemon zest after baking for brightness
Dietary Variations
- Naturally gluten-free and keto
- Vegetarian-friendly
- For dairy-free diets, this recipe is not suitable
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tomato soup or creamy soups
- Use as crackers for cheese boards
- Crumble over salads or roasted vegetables
Storage and Make-Ahead Information
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
Reheating
- Re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 2–3 minutes if needed
Make-Ahead
- Best enjoyed fresh, but cheese can be pre-grated and stored in the fridge for 2 days
Shelf Life Notes
- Chips may soften slightly over time due to humidity
Nutrition Facts (Per 4 Chips, Approximate)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Net Carbs: 1 g
Allergens: Dairy
Dietary Tags: Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
A: It will work, but freshly grated cheese melts better and produces crispier chips.
Q: Why did my chips spread too much?
A: The cheese was likely too thick or the oven temperature too low.
Q: Can I freeze these chips?
A: Freezing is not recommended as they lose crispness.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes. Air fry at 375°F for 4–5 minutes on parchment liner.
Optional Personal Notes
This recipe started as a happy accident when I needed a crunchy soup topping and had nothing but cheese in the fridge. After a few test batches, it became a staple snack I now make weekly. Simple, fast, and endlessly customizable.
Reader Interaction & Call-to-Action
Try these Parmesan cheese chips and let me know how you seasoned yours.
Leave a comment with your favorite variation, rate the recipe, or share your results.
