These crispy, golden Cheese Crisps are the ultimate low-carb snack—quick to prepare, irresistibly flavorful, and perfect for anyone embracing a keto or paleo lifestyle. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar and savory Parmesan, they pack a bold, cheesy punch with just the right touch of spice. Ideal for health-conscious eaters or busy folks on-the-go, they satisfy crunchy cravings without the carbs. Whether you’re topping a salad or munching straight off the tray, every bite is delightfully crisp and addictively delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop heaping spoonfuls of the cheese mixture and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading.
- Gently flatten each cheese mound with the back of a spoon to form a circle approximately 2 inches wide.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges of the crisps are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the crisps from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Once cooled, carefully lift the crisps off the parchment paper using a spatula and serve immediately, or store for later use.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 220
Protein (g): 14
Fat (g): 18
Carbohydrates (g): 2
Fiber (g): 0
Sugar (g): 0
Sodium (mg): 430
Storage Instructions
Allow the cheese crisps to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days for maximum crispness. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. While freezing is not ideal as it may affect texture, crisps can be frozen for up to 1 month if needed—just expect some loss in crunch.
Reheating Instructions
To restore crispness, reheat cheese crisps in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or until warm and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 300°F. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the crisps soggy rather than crispy.
Modifications and Add-Ins
You can enhance the flavor and nutritional profile of these cheese crisps while keeping them paleo-friendly by adding finely chopped nuts or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, which can subtly boost protein and fiber. Swapping in aged cheeses like Asiago or Gruyère can offer richer flavor and additional micronutrients such as calcium and vitamin K2. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor and contributes B vitamins. For a herby variation, fresh rosemary or thyme can provide antioxidants and added complexity without compromising the crispy texture.
