Name: Parmesan Crisps
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 2 ounces grated fresh Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup); 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Hands On Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

33 mins

Servings:

11

Nutrition Profile:

Sesame-Free Diabetes-Appropriate Nut-Free Soy-Free Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Notes

Are Parmesan Crisps Healthy?

These Parmesan crisps are made from just two ingredients—Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Cheese, in general, provides protein, calcium and probiotics, those good-for-your-gut bacteria. There is evidence that the saturated fat in cheese may not be as unhealthy for you as other types of saturated fats (there are different kinds). And while Parmesan cheese tends to be higher in sodium than other types of cheese, it can still be enjoyed in moderation.

Is This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?

If you're a strict vegetarian, you'll want to check the cheese label to see what type of rennet was used. Traditionally, Parmesan cheese is made with animal rennet, an enzyme that is added to the cheese to help it coagulate as it ages. But some companies now use a vegetable-based rennet which makes their Parmesan cheese vegetarian-friendly. Just check the label to be sure.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Can I Make Parmesan Crisps Ahead of Time?

Yes, and if you store them properly, they should last for up to five days. Do not put these in the fridge, as moisture will destroy their crispy texture. Remove the crisps from the oven and let them cool thoroughly before adding them to an airtight container. Then, store them at room temperature (70°F is best) in a pantry closet or cupboard away from direct sunlight.

What Else Can I Do with Parmesan Crisps?

There are so many ways to enjoy Parmesan crisps. In addition to floating them atop every soup you can imagine from tomato-based to broccoli-based, they're perfect for snacking and adding to a cheese platter. You can use them in place of a cracker for dips or make fancy appetizers by adding your favorite toppings. We like them with thin slices of fruit that typically go well with cheese, like apples, grapes and pears. These crisps are also a nice addition to pasta and Caesar salads.

Can I Swap Out the Pepper for Another Seasoning?

Absolutely. You can get creative with your favorite dried herbs and seasonings, but remember that dried herbs are potent, so be sure you're not overdoing it with the quantity. If you like a spicy crisp, you can add a touch of cayenne pepper. If you like a lot going on, you can use an everything bagel seasoning. You can also add seeds or even a bit of Cheddar cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Did Parmesan Crisps Come From?

Parmesan crisps, known as frico, have been a staple of Northern Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region since perhaps the 1400s. Cheesemakers and home cooks used fresh cheese scraps to make them, and in some recipes, potatoes, onions and bacon or ham were added.

Additional reporting by Linda Frahm and Carrie Myers, M.S.

Ingredients

2 ounces grated fresh Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon cheese by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet. Spread each mound to a 2-inch diameter. Sprinkle mounds with pepper. Bake at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp and golden. Cool completely on baking sheet. Remove from baking sheet using a thin spatula.

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco

Source

Cooking Light Real Family Food

Originally appeared: Cooking Light

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

31	Calories
2g	Fat
0g	Carbs
3g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 11
Serving Size 1 crisp
Calories 31
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 0g	0%
Protein 3g	6%
Total Fat 2g	3%
Saturated Fat 1g	6%
Cholesterol 6mg	2%
Sodium 108mg	5%
Calcium 78mg	6%
Iron 0mg	1%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.