Savory Cheddar Walnut Crisps
Indulge in these irresistible Savory Cheddar Walnut Crisps that perfectly marry the rich flavors of aged cheddar and nutty walnuts. Inspired by the traditional Italian frico, these crisps deliver a delightful crunch and a savory kick, making them an ideal appetizer or snack for any gathering. With earthy hints of thyme and the irresistible aroma of melted cheese, these crisps will tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. Serve them warm for an added touch, or enjoy them at room temperature to maintain their delightful crispiness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
aged cheddar cheese
2.5 ounces (grated (about 1 cup))
parmesan cheese
2.5 ounces (grated (about 1 1/4 cups))
walnuts
2 ounces (coarsely chopped (1/2 cup))
dried thyme
1 tablespoon (or 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange a rack in the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the grated aged cheddar and parmesan cheeses, mixing well until evenly blended.
3
Using a rounded teaspoon, scoop the cheese mixture and drop it onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring you leave about an inch of space between each mound.
4
Lightly flatten each mound with the back of a spoon to create disks, then sprinkle a portion of the coarsely chopped walnuts and dried or fresh thyme on top of each disk.
5
Bake the crisps one sheet at a time for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are bubbling and the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.
6
Once baked, remove the crisps from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before gently sliding them off with a spatula.
7
Optionally, blot the tops of the crisps with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, then serve at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cheddar Walnut Crisps?
They are a crunchy appetizer inspired by traditional Italian frico, made with aged cheddar, parmesan, walnuts, and thyme.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a blend of grated aged cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese.
Are Savory Cheddar Walnut Crisps gluten-free?
Yes, these crisps are naturally gluten-free as they are made entirely of cheese, nuts, and herbs without any flour.
How do I prepare the walnuts for this recipe?
The walnuts should be coarsely chopped to provide a nice texture on top of the cheese disks.
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 tablespoon of dried thyme with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh thyme.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and ensure the rack is arranged in the center.
How long should the crisps bake?
The crisps should bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are bubbling and the edges are golden brown.
How do I prevent the crisps from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cheese doesn't stick and is easy to remove.
What should I do if the crisps are too oily after baking?
You can gently blot the tops of the crisps with paper towels after they come out of the oven to absorb excess oil.
Should these be served warm or cold?
They can be served warm for a softer touch or at room temperature to maintain their maximum crispiness.
How much aged cheddar is required?
You will need 2.5 ounces of grated aged cheddar cheese, which is approximately 1 cup.
How much parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 2.5 ounces of grated parmesan cheese, which is about 1 1/4 cups.
What is the best way to portion the cheese mixture?
Use a rounded teaspoon to scoop the mixture onto the baking sheet, leaving an inch of space between each mound.
Do I need to flatten the cheese mounds?
Yes, lightly flatten each mound with the back of a spoon to create thin disks before adding the toppings.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
These crisps are inspired by the traditional Italian frico, which are fried or baked cheese wafers.
How do I know when the crisps are finished baking?
They are done when the mixture is bubbling and the edges have turned a beautiful golden brown.
Should I bake all the crisps at once?
It is recommended to bake the crisps one sheet at a time to ensure even cooking and browning.
How long should the crisps cool on the pan?
Allow the crisps to cool on the baking sheets for several minutes so they can firm up before moving them.
What tool should I use to move the crisps?
Gently slide them off the parchment paper using a spatula once they have cooled slightly.
Can I make these crisps ahead of time?
Yes, these are excellent for parties as they can be made in advance and served at room temperature.
What is the texture of these snacks?
They offer a delightful crunch with a savory, nutty finish from the toasted walnuts and aged cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are only four main ingredients: aged cheddar, parmesan, walnuts, and thyme.
Is there any preparation needed for the cheeses?
Yes, both the aged cheddar and the parmesan should be finely grated before mixing.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While walnuts are recommended for their specific flavor profile, you could likely substitute with pecans or almonds if preferred.
How much space should I leave between the cheese disks?
Ensure you leave at least one inch of space between each disk so they don't merge while melting.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
These fall into the categories of cheese snacks, appetizers, and savory crisps.
Do I need any specialized equipment?
No specialized equipment is needed besides standard baking sheets, parchment paper, and a grater.
What is the flavor profile of these crisps?
They feature rich, sharp cheddar notes balanced by nutty walnuts and earthy herbal hints from the thyme.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly, assuming the parmesan and cheddar used are made with vegetarian rennet.
How many walnuts are used in total?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of walnuts, which is approximately 1/2 cup when chopped.