Savory Cheese Crisps with a Kick
These delightful Savory Cheese Crisps are perfect for any occasion! Whether you're enhancing a fresh salad, adding a gourmet touch to hors d'oeuvres, or sharing them with cocktails, these crisps are bound to impress. Made with aged hard cheeses like Monterey Jack or Manchego, they boast a robust flavor profile. To elevate their taste, we've added a hint of red pepper, but feel free to customize with your favorite spices—consider sweet or hot chili powder, cumin, fennel, or coriander seeds. For a fragrant finish, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be included. Enjoy them as a stand-alone snack or as a vibrant garnish on dishes like macaroni and cheese. Versatile and easy to make, these cheese crisps are a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Aged Monterey Jack cheese or Manchego cheese
12 ounces (chilled, in one piece)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
Ground red pepper
1/3 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Chill your block of cheese in the refrigerator to make shredding easier. Once chilled, shred the cheese with a box grater, ensuring you create longer shreds for optimal crispiness.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheese with 2 tablespoons of flour, tossing gently with a fork to evenly coat the cheese.
4
Add 1/3 teaspoon ground red pepper for a spicy kick, and toss again to combine thoroughly.
5
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
6
Scatter half of the cheese mixture evenly over the mat, ensuring that pieces are not overcrowded. This allows them to crisp up nicely.
7
For a creative presentation, shape the cheese mixture into circles of your desired sizes—ranging from 3 inches to 10 inches in diameter.
8
Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is molten and has turned a beautiful golden brown.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Blot any excess grease with paper towels for a cleaner bite.
10
Break the cheese crisps into large pieces and arrange them on a serving platter.
11
Wipe the baking mat clean and repeat the process with the remaining cheese mixture to make another batch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cheese Crisps with a Kick?
They are crunchy, flavorful crisps made from aged hard cheeses and spices, perfect for snacking or garnishing dishes.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
Aged hard cheeses like Monterey Jack or Manchego are best for their robust flavor profile.
How much cheese do I need?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of chilled, aged Monterey Jack or Manchego cheese.
Why should the cheese be chilled before shredding?
Chilling the block of cheese in the refrigerator makes the shredding process easier.
What is the best way to shred the cheese?
Use a box grater and aim for longer shreds to ensure the best possible crispiness.
How much flour is used in the recipe?
You will need 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to coat the cheese.
What purpose does the flour serve?
The flour is tossed with the shredded cheese to help it crisp up and maintain its structure.
What gives these cheese crisps their 'kick'?
A 1/3 teaspoon of ground red pepper is added to provide a spicy element.
Can I substitute the red pepper with other spices?
Yes, you can customize the flavor with sweet or hot chili powder, cumin, fennel, or coriander seeds.
Can fresh herbs be added to the mixture?
Yes, you can include fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant finish.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What should I use to line the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How should I arrange the cheese on the baking sheet?
Scatter half of the cheese mixture evenly over the mat, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded.
What sizes can I make the cheese circles?
You can shape the mixture into circles ranging from 3 inches to 10 inches in diameter.
How long do the cheese crisps need to bake?
Bake the crisps for 14 to 15 minutes.
How do I know when the crisps are done?
The crisps are ready when the cheese is molten and has turned a beautiful golden brown.
What should I do after removing the crisps from the oven?
Let them cool slightly and then blot any excess grease with paper towels for a cleaner bite.
How should I serve the finished crisps?
Break the crisps into large pieces and arrange them on a serving platter.
Can I bake all the cheese at once?
The recipe suggests baking in two batches to allow the cheese enough room to crisp up properly.
What should I do between batches?
Wipe the baking mat clean before repeating the process with the remaining cheese mixture.
Are these cheese crisps good for salads?
Yes, they are perfect for enhancing a fresh salad with extra flavor and crunch.
Can these be served at a cocktail party?
Absolutely, they are an excellent snack to share with cocktails or serve as hors d'oeuvres.
Can I use these as a garnish for macaroni and cheese?
Yes, they make a vibrant and delicious garnish for dishes like macaroni and cheese.
Are these crisps easy to make?
Yes, they are described as versatile and easy to make, fitting well into any culinary repertoire.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 3 main ingredients: cheese, flour, and ground red pepper.
What kind of texture do these crisps have?
When baked correctly, they are thin, crunchy, and savory.
Can I make these gluten-free?
While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten-free flour alternative to suit dietary needs.
What if I don't have Monterey Jack?
Manchego is a great substitute, as any aged hard cheese with good melting properties will work.
Is the spice level adjustable?
Yes, you can increase or decrease the amount of red pepper according to your preference.
Should I use pre-shredded cheese?
It is recommended to shred your own from a block to get the longer shreds needed for optimal crispiness.