{"id":803903,"date":"2018-11-28T00:00:24","date_gmt":"2018-11-28T00:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=803903"},"modified":"2023-05-19T08:34:46","modified_gmt":"2023-05-19T13:34:46","slug":"the-secret-trick-to-making-cheese-crisps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/the-secret-trick-to-making-cheese-crisps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Cheese Crisps and What to Use Them For"},"content":{"rendered":"[dam-video dam-id=\"32869\"]\r\n\r\nCheese snacks abound. You've got your Cheez-Its<\/a>, your Goldfish<\/a>, your Cheetos<\/a>. And if you're like me, you love all of them. The purest, most unadulterated cheese snack of all, though, existed long before any of these processed favorites\u2014and it's called frico<\/em>.\r\n\r\nThe Italian specialty has been around for generations, but thanks to the keto diet and the newfound call to know what's in our food, it's back in the mainstream.\r\n

What Are Cheese Crisps?<\/h2>\r\n\"Cheese\r\n\r\nYou'd think coming from an Italian family, I would have heard about frico,<\/em> aka cheese crisps, much sooner. Cheese crisps are pieces of lacy fried cheese that can be formed into bowls<\/a>, chips or a crunchy garnish. Hailing from Northeast Italy, the dish\u2014along with a softer version carrying the same name\u2014has been passed down from one generation to the next. Where have I been?!\r\n

You can use any hard cheese, such as Parmesan, Asiago or aged cheddar. These varieties retain enough of their shape to create a \"lacy\" texture but melt enough that the crisp holds together.<\/p>\r\nDiscover more ways to use shredded cheese<\/a>.\r\n

How to Make Cheese Crisps<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nDespite being so simple, frico<\/em> can be made more than one way. Pick whatever appliance is best for you and get crisping!\r\n

How to Make Cheese Crisps on the Stove<\/h3>\r\nFor the skillet method, you'll make the cheese crisps one by one. Spread 2 tablespoons finely shredded cheese into a 4-inch circle; cook until the edges are a light golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined cutting board to cool.\r\n

How to Make Cheese Crisps in the Oven<\/h3>\r\nPreheat your oven to 375\u00b0F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons finely shredded cheese into a 4-inch circle, making sure the cheese is spread evenly. Repeat. Leaving about 2 inches between each circle, bake until the crisps barely begin to brown, 6-8 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined cutting board to cool.\r\n

How to Make Cheese Crisps in the Air Fryer<\/h3>\r\nLine air-fryer basket with parchment. Spread 2 tablespoons finely shredded cheese to create a 4-inch circle in the center of the parchment. Cook at 375\u00b0 for 5 minutes, occasionally checking for doneness. Let cool on a paper towel-lined cutting board.\r\n\r\nI usually err on the \"well done\" side when baking because I like things to be toasty brown. But frico<\/em> is the exception\u2014too-brown cheese tends to have an unpleasant charred flavor.\r\n\r\nCan't get enough cheese? You'll want to check out the cheesiest recipes we've ever made<\/a>.\r\n

How to Make Cheese Crisps Your Own<\/h2>\r\n\"Cheese\r\n\r\nSavory, tangy, salty cheese, crisped up any number of ways, is perfectly satisfying all on its own. But if you feel compelled to add some flair, whether it's for a fancy-feeling party snack or a complementary soup topper<\/a>, here are some flavor variations to try.\r\n

Sun-Dried Tomato Cheese Crisps<\/h3>\r\nStir 2 tablespoons finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1\/2 teaspoon dried thyme into shredded Parmesan cheese before adding it to the baking sheet, skillet or air-fryer basket. Prepare the frico<\/em> as directed.\r\n

Apple-Pepper Cheese Crisps<\/h3>\r\nStir 2 tablespoons finely chopped dried apples and 1\/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper into shredded aged cheddar cheese before adding it to the baking sheet, skillet or air-fryer basket. Prepare the frico<\/em> as directed.\r\n

What Can You Do with Them?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nBetter to ask what you can't<\/em> do with them. Fr<\/em>ico<\/em> has nearly endless potential depending on the type of cheese you use, the herbs or spices you add, or the shape you choose.\r\n