Imagine a snack so irresistible, so perfectly crispy and flavorful, that it transforms the classic Roman pasta dish into an addictive appetizer. These Cacio e Pepe Cheese Crisps are not just a recipe—they're a culinary revelation that brings the bold, peppery essence of traditional Italian cooking right to your fingertips. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a sophisticated low-carb treat, these cheese crisps will elevate your food game in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 12 crisps
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasoning.
- Using a tablespoon, drop small mounds of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Gently flatten each cheese mound with the back of the spoon to create thin, circular shapes approximately 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The crisps are done when the edges turn golden brown and the cheese becomes lacy and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheese crisps cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to allow them to firm up and become crispy.
- Using a thin spatula, carefully transfer the crisps to a wire rack to cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Store the Cacio e Pepe Cheese Crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting properties. Pre-packaged, pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Watch your crisps carefully during baking—the line between perfectly golden and burnt is very thin. Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 5-minute mark.
- For uniform crisps, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to ensure consistent size and even cooking.
- Allow the crisps to cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps them firm up and become extra crispy.
- Experiment with additional seasonings like dried herbs, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder to customize your cheese crisps.
- If the crisps become soft after storage, you can quickly re-crisp them in a 375°F oven for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 45kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
