This Cheese Crisps recipe is the easiest appetizer you will ever make! Truly.

Have you ever gone to a party and tried an appetizer that you absolutely loved? Did you attempt to track down the person who brought it so you could bribe them for the recipe? Were you hoping it wasn’t too hard to make? Do you love Cheez-It crackers but want to make something a bit more elevated? Have you ever been to a luncheon where a gorgeous salad is served, and a delicious cheese wafer is on top of it? If the answer to all these questions is “yes,” this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for.

Introduction to Cheese Crisps – the Easiest Appetizer Ever

Lazy Cheese Appetizer:

Ingredients for the Easiest Appetizer Ever

1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) packaged sharp cheddar cheese (I use Sargento’s brand)

Steps to Make Cheese Crisps

1. Adjust the oven racks to low and middle positions, preheat the oven to 425 degrees, and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Spoon about 1 Tbsp of cheese onto the sheet and spread into a round single layer. Repeat with remaining cheese, keeping cheese disks about one inch apart. (You should get about 12 wafers on a large sheet.)
3. Bake until crisps stop bubbling, 9 to 10 minutes, switching sheets after 5 minutes if they appear to be cooking unevenly.
4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
5. Stored in an airtight tin, the crisps will keep for 1 month.
6. Enjoy!!!

Cheese crisps are a delightful and simple appetizer that can elevate any gathering. Made from just one ingredient—sharp cheddar cheese—they offer a crunchy, savory snack that’s both satisfying and versatile.

Variations and Enhancements

While the basic recipe calls for sharp cheddar, you can experiment with other cheeses to introduce different flavors:

• Parmesan Cheese Crisps: Using Parmesan provides a nuttier taste and an extra crispy texture. 

• Mixed Cheese Blends: Combining cheeses like Asiago, aged mozzarella, or even pepper jack can add unique flavor profiles to your crisps.

Additionally, incorporating herbs and spices can elevate the flavor:

• Herbed Cheese Crisps: Sprinkle dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning over the cheese mounds before baking.

• Spicy Cheese Crisps: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to introduce a subtle heat.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese crisps are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Standalone Appetizer: Serve them in a bowl as a crunchy snack alongside a glass of wine.

• Salad Garnish: Place a crisp atop a fresh salad for added texture and flavor.

• Soup Accompaniment: Use them as a flavorful alternative to croutons in soups like tomato bisque or creamy broccoli.

• Dippers: Pair them with dips such as guacamole, hummus, or spinach-artichoke dip for a delightful combination.

For a quicker preparation, you can make cheese crisps in the microwave:

1. Place small mounds of shredded cheese on a microwave-safe plate lined with parchment paper.

2. Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.

3. Let them cool briefly before enjoying them.

This method offers a rapid alternative to oven baking, perfect for when you’re short on time. 

These cheese crisps are from one of my favorite cookbooks, Pam Anderson’s Perfect Recipes for Having People Over. People say they’re not buying cookbooks anymore because all the recipes are online. I get that, but this cookbook is so special because, with every recipe, the author has a section on when to serve the item, how to vary it, how far ahead I can make it, and what to do with leftovers. This book is worth its weight in gold.

Yup, this recipe frequently appears at my parties. I think you should make it for your next gathering and invite me over to make sure you did it right 😉! Happy entertaining!

XO,

Dr. Julie

PS Many appetizers are delicious but, unfortunately, involve a fair amount of prep or ingredients. That’s why my recipe for the Easiest Appetizer Ever is so wonderful!

PPS Here are a few more posts for you to enjoy:

Spicy Chickpeas

Delicious Easter Sugar Cookies!

How to Build an Easy Easter Tablescape

Delicious Squash Soup

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A Pink Gingham Shirt Five Different Ways!