If you’re looking for a snack that feels effortlessly elegant but takes almost no time at all, you’re going to love these Snowflake-Shaped Parmesan Crisps. They’re cheesy, delicate, and oh-so-pretty—perfect for holiday parties or just when you want to add a little sparkle to your snack game. And guess what? They only require one ingredient and a snowflake cookie cutter. Let’s get crispy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Years ago, I used to make Parmesan crisps as a garnish for salads when I worked as a personal chef. But one snowy December evening, inspiration struck—why not turn them into something festive? Now, these snowflake-shaped beauties show up at every holiday gathering at my house.
- Just one main ingredient—hello, simplicity!
- Festive and fun for holiday entertaining
- Low carb and gluten-free
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- Perfect on soups, salads, or cheese boards
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not pre-shredded)
Pro Tips
- Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor and crispiness
- Coarsely shred your cheese—fine shreds tend to melt too quickly
- Line your baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat to prevent sticking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Pack the shredded Parmesan into snowflake-shaped cookie cutters placed directly on the baking sheet. You’ll want a thin but even layer.
- Carefully remove the cutters, leaving the cheese in the snowflake shape.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the crisps are golden and bubbling around the edges.
- Let them cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up, then gently lift with a thin spatula.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—give each snowflake room to melt and crisp up.
- Watch closely in the final minutes; they can go from golden to burned quickly!
- If desired, sprinkle with cracked pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika before baking for flavor variety.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Try Asiago, sharp white cheddar, or a cheese blend for different flavors
- Serve with a side of tomato soup for a fancy grilled cheese vibe
- Add to charcuterie boards as a crunchy accent
- Break into shards and toss on caesar salads instead of croutons
- Use as elegant garnish over creamy risottos
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing so they stay crisp.
What if I don’t have snowflake cookie cutters?
No worries at all—just spoon little mounds of cheese directly onto the baking sheet and flatten them slightly. They’ll still crisp up beautifully!
Can I freeze these?
I wouldn’t recommend it; they can lose their crisp texture when thawed. They’re best fresh or stored at room temperature for a few days.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Fill snowflake-shaped cookie cutters with grated Parmesan, then remove the mold to leave behind the shape.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool completely on sheet and gently lift off.
Nutrition: 45 calories per serving
Did you make these crispy little snowflakes? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Snap a photo and tag me @TheKitchensAid or drop a comment below—let’s keep sharing the joy of festive cooking together!
