These Zucchini Cheese Crisps are a crispy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive snack that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings without any guilt. Made with just grated zucchini and your choice of melty cheese, these crisps are quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup grated zucchini: Provides a light and healthy base for the crisps.
- 1 cup hard but melty cheese (Gruyere, Cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, or a mix): Gives the crisps their irresistible cheesy flavor and crunch.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Place a cheesecloth in a bowl and grate the zucchini into it. Then press all the liquid out of the zucchini. Be thorough. The drier the zucchini, the crispier your cheese crisps.
- Step 2:
- Grate the cheese of your choice and mix it well with the dried zucchini in a separate bowl.
- Step 3:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form little humps of about 1 tablespoon of the zucchini cheese mixture on the sheet, leaving plenty of space in between so the cheese can spread.
- Step 4:
- Place the baking sheet in the top third of the oven under the broiler on low. Keep a constant eye on them as they cook.
- Step 5:
- Once the edges of the crisps turn brown, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully lift the crisps off the sheet by pulling up the parchment paper and placing it on a cooling rack.
- Step 6:
- Let the crisps cool for a couple of minutes, then remove them from the parchment paper and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any excess fat and make them even crispier.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the Zucchini Cheese Crisps warm as a snack or appetizer.
- Pair them with your favorite dip, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Re-crisp them in the oven if needed before serving.
- These crisps are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be reheated under the broiler for a minute or two if they lose their crispiness.
Helpful Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the zucchini and cheese mixture before baking.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese or even add some herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Make sure to press out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini to achieve the crispiest texture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: "Using freshly grated cheese gives these crisps a better flavor and texture than pre-shredded cheese."
- Chef Giada De Laurentiis: "Zucchini is naturally full of water, so take your time squeezing out the moisture for the best results."
- Chef Bobby Flay: "Adding a touch of herbs or spices to your cheese crisps can elevate the flavor profile and make them truly unique."