Save Pin
These crunchy parmesan onion crisps turn ordinary onions into addictive, savory bites that won't last long at any gathering. The blend of tangy parmesan with caramelized onions makes an unbeatable snack that seems fancy but needs hardly any work.
I stumbled onto this idea while hunting for something quick to serve during football season, and now it's my go-to trick for wowing guests without any kitchen stress. Once you taste how the cheese gets all crispy around those sweet onions, you'll be hooked.
Ingredients
- Parmesan cheese: Grated. This creates both the crunchy foundation and topping. Grab fresh-grated for the best melt and flavor.
- White onion: Medium size. Gets lovely and sweet during baking, making a nice contrast with the cheese. Pick firm ones without any soft patches.
- Black pepper: Fresh-ground works best. Brings a bit of warmth that works with all the savory elements.
- Paprika: Gives a light smokiness and pretty color. Standard paprika is fine, but the smoked kind takes it up a notch.
- Garlic powder: Adds yummy flavor without burning like fresh garlic would.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Or cooking spray. Just a touch helps everything get golden and crispy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Tray Ready:
- Heat your oven to 400°F and put parchment on a baking sheet. Don't skip the parchment - it stops sticking and makes cleanup super easy. Smooth it out flat for even cooking.
- Make a Cheese Layer:
- Scatter half your grated parmesan across the parchment in a thin, even sheet. This will become the crunchy bottom of your chips. Try to spread it out evenly for the best results.
- Add Your Onions:
- Cut your onion into neat 1/4 inch rings, keeping their round shape. Place these carefully on top of your cheese layer, making sure they don't touch each other or they won't crisp up right.
- Add Flavor and Fat:
- Dust the black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder over the onion slices, then lightly coat with oil. The tiny bit of oil helps everything turn golden without getting greasy.
- Top with More Cheese and Cook:
- Sprinkle the rest of your parmesan over the seasoned onions until they're fully covered. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, but watch them closely at the end - they can go from perfect to burnt really fast.
Save Pin
You Must Know
What I really love about these crisps is how the tender, sweet onion works with the nutty, crunchy cheese. The first time I brought them to a party, everyone kept asking me for the complicated recipe. They couldn't believe how simple it actually was.
Storage Tips
You can keep these cheese and onion crisps in the fridge for 2-3 days in a sealed container, but they're definitely best right after making when they're super crispy. To get some crunch back after refrigerating, pop them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. If you want to save them longer, you can freeze them up to 3 months - just put parchment between layers so they don't stick together.
Save Pin
Flavorful Variations
The basic version tastes amazing on its own, but you can mix things up easily. Try adding some Italian herbs and a bit of crushed red pepper for an Italian spin, or go for smoked paprika with a touch of cumin for a southwestern twist. If you love herbs, mixing in some finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme with the cheese creates wonderful aromas that go perfectly with the sweet onions.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy cheese onion bites work great as a standalone snack, but they're also wonderful as part of a bigger spread. Try them with cool ranch or blue cheese dip for a tasty contrast. They also work as fancy garnishes for creamy soups or as gourmet toppings on burgers and sandwiches. When hosting, put them out with olives, some cured meats, and other finger foods for a spread that looks fancy but wasn't much trouble.
Common Questions
- → What type of onion works best for this dish?
Yellow or white onions are your best bet since they get sweeter and milder when you bake them.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Just bake them and put them in a sealed container in your fridge. They'll stay good for up to 3 days.
- → How do I prevent the chips from sticking to the pan?
Just put some parchment paper on your baking sheet. This way, the chips won't stick and you'll have no trouble taking them off after baking.
- → Can I use other types of cheese?
You can try other finely shredded options like cheddar or asiago, but they might not get as crispy as Parmesan does.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Throw in some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes with your seasonings if you want more heat in your chips.