Storing Cheese Chips: How Long Can You Keep Them?

Cheese chips are a popular snack, especially for those on a low-carb or keto diet. They are made by baking or frying shredded cheese in small heaps until crispy. The key to getting them crispy is to ensure the cheese is shredded or sliced thinly, and baked in small, well-spaced heaps.

When it comes to storage, cheese chips are best kept in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to make cheese chips in the oven

Cheese chips are a great snack and are easy to make. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them in the oven:

Ingredients:

• Parchment paper
• Cheese (cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, pepper jack, Colby, or a mix of these)
• Seasoning of your choice (ranch, jalapeno, garlic, spicy, nacho cheese, etc.)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Do not use wax paper or foil, as the cheese will stick to it.
• If you are using multiple types of cheese, grate them and mix them together in a bowl.
• Place tablespoon-sized heaps of the cheese onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each heap. The cheese will spread and melt, so make sure to leave enough space.
• If you are using seasoning, sprinkle it on top of the cheese heaps.
• Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 6-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cheese heaps start to brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from done to burnt very quickly.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cheese chips cool slightly. Then, use a thin spatula to transfer them to a paper towel or a cooling rack to absorb any excess oil and let them crisp up.

Storage:

Cheese chips can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen in a vacuum-sealed bag or a firm ziplock bag for up to 6 months.

How to make cheese chips in the microwave

Cheese chips are a tasty snack that can be made in the microwave in just a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make them:

Ingredients:

• Parchment paper
• Cheese of your choice (shredded or thinly sliced)

Optional Ingredients:

Jalapeño slices

Utensils:

• Microwave-safe plate
• Measuring spoon
• Toothpick
• Zester or grater
• Microwave

Method:

• Cut a strip of parchment paper that is a couple of inches thick and place it on a microwave-safe plate. The paper should be large enough for the cheese to melt without spilling but small enough to rotate properly in the microwave.
• If using the paper from a roll, place the cheese on the side with a convex curve to minimise curling.
• For shredded cheese, arrange an even layer in a round shape in the centre of the paper. For thinly sliced cheese, stack 2-4 pieces on top of each other, forming 2 piles per slice.
• Microwave on high for 1 to 1 and a half minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown in spots.
• Allow to cool for a few seconds, then peel off the parchment paper and let cool completely. The cheese will crisp as it cools.

Tips:

• Use a non-stick surface to enable easier removal of the cheese chips.
• Parchment paper is the best option, but silicone can also be used.
• Avoid using a microwave-safe plate or decorative paper muffin cups as the cheese is likely to stick.
• For softer cheeses like mozzarella and cottage cheese, increase the cooking time to 1 and a half minutes at 50% power.
• For harder cheeses like parmesan and cheddar, cook for 1 minute at 50% power.
• Cooking times may vary depending on the type of cheese, the amount used, and the power of your microwave. It is recommended to do a test batch to determine the optimal cooking time.
• For best results, use shredded cheese or cheese slices, sticks, or shreds made by Sargento.

Now you can enjoy your delicious, crispy cheese chips!

How to store cheese chips

Cheese chips are a delicious snack, but they can get soggy and lose their crispiness if not stored properly. Here are some tips to ensure your cheese chips stay fresh and crunchy:

Storing Freshly Made Cheese Chips:

• Cooling: After baking, let the cheese chips cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the chips soggy.
• Airtight Container: Place the cooled cheese chips in an airtight container. This will keep them crisp by limiting their exposure to air and preventing staleness.
• Paper Towel: To absorb any excess oil and moisture, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container and another on top of the cheese chips. This will help keep them dry and crunchy.
• Storage Temperature and Location: Store the container of cheese chips at room temperature, ideally between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humid environments. Do not refrigerate, as the cold temperature can introduce moisture and alter the texture.
• Consume Within a Few Days: Even with proper storage, freshly made cheese chips are best consumed within a few days for optimal crispness and flavor.

Storing Store-Bought Cheese Chips:

Store-bought cheese chips often come in sealed bags and can be stored in their original packaging before opening. Once opened, transfer the chips to an airtight container and follow the same storage guidelines as for freshly made cheese chips.

Reviving Stale Cheese Chips:

If your cheese chips have lost their crispiness, you can revive them by spreading them on a baking sheet and heating them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can arrange them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave on high power for about 15 seconds, repeating as needed until they regain their crispness.

How to make cheese chips on the stove

Cheese chips are a great low-carb snack and can be made in the oven, on the stove, or in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to making cheese chips on the stove:

Ingredients:

• Finely shredded hard cheese, such as Parmesan, Asiago, or aged cheddar. You can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone.
• Seasonings of your choice (optional). Some suggestions include ranch dressing mix, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, dried thyme, etc.

Instructions:

• For the stove method, you will need a skillet or a non-stick frying pan.
• Spread about 2 tablespoons of finely shredded cheese into a 4-inch circle on the skillet.
• Cook the cheese over medium heat until the edges are light golden brown, which should take around 1-2 minutes.
• Remove the cheese crisp from the skillet using a spatula and place it on a paper towel-lined cutting board to cool.
• Repeat the process with the remaining cheese to make more crisps.

Tips:

• Make sure to finely shred the cheese to ensure even melting and browning.
• If using seasonings, mix them with the shredded cheese before spreading it on the skillet.
• Be careful not to burn the cheese, as it can develop an unpleasant charred flavor.
• You can also use a non-stick frying pan without any oil or butter. Simply place the shredded cheese in the pan and cook until melted and browned.
• For a healthier option, remove the excess oil from the cheese crisps by blotting them with a paper towel after cooking.

Enjoy your homemade cheese chips as a crunchy, savory snack!

How to make cheese chips in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can use just about any cheese you like to make cheese chips, but harder cheeses like Parmesan, Grana Padano, Romano, Gruyere, or Asiago are less greasy. Other cheeses such as Cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Colby-jack, Havarti, and Pepper jack tend to be oilier. For the best of both worlds, a combination of mozzarella and cheddar is recommended, as the mozzarella provides the cheese pull, and the cheddar adds flavour.

Method

First, preheat your air fryer if it requires preheating. Some air fryers don't require preheating, so check your model. If your air fryer does require preheating, check the chips a few minutes before the recipe says they will be done, as they may cook faster in a warm air fryer.

Next, cut a sheet of parchment paper to roughly the size of your air fryer basket and lay it in the basket. You can use an air fryer liner instead of parchment paper, but this may increase the cooking time.

Now, grab a light handful of cheese and lay it on the parchment paper in the air fryer basket. If you are using grated cheese, the thinner you make the mounds, the crispier the final snacks will be.

Air fry your cheese at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until it is brown all over and crispy, which should take around six minutes.

Once the cheese is lightly browned, remove the cheese on the parchment paper from the air fryer and let it cool. The cheese will harden as it cools.

Storage

Let the cheese chips cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Cheese chips made with Parmesan can be stored at room temperature, but it may be preferable to store them in the fridge. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to six months.

Frequently asked questions