Randy Chandler
Cheese chips are a delicious snack, but they can be expensive and unhealthy. Luckily, it is possible to make a low-calorie version at home with just a few simple ingredients. This introduction will provide an overview of the topic, including different recipes for making low-calorie cheese chips, the benefits of making them at home, and some tips and variations to try. Whether you are looking for a crunchy, savoury snack to satisfy your cravings or a healthy alternative to traditional chips, this topic will explore the world of low-calorie cheese chips and provide all the information you need to make them yourself.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of oven | Conventional oven, microwave oven |
| Baking sheet | Line with parchment paper, non-stick foil, or use a non-stick frying pan |
| Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, asiago, colby, pepper jack, mexican, etc. |
| Toppings | Bacon bits, garlic powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, jalapeno, olive oil, sea salt, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, etc. |
| Baking time | 5-15 minutes, until golden brown |
| Cooling time | 5-10 minutes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week |
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What You'll Learn
Oven-baked cheese chips
These oven-baked cheese chips are a delicious, crunchy, and low-calorie snack. They are very simple to make and require just a few ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide to making them:
Ingredients
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (you can also use mozzarella, pepper jack, Colby, or Mexican cheese)
- Parmesan Cheese (optional)
- Spices such as garlic powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (optional)
- Bacon bits (optional)
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200C/400F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If desired, you can grease the parchment paper, but this is not necessary as the cheese contains enough oil.
- Scoop out heaping tablespoons of shredded cheese and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 1 inch of space between each mound of cheese.
- If you would like to add some extra flavour, sprinkle the tops of the cheese mounds with parmesan cheese and your desired spices. You can also add bacon bits for a savoury touch.
- Bake the cheese mounds in the oven for 7-10 minutes, or until they are deep golden brown and crispy. The baking time may vary depending on your preference for crispness, so keep an eye on them.
- Remove the cheese chips from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your homemade cheese chips! They are best served fresh, but you can also store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and spices to find your favourite combination. You can also try adding toppings like jalapeños or using the cheese chips as a base for nachos or tacos.
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Using the microwave
Making low-calorie cheese chips in the microwave is a quick and easy process. You can use a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, cottage cheese, and parmesan. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious cheese chips in the microwave:
Preparation:
Start by lining a microwave-safe plate with parchment paper. Avoid using wax paper, as it is not suitable for microwave use. If you are making multiple batches, you can reuse the same parchment paper for each batch.
Next, select your cheese. It is recommended to use pre-sliced cheese for convenience and uniformity. Cut the cheese into squares or triangles, ensuring they are not too thick. Arrange the cheese slices on the parchment paper, leaving some space between them to prevent them from melting together. If you are using shredded cheese, create an even layer in the centre of the plate.
For an extra flavour boost, consider adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of salt. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite variety.
Cooking Instructions:
Once your cheese is prepared and seasoned, it's time to microwave it. Place the plate in the microwave and set the power level to high. Microwave for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the type of cheese and your desired crispness. The cheese will bubble and evaporate water during this process.
Keep a close eye on the cheese to avoid overcooking. You want the cheese to be crispy and airy, but not burnt. The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave's power output, so it's a good idea to start with a shorter cooking time and adjust as needed.
Post-Cooking:
After microwaving, carefully remove the plate as it will be hot. Let the cheese chips cool down on the parchment paper. They will continue to crisp as they cool. Once cooled, you can remove them from the parchment paper and enjoy!
Your low-calorie cheese chips are now ready to be served as a snack or used as a topping for salads, soups, or sandwiches. They are a crunchy and tasty addition to any meal and can be easily customized with your choice of cheese and seasonings.
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Choosing the right cheese
The type of cheese you use will determine the flavour and texture of your low-calorie cheese chips. While you can use almost any cheese, some varieties work better than others. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right cheese for your chips:
Flavour
The flavour of the cheese will be a key component of your chips. If you want a more subtle flavour, you might opt for milder cheeses like Colby, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. For a sharper, more pungent flavour, you could choose Cheddar, Parmesan, or Asiago. You could also use a blend of cheeses, such as Mexican shredded cheese, to add some extra depth to your chips.
Texture
The texture of the cheese is important for achieving the right consistency in your chips. You'll want to use a cheese that melts and crisps up well. Harder cheeses like Parmesan or Asiago tend to work well, as do semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar or Colby. Softer cheeses like mozzarella can also be used, but they may require a little more cooking time to achieve the desired crispiness.
Fat content
While low-fat cheeses are an option, they may not be ideal for this recipe as they can affect the texture and flavour of the chips. Using a full-fat cheese will generally result in crispier, more flavourful chips. However, if you are concerned about the fat content, you could opt for a reduced-fat cheese, but be aware that the results may vary.
Shredded vs. sliced
It's generally recommended to use shredded cheese for this recipe. Shredded cheese melts more evenly and allows you to form the cheese into small mounds or heaps on your baking sheet. Sliced cheese, on the other hand, may not melt and crisp up as effectively, resulting in a less crunchy chip.
Oven vs. microwave
The type of cheese you use may also depend on your preferred cooking method. If you're using an oven, almost any type of shredded cheese will work. However, if you're using a microwave, you may want to opt for a harder cheese like Parmesan or Asiago, as softer cheeses may not crisp up as well in the microwave.
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Adding spices and toppings
When it comes to adding spices and toppings to your low-calorie cheese chips, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spices
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
- Salt
Toppings
- Bacon bits
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Jalapeños
- Ground beef
- Popcorn seasoning
- Preheat your oven to a temperature between 180°C/350°F and 200°C/400°F.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. If you don't have parchment paper, you can use a non-stick frying pan or a non-stick microwave plate.
- Place shredded cheese onto the baking sheet in small piles or mounds, leaving some space between each one. You can use a variety of cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
- Now it's time to add your chosen spices! Sprinkle your favourite spices on top of the cheese piles.
- Bake in the oven for 7-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning. You are looking for a deep golden brown colour and a crispy texture.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- Once cooled, you can add your chosen toppings. Enjoy!
Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, spices, and toppings to find your perfect combination. You can also try making your cheese chips in the microwave or frying pan if you prefer. Enjoy snacking!
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Storing cheese chips
Storing your cheese chips properly is essential to keep them crispy and fresh. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for storing your homemade low-calorie cheese chips:
- Room Temperature Storage: Cheese chips can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Place them in an airtight container or a completely sealed bag to prevent moisture and humidity from affecting their texture.
- Refrigeration: Some people have reported that cheese chips stored in the fridge remain crispy, especially when stored in sealed bags. However, others have noted that refrigeration can cause the chips to lose their crispiness.
- Freezer Storage: If you have a large batch of cheese chips, consider freezing them. Place the chips in a vacuum-sealed bag or a firm ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. This method will ensure the chips remain edible for longer periods.
- Leftover Shredded Cheese: If you have leftover shredded cheese from your chip-making, you can freeze it! Shredded cheese freezes well and can be used straight from the freezer in future recipes. This prevents the cheese from going to waste or becoming mouldy in the refrigerator.
- Storage Duration: It's important to note that cheese chips are best consumed fresh. While they can be stored, their crispiness may deteriorate over time, especially after a week at room temperature.
By following these storage guidelines, you can extend the shelf life of your low-calorie cheese chips and enjoy them for a few extra days or even months if frozen!
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese is best, but mozzarella and pepper jack can also be used. Parmesan, Asiago, or Colby cheese are also good options.
Bake the chips for 7-15 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness. Keep an eye on them after 10-12 minutes to prevent burning.
Cheese crisps can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to six months.
