Crispy Cottage Cheese Chips: Snack Time Reinvented (Print Version)

Make crispy cottage cheese chips a reality! This easy, protein-packed snack is surprisingly simple and utterly delicious. Perfect for satisfying cravings!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2-4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, well-drained
02 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
07 - 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Finishing Touches

08 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, you gotta drain that cottage cheese. Seriously, this step is crucial for crispy cottage cheese chips. Spoon your full-fat cottage cheese into a fine-mesh sieve and let it sit over a bowl for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have time. Press down gently with a spatula to encourage more liquid to release. We're aiming for as dry as possible here, because moisture is the enemy of crispiness! I definitely skipped this once, and got chewy, sad little hockey pucks instead of chips. Don't be like me!
02 - Once your cottage cheese is nicely drained, transfer it to a medium bowl. Now, for the fun part: seasoning! Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a really good stir to make sure all those delicious spices are evenly distributed. You want every single curd to be coated in flavor. I always take a little taste here, just to make sure the seasoning is spot-on. Adjust to your liking; maybe a pinch more garlic? Go for it!
03 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is non-negotiable, trust me! Now, spoon spoonfuls of the seasoned cottage cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula, spread the cottage cheese into a very thin, even layer. Think cracker-thin! Leave a little space between each chip, as they'll crisp up better that way. This is where I learned from my "cheesy pancake" mistake; thinner means crispier, every single time!
04 - Pop that baking sheet into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You're looking for the edges to start turning golden brown and the chips to firm up. Don't worry if they're not totally crispy yet; this is just the first round. The kitchen will start smelling amazing, by the way—that smoky paprika and cheese aroma? Divine! This step helps dry them out further and sets their shape, getting them ready for that next level of crispness.
05 - Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a thin spatula, gently flip each cottage cheese chip. Some might stick a little, but be patient! Once flipped, return them to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until they're deeply golden brown and feel firm and crisp to the touch. This second bake ensures even crispiness on both sides. I've definitely under-baked them before, only to be disappointed by a slightly chewy center. Don't rush it!
06 - This step is critical, friends! Once your crispy cottage cheese chips are beautifully golden and firm, take them out of the oven and immediately transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they'll continue to crisp up and become perfectly snackable. Seriously, don't skip the cooling rack; letting them sit on the hot baking sheet will make them steam and lose that hard-earned crisp. Sprinkle with fresh chives, if you like, and get ready to crunch!

# Notes:

01 - Always drain your cottage cheese really well, or your chips will be sad and chewy.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp, but know they'll soften a bit after day one.
03 - Try a pinch of chili powder or 'everything bagel' seasoning for a fun flavor twist!
04 - Serve these with a chunky salsa or creamy guacamole for an extra special snack experience.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - parchment paper or silicone mat
03 - fine-mesh sieve
04 - mixing bowl
05 - spatula
06 - wire rack.

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 20g

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