How Do You Make a Fried Cheese Crisp

It's so easy to make a batch of cheese crisps—and they are carb-free crunchy heaven.

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You'd think, coming from an Italian family, I would have heard about cheese crisps sooner. The cheese crisps, also called frico, are pieces of lacy fried cheese that can be formed into bowls, chips or a crunchy garnish. Hailing from Northeast Italy, the dish—along with a softer version carrying the same name—has been passed down from one generation to the next.

Where have I been?!

You can use any hard cheese, like Parmesan, Asiago or aged cheddar, that will retain enough of its shape to maintain a "lacy" texture, but melt enough that the crisp will hold together.

How to make cheese crisps

Baked frico

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp. of finely shredded or grated cheese to create circles about 4 inches across. Make sure the cheese is spread evenly. Leaving about 2 inches between each circle, bake until the crisps barely begin to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.

Skillet frico

For the skillet method, you'll make the cheese crisps one by one. Spread 2 Tbsp. of finely shredded or grated cheese to create a 4-inch circle and cook until the edges are a light golden brown, about 1 or 2 minutes.

Either way, I usually err on the "well done" side when baking because I like things to be a toasty brown. But frico is the exception—too-brown cheese tends to have an unpleasant charred flavor.

(Can't get enough cheese? You'll want to check out the cheesiest recipes we've ever made.)

What can you do with them?

Better to ask what you CAN'T do with them. The fr ico has nearly endless potential depending on the type of cheese you use, any herbs or spices you to add and their shape.

• Make simple coin-sized disks to toss on a salad
• Roll them into tubes to create an appetizer
• Drape them over glasses to make Pringles-style chips
• Shape them inside muffin tins or over inverted bowls to make cups

You can also elevate your Taco Tuesday by shaping frico into carb-free taco shells. Keep readymade cheese crisps handy and add them to a bowl of soup for a crispy-then-melty treat.

The crisps should keep in an air-tight container for a couple of days, so prep a batch in advance!

The Best Soup for Your Crisps

Taste of Home

Cheesy Broccoli Soup in a Bread Bowl

This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup tastes just like the one served at Panera Bread! My family requests it all the time. You can even make your own homemade bread bowls with the recipe on my blog, Yammie's Noshery. It's one of our favorite fall soups! —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan Go to Recipe

Sausage Potato Soup

I rely on this thick, chunky Sausage Potato Soup on busy weeknights when I'm too tired to spend a lot of time preparing dinner. The whole family enjoys the wonderful flavor of the smoked sausage. —Jennifer LeFevre, Hesston, Kansas

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

This hearty beef and barley soup is a favorite menu item in our house throughout the year. Everyone savors the flavor. —Elizabeth Kendall, Carolina Beach, North Carolina

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

I picked up this recipe at my local grocery store during a promotion for creative ways to use pumpkin. Black beans are not usually paired with this hearty fall vegetable, but once I tried this soup, I was a believer! Now it's one of my favorite recipes to make when pumpkin is in season. —Lori Karavolis, McMurray, PA

Family-Pleasing Turkey Chili

My children really love this slow-cooker turkey chili recipe—it's one of their favorite comfort foods. It's relatively inexpensive, and the leftovers are wonderful! —Sheila Christensen, San Marcos, California

Lemony Chicken Noodle Soup

This isn't Grandma's chicken soup, but it is comforting in a whole new way. The lemon juice gives this easy soup enough zip to make it interesting. —Bill Hilbrich, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Northwest Salmon Chowder

I've lived on a farm in the Yakima Valley all my life. I have a big garden, and by the end of fall, my cellar shelves are full of canned fruits and vegetables. This recipe uses some of the root vegetables I grow…along with the delicious salmon that is so plentiful here. —Josephine Parton, Granger, Washington

Meatball Soup

This meatball soup recipe is a hearty meal. It's great for chilly days. —Sue Miller, Walworth, Wisconsin

Grandmother's Chicken 'n' Dumplings

When I was a child, my grandmother could feed our whole big family with a single chicken—and lots of dumplings. —Cathy Carroll, Bossier City, Louisiana

Spicy Montana Chili

This thick and chunky chili has some kick to it. I like to top it with shredded cheddar and then serve it with a side of cornbread. —Donna Evaro, Casper, Wyoming

Mushroom Corn Chowder

Chock-full of veggies, ham and cheese in every spoonful, this thick, creamy chowder will take the chill off even the nippiest of fall evenings. Serve it with crusty French bread. —Elaine Krupsky, Las Vegas, Nevada

Taco Twist Soup

The fun, family-friendly twist in this taco soup is the spiral pasta. I lightened this soup by substituting black beans for ground beef. —Colleen Zertler, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

We often eat easy-to-make fall soups when there's not a lot of time to cook. I replaced the wild rice specified in the original recipe with a boxed rice mix to make it even faster. —Lisa Hofer, Hitchcock, South Dakota

Upstate Minestrone Soup

If you love vegetables, you'll find this minestrone especially satisfying. Keep the recipe in mind when you have a bounty of fresh garden produce. —Yvonne Krantz, Mt. Upton, New York

Vegan Squash Soup with Naan Croutons

This butternut squash soup is so full of flavor that you won't miss the meat or dairy! The added can of pumpkin helps to make the soup creamy and smooth, while the coconut milk adds a light sweetness. I love to make this soup as the seasons change! —Audrey Fell, Nashville, Tennessee

Italian Zucchini Soup

This Italian zucchini soup recipe was given to me by my neighbor. Nice and simple, it's a good way to use a lot of your zucchini and other garden vegetables. It freezes well and is great to have on hand on a cold winter day. —Clara Mae Chambers, Superior, Nebraska

Creamy Vegetable Chowder

This rich, comforting soup recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. You can lower the fat content by using turkey bacon, vegetable broth and skim milk. It's delicious either way. —Suzanna VandeBrake, Peyton, Colorado

Enchilada Chicken Soup

Canned soups, enchilada sauce and a few other convenience items make this chicken enchilada soup recipe one of my fast favorites. Use mild green chiles if they suit your taste, or try a spicier variety to give the soup more kick. —Cristin Fischer, Bellevue, Nebraska

Autumn Pumpkin Chili

We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It's a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington

Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

This soothing chicken and rice soup hits the spot on chilly days. It's the

Baked Potato Soup

I found our favorite soup in an unexpected place—a children's cookbook! This creamy comfort food is not only delicious but also scaled down to make a small amount that's perfect for my husband and me. —Linda Mumm, Davenport, Iowa

Cream of Cauliflower Soup

This mildly cheesy cauliflower soup is a favorite of mine. I make it often in summer, although it's good anytime. —Karen Brown, West Lafayette, Ohio

Tex-Mex Chili

Need to satisfy big, hearty appetites? Look no further than this Tex-Mex recipe with beef stew meat, plenty of beans and tasty spices. —Eric Hayes, Antioch, California

Quick Ham and Bean Soup

If you like ham and bean soup but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this tasty, quick version will leave you with a satisfied smile. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Spiced Split Pea Soup

A hint of curry adds the perfect amount of kick to this family pleasing soup. Just assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and go about your day while it cooks. —Sue Mohre, Mount Gilead, Ohio

Stuffed Pepper Soup

I was talking about stuffed peppers with the other cooks at the restaurant where I work. We decided to mix similar ingredients for a soup. Customer response was overwhelming! —Krista Muddiman, Meadville, Pennsylvania

Sausage Pumpkin Soup

Here, autumn spices complement pumpkin and sausage for a unique and comforting soup. Maple syrup imparts just the right amount of sweetness.

Holy Moly Potato Soup

This is a turned-up version of a cheesy potato soup. We eat this often, especially on cold winter evenings, but it'd be lovely for family get-togethers or potlucks during the holidays! Crushed red pepper flakes really turn up the heat. —Angela Sheridan, Opdyke, Illinois

Ravioli Soup

We adore pasta, so I used it as the inspiration for this soup. The meaty tomato base pairs perfectly with the cheesy ravioli pillows. —Shelley Way, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Hoosier Chili

This chili is a little sweeter than other recipes I've tasted, but I like it that way. It reminds me of the chili my mom used to make. —Jeanne Boberg, Muncie, Indiana

Dutch Oven French Onion Soup

I've also made this savory soup in a slow cooker for a fuss-free meal. It cooks on low for 3 to 4 hours. —Denise Hruz, Germantown, Wisconsin

Basil Tomato Soup with Orzo

The soup is so scrumptious that it is worth the time it takes to cut up the fresh basil. I believe it is even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to blend in the refrigerator overnight.—Tonia Billbe, Elmira, New York

Bean & Bulgur Chili

Come in from the cold to a piping hot bowl of this zesty bulgur and bean chili. The bulgur adds great texture and heartiness, so you won't miss the meat. —Tari Ambler, Shorewood, Illinois

Cheesy Chicken Chowder

I like to serve this hearty chowder as a meal with garlic bread and a salad. It's a wonderful dish to prepare for any occasion. The rich, mild flavor and the tender chicken and vegetables appeal even to children and picky eaters. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois

Steak & Beer Chili

A cup of chili is always a pleasant way to warm up on a cold day. This one has a combination of budget-friendly chuck steak and brats in a spicy broth. I like to serve it with a dollop of sour cream. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota

Sausage Sauerkraut Soup

I've taken this satisfying soup to church gatherings and family reunions, and it always receives wonderful compliments. Everyone loves it! —Elizabeth Goetzinger, Lewiston, Idaho

White Chili with a Kick

Store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this spicy chili easy, but you could also cook your own. We like it with various combinations of sour cream, green onions, cheese and salsa on top. —Emmajean Anderson, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Cabbage Barley Soup

My neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian cabbage soup was the clear winner—they ate the whole pot! —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

Corn Chowder with Dumplings

This is a spiced-up version of my favorite corn chowder. The first time I added dumplings, my husband declared them awesome! —Shannon Kohn, Simpsonville, South Carolina

Cheeseburger Paradise Soup

I've never met a person who didn't enjoy this creamy soup, and it's hearty enough to serve as a main course with your favorite bread or rolls. —Nadina Iadimarco, Burton, Ohio

Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup

My husband's grandmother used to make this soup with her own homemade sausage and tortellini. Since the recipe has been passed down, we don't make those ingredients from scratch, but this version is almost as good as hers. It's also an excellent way to get the kids to eat spinach!—Joyce Lulewicz, Brunswick, Ohio

Home-Style Black-Eyed Pea Soup

This colorful hearty soup makes a good starter or main course. With a salad on the side, it's a light dinner for two.—Yvonne Peterson, Mountain View, Missouri

Lime Navy Bean Chili

A lip-smacking touch of lime flavors this low-fat but filling family favorite. I love relying on my slow cooker. Just fill it in the morning and come home to a wonderful, warm meal—no matter how busy the day! — Connie Thomas, Jensen, Utah

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken and wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California

Slow-Cooked Lasagna Soup

I modified one of my favorite soup recipes so I can prep it the night before and put it in the slow cooker in the morning. This dish makes a welcome contribution to work parties. My colleagues love it! —Sharon Gerst, North Liberty, Iowa

Pumpkin Soup with Sourdough Sage Croutons

We love soup in our home, and I'm a big fan of the cream-style kind. Thanksgiving inspired this recipe—it has all the traditional smells that fill the air during the holiday season. You could also make this with butternut squash. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

Cream of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup

A dear friend brought me some of this soup when I was ill—and it instantly hit the spot. I asked her for the recipe and I've made it several times since, especially when I have leftover turkey to use up. Now I like to take it to friends when they're not feeling well. It's just the filling meal to warm you up on a cold, wintry day! —Doris Cox, New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Pumpkin-Lentil Soup

I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia

Classic French Onion Soup

Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah

Pasta Fagioli Soup

My husband enjoys my version of this dish so much that he doesn't order it at restaurants anymore. With fresh spinach, pasta and seasoned sausage, this fast-to-fix soup is a meal on its own. —Brenda Thomas, Springfield, Missouri

Satisfying Tomato Soup

After craving tomato soup, I decided to make my own. My sister Joan likes it chunky-style, so she doesn't puree. Serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich. —Marian Brown, Mississauga, Ontario

Pumpkin-Coconut Soup

Thai food lovers will go crazy for this soup. It has a deep flavor from the combination of onion, coconut milk and spices. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

Firehouse Chili

As one of the cooks at the firehouse, I used to prepare meals for 10 men. This firehouse chili recipe was among their favorites. —Richard Clements, San Dimas, California

Roasted Autumn Vegetable Soup

Roasting sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips brings out their best features. Blend them, and you have a warm, healthy soup for a cool fall night. —Stephanie Flaming, Woodland, California

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. The pesto adds an extra-nice Italian flavor that is often missing from other gnocchi soups. —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa t

Turkey White Chili

Growing up in a Pennsylvania Dutch area, I was surrounded by excellent cooks and wonderful foods. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes like this change-of-pace chili. —Kaye Whiteman, Charleston, West Virginia

Pressure-Cooker Easy Pork Posole

Looking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, sliced sausage. hominy and more. It all goes into the pressure cooker, so you can come home at night and dinner is ready in a flash. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, TX

Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon

A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas

Turkey Dumpling Soup

Simmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, California

Quick Golden Squash Soup

This delectable soup feels like fall! Its golden color and rich, satisfying flavor have made it a favorite of mine—which is really amazing because I was convinced I didn't like squash until I tried this recipe. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa

Cheesy Ham & Corn Chowder

When the day calls for a warm bowl of chunky soup, we make a big pot of the goods—potatoes, corn, ham and cheese. —Andrea Laidlaw, Shady Side, Maryland

Lunch-Box Chicken Soup

A friend gave me this recipe, and I tweaked a few things to make it healthier. It's so delicious and quite easy to make! I use it for family gatherings, church functions, care packages...just about anything. For shortcuts, I sometimes replace the celery and carrots with 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. The prepackaged rice saves time, too, so you can have the soup ready and waiting even when the kids are busy with activities. —Jean Ann Fairchild, Shelby, Ohio

Red Curry Carrot Soup

With its mix of delicious colors, textures and flavors, this easy soup is something special. The meatballs make it hearty enough to serve as a light entree. —Dilnaz Heckman, Buckley, Washington

Lemony Mushroom-Orzo Soup for Two

Here's a versatile soup that works as an appetizer or as a side for a sandwich lunch. It's loaded with mushrooms and orzo pasta—and lemon livens up its mild flavor.—Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado

Pressure-Cooker English Pub Split Pea Soup

This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of today's appliances, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for a bit and then it's "soup's on!" Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

Asian Ramen Shrimp Soup

This ramen noodle recipe makes a quick dinner with shrimp and carrots. This is delicious and so quick to fix. —Donna Hellinger, Lorain, Ohio

Turkey Gnocchi Soup

While trying to find a creative use for leftover turkey, we decided to add gnocchi instead of noodles. My 8-year-old daughter always asks for more. If you don't have leftover turkey, a rotisserie chicken works just as well. —Amy Babines, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Roasted Parsnip and Pear Soup

Although pears and parsnips may seem like an odd combination, the pears bring out the natural sweetness of the parsnips in this winter soup. Don't skip the topping; it's the best part! —Sara Petrie, Grassie, Ontario

Maryland-Style Crab Soup

Try this hearty soup that incorporates the best of vegetable soup and flavorful crab. I break whole crabs and claws into pieces and drop them into the soup to cook, then serve it with saltine crackers and a cold beer. —Freelove Knott, Palm Bay, Florida

Hearty Turkey 'n' Rice Soup

Use the leftover cooked turkey in the fridge to speed up dinner. You'll be ladling up bowlfuls of goodness in only 30 minutes. —Maggie Brewer, Canandaigua, New York

Butternut Squash Chili

Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California

Traditional Italian Wedding Soup

You don't have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Add homemade meatballs but use ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken.—Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Soup

I love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Chicken & Broccoli Rabe Soup with Tortellini

With chicken, pasta and a bold tomato broth, this hearty and inviting soup is like a big, comforting hug in a bowl! —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

Moroccan Cauliflower and Almond Soup

This soup tastes rich and decadent but is really very healthy! Bonus—it is vegan and also makes your house smell amazing! —Barbara Marynowski, Hutto, Texas

How Do You Make a Fried Cheese Crisp

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/the-secret-trick-to-making-cheese-crisps/

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