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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers/ Snacks

    Black Pepper Parmesan Crisps (aka Frico)

    First Published: October 15, 2020 . Last Modified: October 27, 2022 lisa27 Comments This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe
    Parmesan crisps or frico

    Parmesan Cheese Crisps (aka frico) have never been so easy to make! These crispy wafers of cheese are great topped on a soup or salad.

    parmesan crisps on top of salad

    A New Twist on Parmesan Cheese

    What do you do when you are given a five pound bag of shredded Parmesan cheese? You make Frico! Frico is the European version of fried cheese made into a thin and crispy wafer.

    A while back (meaning many years ago), one of our friends who works for a special event catering company gave me a huge five pound bag of shredded Parmesan cheese. I froze half of it but kept the other half in my refrigerator. I thought about what I could do with this lovely Parmesan cheese and I decided to make delicious Parmesan crisps.  These are great on salads and soups. The only ingredient required is shredded cheese. I like to use Parmesan.

    Parmesan crisps transfer ordinary Parmesan cheese into a yummy cheese wafer. They can be used as a garnish or shaped into little cups and filled with something like a dip or salad. It is perfect for an appetizer.  My husband usually sneaks a few while I am making them and eats them plain.

    My favorite way to eat these Parmesan crisps is in a simple salad tossed with a vinaigrette dressing then topped with the Frico.  Actually, who am I kidding? My favorite way to eat these is right out of the bowl while watching a movie. And yes, I could probably eat this whole bowl!

    bowl of parmesan crisps

    How do you make Parmesan Cheese Crisps?

    Frico are simple to make, however they must be watched closely while cooking so they do not burn. Basically, you add a little mound of Parmesan cheese to a hot pan and watch it turn into a delicious and cheesy wafer.    

    Another piece of cooking advice: use a non stick skillet so the cheese doesn't stick to the pan. I used a small omelet skillet and made three Parmesan crisps at a time. Use a plastic spatula to turn the crisps so both sides get melted. 

    This time I topped the frico with black pepper but they can be made with any type of herb or spice. Rosemary also pairs well with Parmesan cheese.

    steps to making frico

    Frico Variations

    • Try using a different kind of cheese! Mix the Parmesan with Asiago, Gouda or a hard cheddar. For this recipe, I would stick with a hard cheese as a soft cheese like American or Gorgonzola will not work well. The results and makeup of the crust may vary depending on the cheese, so give it a try before you fully commit.
    • You may also want to vary the type of seasoning you add to your Parmesan crisps. Try some garlic salt or onion powder for an extra burst of flavor. Or, if serving with seafood, use some Old Bay or something similar.
    • Have bacon bits lying around? Mix the bacon bits into the cheese while it's melting. Then, serve with roasted potato chunks and some sour cream for a new twist on the classic baked potato!

    Serve Your Parmesan Crisps with These Recipes!

    • Add on top of a delicious Avocado, Tomato, and Arugula Salad
    • This Farmer's Market Tomato Salad would be delicious with an added crunch
    • Dip them in my Super Easy Guacamole
    • Sprinkle over this Classic Tomato Soup from Once Upon a Chef
    • Top them on this Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup

    Other Cheesy Recipes

    1. Philadelphia Cheesesteak Breakfast Sandwiches
    2. Pizza Grilled Cheese with Pepperoni
    3. Stovetop Mac and Cheese
    4. Pappardelle Pasta with Bacon, Egg, and Cheese
    5. Cheddar Bacon Puffs from The Spruce Eats
    6. Tortilla Chip Crusted Oven-Fried Ravioli from Half Baked Harvest
    7. Prosciutto and Blue Cheese pear Bites
    Parmesan crisps or frico

    If you like this recipe for Parmesan crisps, please give it a 5-star rating below!

    RECIPE

    bowl of parmesan crisps
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    4.56 from 9 votes

    Black Pepper and Parmesan Frico

    Parmesan crisps (aka frico) have never been so easy to make! These crispy pieces of cheese are great topped on a soup or salad.
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer, Appetizer/ Snack, topping
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 6 to 8
    Calories: 163kcal
    Author: Jersey Girl Cooks (Lisa)

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese
    • fresh black pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Heat a small non-stick skillet on medium heat.
    • Sprinkle a thin layer of grated cheese in a circular pattern (a 2 inch circle or larger if desired) over the bottom of the pan. Cook over medium heat until the cheese has melted and formed a light crust, about 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully lift and turn the layer of cheese with a spatula. Cook until lightly golden on the 2nd side, about 30 seconds.
    • Remove the Frico from the pan and set it on a plate with a paper towel.
    • Sprinkle black pepper on the Frico.
    • You can make little cups by draping the Frico over a shot glass if desired.
    • Cool slightly before serving.
    • Continue with the remaining cheese.

    Notes

    Notes:
    I start with ¼ teaspoon black pepper than add more depending on the taste of who is eating it.  

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 578mg | Potassium: 47mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 327IU | Calcium: 419mg | Iron: 1mg

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    Comments

    1. patsy says

      February 21, 2012 at 10:13 pm

      Oh, I love those! I haven't made them before, but will try your method when I do!

      Reply
    2. Kate says

      February 22, 2012 at 7:49 am

      I wish I could make our parmesean last long enough to make this. I swear I buy more every week at the store. Where does it go?????

      Reply
    3. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says

      February 22, 2012 at 8:50 am

      You had me at 'fried cheese'. These look great!

      Reply
    4. Ramona says

      February 22, 2012 at 11:49 am

      Perfect for my diet right now. I can have cheese!

      Reply
    5. Pam says

      February 22, 2012 at 12:31 pm

      Love it! I could eat those babies like chips - one after another. I bet they made the salad extra delicious.

      Reply
    6. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says

      February 22, 2012 at 12:34 pm

      Ooo - what a fun idea for salad! These look wonderful, Lisa, and so creative! Thanks for sharing. You have a very nice blog and I'm so glad to have found you!

      Reply
    7. Mary says

      February 22, 2012 at 2:22 pm

      Lisa, these sound wonderful and they are a perfect salad topper. I envy you all that cheese. I know in your hands it will not go to waste. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

      Reply
    8. Lisa says

      February 22, 2012 at 4:17 pm

      I can't think from all the cheese and cracker goodness - love these! They look easy, too. I think my 5yo would love these.

      Reply
    9. cassie says

      February 22, 2012 at 7:53 pm

      OH you definitely make frico with that much parmesan. I LOVE THESE!

      Reply
    10. Ann says

      February 23, 2012 at 12:02 am

      5 stars
      Wow - those look amazing! If I got a whoppin' huge bag of shredded Parmesan for keeps, I'd think it was Christmas! How lovely of your friend!

      Reply
    11. Shelby says

      February 23, 2012 at 7:13 am

      Yummy! You salad looks delish and I love the fried cheese!

      Reply
    12. Aggie says

      February 23, 2012 at 8:31 am

      Would you believe I have never made these!! I love this Lisa, ,they look perfect!! That salad under it looks pretty amazing too. Delicious!

      Reply
    13. liz says

      February 23, 2012 at 4:34 pm

      Rosemary frico sound fabulous! Like your husband, I love to just snack on these! YUM.

      Reply
    14. teresa says

      February 23, 2012 at 9:01 pm

      so yummy! i would eat these like chips!

      Reply
    15. Grandma Kat @ Easy Recipes Land says

      February 23, 2012 at 10:52 pm

      5 stars
      Ok, this recipe looks heavenly. I love the pictures and the recipe looks simple enough. So, this weekend when my great grand children come to stay for the weekend. Well, at least two of them are coming over. I will have them help me make this delightful recipe.

      Thank you so much for putting it on the web.

      Take care,

      Grandma Kat
      XOXOXOXOXO

      Reply
    16. Mom Foodie says

      February 27, 2012 at 3:11 pm

      You had me at cheese 😀

      Reply
    17. Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says

      February 28, 2012 at 12:41 am

      5 stars
      As I opened this page, I thought "what the heck is frico?" and now all I can think is, "when can I make frico?". Hunnnnngry.

      Reply
    18. marla says

      March 02, 2012 at 1:19 pm

      I have never had this but must try it soon!

      Reply
    19. Krista says

      March 03, 2012 at 10:01 am

      Lovely! Crispy cheese is where it's at! I love how simple they and how they totally dress up a salad. I can't wait to make some!

      Reply
    20. Amanda says

      March 11, 2012 at 3:58 pm

      I never knew there was a name for this. Usually, for an after school snack, I'll make a toasted cheese sandwich and deliberately let some cheese melt on the pan to make some "wafers." Well, now I know it's real name!

      Amanda
      softandstiffpeaks.blogspot.com

      Reply
    21. veenaazmanov says

      October 22, 2020 at 1:45 pm

      5 stars
      I love it. Yummy with everything. I need to get going and grab my Bowl of soup too.

      Reply
    22. Alison says

      October 22, 2020 at 2:57 pm

      5 stars
      These parmesan crisps make a simple recipe something special! Add them to salads and soups and more!

      Reply
    23. Shanna A. says

      October 22, 2020 at 4:05 pm

      5 stars
      You can never go wrong with fried cheese. My entire family loved these and they can't wait until I make them again.

      Reply
    24. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      October 22, 2020 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      These sound delicious, I can't wait to give these a try on my soup!

      Reply
    25. Traci says

      October 22, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Love these! No more buying them in the store...we'll make our own from now on. So easy...thanks for sharing 🙂

      Reply
    26. Bob says

      February 28, 2024 at 9:13 am

      1 star
      You should give at least a ball park figure or range for how much black pepper to add. You chickened out there, kind of disappointed in the lack of guidance generally provided in thoughtful, caring recipes.

      Reply
      • lisa says

        May 03, 2024 at 6:55 pm

        Bob,
        I updated the note section. I start with 1/4 teaspoon then add more black pepper if needed. Everyone has a different taste when it comes to pepper so I use different amounts depending on who I am making these for. But 1/4 teaspoon should be a good starting point.
        Happy cooking!
        Lisa

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Lisa

    I love creating recipes and cooking for my family and friends. It's great to bring everyone to my kitchen to talk, laugh and eat. I also like to spread my love for cooking to others. So grab an apron and let's do it together. I promise my recipes will be easy and delicious!

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