Cottage Cheese Chips are a crunchy, healthy snack that’s high in protein and low in carbs, perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious alternative to traditional chips. These “chips” are made by crisping up cottage cheese in the oven, creating a crispy, savory snack. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese (you can use any variety, but full-fat tends to crisp up better)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary, optional)
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cottage Cheese:
- Drain the cottage cheese well if it’s too watery. You want it to be thick so it crisps up properly.
- Spread the cottage cheese evenly in a thin layer on the prepared baking sheet, about 1/4-inch thick. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out.
3. Season the Cottage Cheese:
- Sprinkle the cottage cheese with salt and your optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and fresh herbs. Mix everything in if you’d like an even flavor distribution, but try to keep the layer thin for crispness.
4. Bake:
- Bake the cottage cheese in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to crisp up and turn golden brown. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn. The texture should be firm and crunchy when done.
5. Cool and Break Apart:
- Once they’re crisp, remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. As they cool, they’ll harden further and become more chip-like.
- After cooling, break the “chips” into pieces and serve!
Tips and Variations:
- Seasoning Variations: You can play around with different seasonings. Try adding chili powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for unique flavor profiles.
- For extra crunch: If you want extra crispiness, you can also try baking at a slightly higher temperature (425°F/220°C) for a more intense crisp.
- Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Store leftover chips in an airtight container for a few days. They might soften over time, but you can re-crisp them in the oven.
Enjoy:
These Cottage Cheese Chips are a great way to satisfy your cravings for a crispy, crunchy snack while getting some protein. Pair them with a dip like salsa, guacamole, or even a creamy ranch dressing for extra flavor!
Would you be trying these for a snack, or perhaps to go with a meal or as a healthier party treat?