Looking for a crunchy, savory snack that won’t derail your healthy eating goals? These Cottage Cheese Chips are the perfect solution! Packed with protein and full of flavor, these cheesy bites provide the satisfying crunch you crave from traditional chips but with nutritional benefits that make them a smart choice for any diet. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, looking for gluten-free options, or simply wanting to incorporate more protein into your snacking routine, these easy-to-make chips will become your new favorite guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 230g (1 cup) full-fat cottage cheese
- 60g (1/2 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) onion powder
- 1.25ml (1/4 teaspoon) paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the cottage cheese mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in consistency.
Step 3: Form the chips:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the cottage cheese mixture and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2.5cm (1 inch) between each scoop. With the back of the spoon, gently flatten each portion into a thin, round shape about 7-8cm (3 inches) in diameter.
Step 4: Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the chips turn golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, as they can go from perfectly crisp to burnt quite quickly.
Step 5: Cool and serve:
Once baked, remove the chips from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the chips to firm up and become crispier. Once cooled, carefully transfer to a serving plate and enjoy!
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooling Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12-15 chips
Nutritional Information (per serving of 5 chips):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 12g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Cheese Consistency: For the crispiest chips, drain excess liquid from your cottage cheese by placing it in a fine-mesh strainer for 15-20 minutes before mixing with other ingredients.
- Even Thickness: Try to spread the cheese mixture to an even thickness of about 3mm (1/8 inch) for each chip. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and achieve the perfect crispness throughout.
- Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper rather than greasing the pan can make it easier to remove the chips after baking and results in less cleanup.
- Temperature Check: If your oven runs hot, consider reducing the temperature to 165°C (325°F) and extending the baking time slightly to prevent burning.
- Crisp Factor: For extra crispy chips, leave them in the turned-off oven with the door slightly ajar for an additional 5 minutes after baking.
- Consistent Sizing: Use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon to ensure uniform chip size, which helps them cook at the same rate.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Options: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles. A mixture of cheeses works wonderfully too!
- Herb Infusions: Add fresh herbs like chopped chives, dill, or basil (about 1 tablespoon) to the mixture for a garden-fresh flavor.
- Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, incorporate 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese mixture.
- Mediterranean Style: Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil along with a tablespoon of finely diced sun-dried tomatoes.
- Ranch Flavor: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning blend for a familiar and popular taste profile.
- Lower Fat Option: Use low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat cheddar, though note that the chips may not get quite as crispy.
Common FAQs
Why aren’t my chips getting crispy?
This could be due to excess moisture in the cottage cheese or not baking long enough. Try draining the cottage cheese thoroughly before mixing, flattening the chips more thinly, or extending the baking time by 2-3 minute increments until desired crispness is achieved.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Prepare as directed, then air fry at 175°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes. Check frequently as air fryers can vary in temperature and cooking speed.
How long do these chips stay crispy?
These chips are best enjoyed immediately after cooling. They will begin to lose their crispness after a few hours at room temperature due to their high protein content.
Can I freeze the cheese mixture to bake later?
It’s not recommended to freeze the unbaked mixture as the texture may change. However, you can refrigerate the prepared mixture for up to 24 hours before baking.
Are these chips keto-friendly?
Yes! With high protein and fat content and very low carbohydrates, these chips fit perfectly into a ketogenic diet plan.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Best Served: These chips are at their absolute best when served fresh, within an hour of baking.
- Short-term Storage: If you need to store them, place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Note that they will gradually lose their crispness.
- Refrigeration: Not recommended as refrigeration will make the chips soggy.
- Reheating: To refresh chips that have lost their crispness, place them on a baking sheet in a 150°C (300°F) oven for 3-5 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly before forming the chips.
These Cottage Cheese Chips are more than just a snack—they’re a revolution in healthy eating that proves you don’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition. Perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or your favorite low-carb dip, they’re also substantial enough to enjoy on their own. Whether you’re movie-watching, entertaining guests, or just need a quick protein boost during your busy day, these crispy, cheesy bites deliver satisfaction without compromise!
