How to Make Spicy Cheese Crisps

Anyone who has ever made a grilled cheese sandwich knows that the little crispy bits of cheese that hit the griddle are the best part. Why not leave out the bread and make a snack of cheese crisps? These aren't a diet food, but if you feel like cheating, this is the ultimate guilty pleasure.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Full-fat cheese of your choice
• Nonstick skillet or griddle
• Red pepper flakes

1. Grate about 1/4 cup of cheese for each serving.

2. Warm nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Don't add grease, oil, or butter. Place a little pile of cheese in the center of the pan. It should be fairly flat, not a big tall mound. You want the cheese to melt uniformly.

3. As the cheese starts to melt and the fat renders out, sprinkle the crisp with a little red pepper flakes for some kick.

4. Continue to cook until crisp is lacy and light golden and most of the fat has cooked out.

5. Remove from heat. The hot cheese will turn into a crispy bit of deliciousness as it cools. When cool enough to handle, remove from skillet, blot with a paper towel to remove any excess grease, and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Firm to semi-firm cheeses work best. Softer cheeses have a higher water content, and tend to steam instead of turning crispy. Same goes for lower fat cheeses.
• This should be an occassional treat, served in small portions. Don't make up a huge bowlful each night and plop in front of the TV with them, because you'll end up sick, fat, or both. :)
• You might want to skip these if you're on a low-sodium diet.