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Lacy Parmesan Crisps

These elegant lacy Parmesan crisps are a sophisticated, single-ingredient snack that brings a concentrated savoury punch to any occasion. Known in Italy as frico, these delicate wafers are made by melting high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano until it becomes beautifully golden and crisp. Their intricate, web-like texture and nutty flavour make them an impressive addition to a cheese board or a stylish garnish for salads and creamy soups.

This vegetarian recipe is incredibly simple to master, requiring only a few minutes in the oven and a non-stick surface. Because they are naturally gluten-free and high in protein, they serve as an excellent alternative to traditional crackers. For the best results, use a wedge of authentic Italian cheese rather than pre-grated varieties to ensure the perfect melt and a superior toasted flavour.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Lacy Parmesan Crisps

  • 1 (90g) piece Parmigiano-Reggiano

  • a nonstick bakeware liner such as Silpat

How to make Lacy Parmesan Crisps

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 191°C. Line a baking sheet with nonstick liner.

Grate 240ml Parmigiano-Reggiano using large holes of a box grater.

Arrange 6 mounds (1 rounded tablespoon each) of cheese 3 inches apart on liner, then flatten each mound lightly with a metal spatula to form a 3-inch round.

Bake until golden, 7 to 10 minutes, then transfer crisps with spatula to a rack to cool completely, about 5 minutes.

Repeat procedure with remaining cheese to make more crisps.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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