Parmesan crisps make a fantastic snack or accompaniment to a variety of dishes. But what exactly do you eat with these crispy, savory wafers of cheese? There are lots of delicious options!
In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick answer to what you can eat with parmesan crisps and why they make a great addition to so many foods. Then, we’ll dive deeper into the details, providing a handy table and descriptions of the top pairings and recipes to try.
Quick Answer
Parmesan crisps pair wonderfully with soups, salads, antipasto platters, charcuterie boards, pasta dishes, and more. Their sharp, salty flavor profile makes them a perfect topping for adding crunch and a hit of umami. Parmesan crisps are also sturdier than croutons, so they can stand up to dips, dressings, and other toppings without getting soggy.
Soups
Crispy parmesan crisps are a great alternative to oyster crackers or croutons for topping soups. They add a nice crunch and salty accent to complement the broth and ingredients. Parmesan crisps pair especially nicely with:
- Tomato soup – The crisps add rich flavor to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Broccoli cheese soup – Crisps provide crunch and another layer of cheesiness.
- Chicken noodle soup – The crisps contrast nicely with the soft noodles and veggies.
- Minestrone – Parmesan flavor accentuates the herbs and savory notes in the broth.
- Chowders – Crisps stand up well to the thickness of chowders without getting soggy.
When topping soups with parmesan crisps, add them just before serving so they retain their crispness. Sprinkle crisps lightly across the top of the soup, or serve a small stack of larger crisps on the side for scooping and dipping.
Salads
In salads, parmesan crisps can take the place of croutons or serve as an extra garnish for added texture. They work with all types of salad greens and mixtures, both light and hearty. Some especially suited salads include:
- Caesar salad – Parmesan crisps add a double dose of parmesan flavor.
- Wedge salad – Crisps provide crunch factor that complements the creamy dressing and cool iceberg lettuce.
- Caprese salad – The crisps harmonize with the traditional parmesan pairing.
- Greek or Italian salad – Feta and olives are nicely accented by the salty parmesan crisps.
- Spinach salad – Savory crisps balance lighter vinaigrettes on spinach.
Garnish your salad with a few parmesan crisps by gently tossing them in just before serving. You can also stud the salad with slightly larger crisps for textural interest.
Antipasto & Charcuterie
Parmesan crisps really shine when added to antipasto or charcuterie boards. Their flavor profile pairs perfectly with cured meats, olives, roasted veggies and all the other savory components. Some tasty combinations include:
- Prosciutto-wrapped crisps
- Crisps with goat cheese and roasted red peppers
- Drizzled with olive oil and topped with crushed red pepper flakes
- Served alongside marinated artichokes, mushrooms and grilled asparagus
- Stacked with slices of salami and rolled up pinwheels
When assembling a board, scatter parmesan crisps throughout so they can be enjoyed with any of the meats, cheeses or other ingredients.
Pasta
Parmesan crisps can add another layer of texture and cheesy flavor when crumbled on top of pasta dishes. Try them on:
- Spaghetti – Crisps mix nicely with a traditional tomato sauce.
- Mac and cheese – Extra crispy parm goodness!
- Lasagna – Crunch factor for layered lasagna.
- Pesto pasta – Salty crisps balance the herby pesto.
- Chicken parm – Of course! More parm is always better.
Garnish your pasta with crushed crisps or keep some larger shards whole for lovely crisp texture amidst all the soft noodles and sauce.
Snacking
On their own, parmesan crisps make for a tasty snack anytime. But you can also pair them with dips and other finger foods. Some snacking ideas:
- Pizza sauce or marinara for dipping
- Tapenade, olive spreads and nut butters
- Sliced fruits like apple and pear
- Hummus, baba ganoush or mixed olive dips
- Guacamole and salsa
Serve parmesan crisps alongside your favorite dips for easy snacking. You can also make snack mixes by adding small broken crisps to trail mixes and snack mixes.
Top Pairings Overview
Here is a quick table summarizing some of the best parings for parmesan crisps:
| Type of Food | Best Pairings |
|---|---|
| Soups | Tomato, broccoli cheese, chicken noodle, chowders |
| Salads | Caesar, wedge, Greek, caprese, spinach |
| Boards | Antipasto, charcuterie, meat, cheese, veggie |
| Pasta | Spaghetti, mac & cheese, lasagna, pesto |
| Snacks | Pizza sauce, tapenade, hummus, guacamole |
Recipes
To get you started, here are a few delicious recipes showcasing ways to serve parmesan crisps:
Parmesan Crisps with Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Croutons
Ingredients:
- 2 cups parmesan crisps
- 1 batch tomato soup
- 4 slices bread
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parmesan, grated
Instructions:
- Make parmesan crisps according to recipe of choice. Allow to cool and set aside.
- Make tomato soup according to favorite recipe. Heat soup gently when ready to serve.
- Brush bread slices with butter on both sides. Grill in skillet 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Rub grilled bread with garlic cloves. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with grated parmesan.
- Ladle tomato soup into bowls. Top with parmesan croutons and garnish with parmesan crisps.
Caprese Salad with Parmesan Crisp Croutons
Ingredients:
- 2 cups parmesan crisps, broken into pieces
- 1 batch caprese salad
- – Sliced tomatoes
- – Mozzarella
- – Basil
- – Olive oil
- – Balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Make caprese salad by layering sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Break parmesan crisps into crouton-sized pieces. Add to caprese salad and gently toss together.
- Top individual salad servings with a few extra whole parmesan crisps.
Parmesan Crisp “Nachos”
Ingredients:
- 1 cup parmesan crisps
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- Sliced black olives, jalapenos, etc.
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Instructions:
- Make parmesan crisps according to recipe.
- Pile crisps onto plate and top with shredded cheese. Bake 5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Remove from oven and top with olives, jalapenos, guacamole, salsa and sour cream.
Conclusion
Parmesan crisps are extremely versatile and make a fantastic addition to many dishes across cuisines. Whether you need a crunchy garnish for salads or soups, a savory snack for charcuterie boards, or extra cheesy topping for pastas, parmesan crisps are sure to be a hit. With their simple ingredient list and crispy texture, they’re easy to make at home too. Be sure to try them on top of your next soup or salad for a satisfying crunch in every bite.