This recipe began as a quick answer to late night snack cravings and became a staple in my kitchen. I discovered the idea while rifling through the fridge and pantry on a busy afternoon, wanting something crunchy and savory that would not derail a low carb plan. Mixing three kinds of cheese with a bold seasoning blend created a tiny, golden crisp that satisfied every salty, crunchy urge. The texture is brittle yet slightly tender at the center when fresh from the oven, and the Everything but the Bagel seasoning lifts the flavor with toasted sesame, sea salt, and onion notes that make these impossible to stop eating.

I remember the first time I shared these at a small gathering and watched people reach for seconds without asking what was in them. The trio of cheeses gives depth, the baking method is forgiving, and the whole process takes under 15 minutes from start to finish. These are ideal for an afternoon nibble, a party appetizer, or a simple accompaniment to a bowl of soup. Because they are naturally low carb and gluten free, they fit a variety of dietary needs and serve as a reliable snack when you want something homemade and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup: Choose a sharp variety for pronounced flavor. A finely shredded aged cheddar melts and browns well, adding a nutty depth. I often use Cabot or a good supermarket sharp cheddar.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup: Use low moisture mozzarella, shredded fresh from a block. It contributes stretch and gives a milder, creamy balance to the sharp cheddar.
• Grated parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup: Use real Parmigiano Reggiano or high quality grated parmesan, not the powdery shaker style. Parmesan brings umami and helps create a crisp, deeply flavored edge.
• Everything but the Bagel seasoning, 1 tablespoon: This blend of sesame, poppy, garlic, onion and salt defines the flavor. If you cannot find the jarred mix, make your own with toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic and onion, and coarse salt.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a rimmed pan keeps the parchment flat and contains any melted cheese that spreads. Place the oven rack in the center position for even browning. Combine cheeses and seasoning: In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 3 4 cup grated parmesan with 1 2 tablespoon of the Everything seasoning. Mixing the cheeses ensures every spoonful has a balance of flavors. The smaller the parmesan pieces, the better they melt into the mix. Portion the chips: Using a teaspoon sized scoop, drop rounded teaspoons of the cheese mixture onto the prepared parchment, spacing each about 1 to 2 inches apart. The cheese will spread slightly, so leave room. For best results, keep each mound fairly even in size, about 1 teaspoon per chip. Bake until golden: Bake for 7 to 11 minutes depending on your oven and how dark you like them. Watch closely from minute 6, as the edges are the first to brown. The chips are done when the centers look set and the edges are a medium golden brown. Finish and cool: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 1 2 tablespoon of seasoning over the warm chips. Let them rest on the sheet pan for 5 to 10 minutes so they harden, then transfer to a cooling rack or plate to cool completely before serving. Cooling avoids sogginess and gives them their crisp snap.

Storage Tips

To keep the crisp texture, cool the chips completely before storing. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any residual moisture. They keep at room temperature for up to 3 days and remain crunchy. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a tray for two hours, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To re-crisp from frozen, bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely so they do not burn. Avoid storing in the fridge as that can introduce moisture and soften the edges.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have all three cheeses, you can substitute with similar melting cheeses. For example, swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack for a slightly tangy, creamier chip. If you need a sharper profile, increase the proportion of cheddar. For a dairy free alternative, try a commercial vegan shredded cheese that melts, though texture will differ and browning behavior changes. If you do not have Everything but the Bagel seasoning, combine toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse sea salt, and dried minced garlic and onion in equal parts to taste. Changing ratios will alter crispness and flavor intensity, so test a small batch first.

Serving Suggestions

These hold up well as a topping for soups, substitutes for crackers on a cheese board, or scoops for guacamole and dip. Serve them with a smear of herbed cream cheese, a dollop of salsa, or alongside sliced cured meats and olives. For presentation, arrange on a wooden board with small bowls of dip and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top of the chips. They are great for casual gatherings, wine nights, and as a crunchy element in a composed salad where you would normally add croutons.

Cultural Background

While cheese crisps are not tied to a single traditional cuisine, they reflect a contemporary home cooking trend of transforming pantry staples into snacks that are both flavorful and low carb. The Everything but the Bagel seasoning emerged from modern spice blends that celebrate textured seeds and aromatics, inspired by bagel toppings popular in American delis. Combining bold seasoning with baked cheese creates a cross between classic savory baking and modern ketogenic adaptations, showing how simple ingredients can be adapted into creative bites.

Seasonal Adaptations

In cooler months, pair these with a warm bowl of tomato basil soup for a satisfying contrast of crunchy and velvety textures. In summer, use lighter cheeses and add fresh herb sprinkles after baking, such as chopped chives or dill. For holiday variations, try a dusting of smoked paprika for a festive color or fold in finely chopped roasted peppers for a savory twist. Adjust seasoning intensity depending on the season and accompanying dishes to maintain balance.

Meal Prep Tips

Make a double batch at the beginning of the week and store half for snacking through the week, packing them in small containers for quick portable bites. If meal prepping for lunches, separate chips from dips until serving to prevent sogginess. Label frozen portions with date and contents, and when reheating from frozen, use a low oven temperature to re-crisp without burning. Because they are quick to prepare, these are a perfect addition to a meal prep plan that favors convenience and flavor.

These chips are a lovely example of how minimal ingredients and a short bake time can produce something memorable. Share them around the table, experiment with seasonings, and make the recipe your own. The joy is in the crunch and the simple pleasure of a homemade snack that feels special.