01 -
First things first, you gotta drain that cottage cheese, hon! Place it in a fine-mesh sieve or a colander lined with cheesecloth. Press gently with the back of a spoon to get rid of as much liquid as possible. This step is CRITICAL for truly crispy cottage cheese chips, trust me. I skipped it once, and ended up with sad, chewy disks. We want crunch, people!
02 -
Transfer your well-drained cottage cheese to a medium bowl. Add the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it's really well combined. I like to use a spatula and make sure every little curd gets coated. This is where the magic starts to happen, flavor-wise. Don't be shy, get in there and mix!
03 -
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is non-negotiable, otherwise, they *will* stick. Scoop spoonfuls of the seasoned cottage cheese mixture onto the parchment and spread them into thin, even circles or irregular chip shapes. The thinner you spread them, the crispier your chips will be. I usually aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Don't overcrowd the sheet!
04 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slide that baking sheet into the hot oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. Keep a close eye on them after the 20-minute mark! You're looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a firm, slightly crispy texture. Ovens vary, so your timing might be a bit different than mine. This is where I often get distracted and almost burn the edges, so set a timer!
05 -
If you want extra crispy cottage cheese chips, gently flip them over halfway through the baking time. This helps both sides get that even golden crisp. Sometimes I skip this if I'm feeling lazy, and they're still good, but flipping really takes them to the next level. Use a thin spatula for this; they can be delicate when hot.
06 -
Once they're beautifully golden and look crispy, take them out of the oven. Here’s the secret: let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They'll continue to crisp up as they cool. Seriously, resist the urge to eat them hot and soft! That cooling time is essential for maximum crunch. Once cool, sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning or fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy your super crispy snack!