Cheesy Onion Crisps are the perfect crunchy, savory snack when you’re craving something salty but want to keep it low-carb.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, they bake up with crispy edges and cheesy centers that are hard to resist.
The onions caramelize in the oven for bold flavor, and the cheese adds that melty goodness we all love. Great for snacking, topping salads, or pairing with soup, these crisps are quick to make, gluten-free, and totally kid-approved.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Onion Crisps are fast, flavorful, and super satisfying. They offer the crunch of chips and the deep, savory flavor of caramelized onions, all in one tidy little bite.
They take only minutes to prepare and bake in about 15–20 minutes. Plus, you can use them in so many ways—serve them on a charcuterie board, pack them in lunchboxes, or enjoy them as a low-carb crouton on top of soups and salads.
They’re a great snack for anyone following a gluten-free, low-carb, or keto lifestyle—and picky eaters will love them too!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of choice)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white preferred)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Pro Tips
- Chop onions very finely to prevent large pieces from making the crisps too chunky.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Space crisps evenly—they will spread as the cheese melts.
- Let them cool completely before removing from the pan; they crisp up more as they sit.
- Add flavor variations like jalapeño, everything bagel seasoning, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or mini food processor
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Spatula
Substitutions & Variations
Cheese Options: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Add Protein: Mix in bacon bits or shredded chicken for a heartier version.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well (texture may vary).
Herb Swap: Try thyme or chives instead of parsley for a different twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep onion and cheese mixture up to 1 day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Bake and cool crisps, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness—just a few minutes at 375°F works great.
- Make a double batch—these go fast!
How to Make Cheesy Onion Crisps
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Finely chop your onions and combine with shredded cheese, garlic powder, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 2: Form the Crisps
Spoon small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) of the mixture onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Gently flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are deep golden brown and bubbly. Watch carefully toward the end to avoid burning.
Step 4: Cool
Remove from the oven and let the crisps cool completely on the tray—this helps them firm up and become truly crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully lift the crisps off the tray with a spatula. Serve immediately, or garnish with parsley and pair with your favorite dipping sauce.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To re-crisp, warm in the oven or air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 375°F.
- Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch.
- Great for lunchboxes—just pack with a small container of dip!
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese works well, especially cheddar or a cheddar blend. Just make sure it’s a variety that melts nicely. Avoid soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella, which may not crisp up as well.
2. Do I have to cook the onions before mixing them in?
No need! The onions caramelize as the crisps bake. Just be sure to chop them finely so they soften and blend into the cheese without making the crisps too bulky.
3. Can I make these crisps ahead of time?
Absolutely. Bake and cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
4. What’s the best way to reheat them?
Place crisps in a preheated 375°F oven or air fryer for 3–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy rather than crisp.
5. Can I freeze these crisps?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as they may lose their texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh or store short-term in the fridge and re-crisp as needed.
Crunchy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing
These Cheesy Onion Crisps are the ultimate homemade snack—easy, low-carb, and outrageously good.
Whether you serve them with soup, as a topping for salads, or straight off the baking tray, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
You’ll love how quickly they come together and how easily they adapt to whatever flavors you’re craving.
Tried it? Leave a comment and let me know your favorite seasoning or dip combo—I’d love to hear how you made these crisps your own!