This crunchy cheese snack resurrected my love for salty crisps without derailing a low-carb plan. I first made these during a busy weeknight when I needed something fast and satisfying for movie night. With three cheeses melting into little golden discs and a generous sprinkle of Everything but the Bagel seasoning, they deliver a toasty, savory bite that disappears within minutes. The texture is uniquely crisp at the edges and slightly tender in the center when warm, but become fully crunchy once cooled.

I discovered the recipe after experimenting with leftover cheeses in my fridge. It was one of those serendipitous kitchen wins: the combination of sharp cheddar for flavor, stretchy mozzarella for structure, and nutty parmesan for browning produced a snack that feels indulgent yet entirely appropriate for those following a low-carb plan. Family and friends asked for the recipe immediately, and I began to make batches for gatherings and simple afternoon pick-me-ups.

Ingredients

• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Use a sharp cheddar for pronounced flavor. Pre-shredded is convenient, but freshly shredded from a block (store brands like Cabot or Tillamook) melts more evenly and avoids anti-caking additives.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella helps create structure so chips hold together when cooling. Fresh ball mozzarella will make a wetter mixture and is not recommended.
• Parmesan cheese, finely grated (3/4 cup): Choose a dry, aged parmesan or pecorino for nuttiness and superior browning. A finely grated texture creates crisp edges quickly.
• Everything but the Bagel seasoning (1 tablespoon): This popular blend of sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and salt adds iconic savory notes. Trader Joes version is reliable, or use store brands labeled similarly.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare:Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Ensure the oven racks are centered to promote even browning. Parchment prevents sticking and makes removal simple.Combine the cheeses and seasoning:In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 3/4 cup finely grated parmesan. Add 1/2 tablespoon of the Everything but the Bagel seasoning and toss to distribute evenly. The partial seasoning in the mix helps the underside pick up flavor while baking.Portion the discs:Using a teaspoon, drop teaspoon-sized mounds of the cheese mixture onto the parchment, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Each mound should be compact to encourage even melting; you can lightly press the top to flatten slightly.Bake to golden crisp:Bake for 7 to 11 minutes. Watch the color closely starting at 7 minutes; the edges should turn deep golden brown and the centers slightly darker. For crispier chips, extend time toward 11 minutes but avoid burning the parmesan.Season and cool:Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of seasoning across the warm chips. Allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 to 10 minutes so they harden and release from the parchment cleanly. Transfer to a cooling rack to reach room temperature before serving.

Storage Tips

Store completely cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 to 48 hours to maintain crispness. For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze flat for up to three months. To reheat frozen chips, arrange on a sheet pan and warm at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes; do not use microwave as it will soften them. Use paper towels between layers only if condensation is a concern, but avoid plastic wrap directly on the chips to prevent moisture buildup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to swap cheeses, choose similar moisture and flavor profiles. Swap the cheddar for a sharp white cheddar or aged Gouda for a smokier note. If low-lactose is important, try an aged parmesan and aged cheddar as they are lower in lactose. For a vegetarian-friendly version ensure cheeses are made with microbial or vegetable rennet. If you prefer more structure, increase mozzarella slightly; for a crisper, increase parmesan by one to two tablespoons.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these as a snack on their own, as a crunchy contrast to a silky soup, or as an alternative to crackers on a cheese board. They pair particularly well with creamy dips, smoked salmon, and herbaceous spreads. Garnish with extra Everything seasoning, finely chopped chives, or a light smear of cream cheese to make elegant canapes. For a party, combine several flavors on one platter and label them for easy selection.

Cultural Background

Cheese crisps have roots in multiple cuisines where baked or fried cheese becomes a snack. This version borrows the popular Everything but the Bagel seasoning—an American seasoning blend that celebrates the textures and flavors of bagels. The method itself is simple and modern, inspired by low-carb movements that adapt traditional staples into high-fat, low-carbohydrate formats. It is a contemporary twist that retains the toasted sesame and garlic notes that many associate with classic New York bagels.

Seasonal Adaptations

In colder months add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to warm the flavor profile, or top with rosemary and a squeeze of lemon in spring for brightness. During holidays consider using a nutmeg-infused parmesan or a herbed cheddar to match seasonal dishes. These little additions only require a pinch and will both elevate the chips and make them feel special for seasonal gatherings.

Meal Prep Tips

For easy weeklong snacking, bake multiple trays at once and cool completely before packing into airtight containers. Line containers with a paper towel to absorb any residual moisture. Make small, single-serve packs in resealable bags for portable snacks. If planning to use as a salad topper, store separately and only add before serving to preserve crispness.

These cheese chips have become one of my most-requested snacks because they are fast, adaptable, and endlessly enjoyable. If you make them, watch closely the first time so you can dial in your ovens ideal timing. Share a tray with friends and notice how quickly they become a staple in simple gatherings.