If you are looking for a savory, crunchy snack that satisfies your cravings without the heavy batter, these Parmesan Onion Ring Chips are the perfect solution. They combine the natural sweetness of roasted onions with a salty, crispy parmesan crust for a delicious treat that is ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you need a quick appetizer or a low-carb alternative to potato chips, this simple recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation. First and foremost, it is Low Carb. This recipe offers the perfect snack or side dish experience without the extra carbohydrates found in traditional breaded onion rings or potato chips.
It is also Incredibly Easy to prepare. If you can slice an onion, you can master these chips. With just a few minutes of prep and a quick bake in the oven, you have a gourmet-style snack ready to go. Additionally, this recipe is Naturally Gluten-Free, making it a safe and delicious option for anyone following a gluten-free lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 1 medium white onion (large white onions work best)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to ensure the cheese does not stick.
- Prepare the Base: Sprinkle exactly half of your shredded parmesan cheese evenly across the parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Slice and Layer: Slice your white onion into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place these onion slices in a single layer directly on top of the parmesan cheese.
- Season: Sprinkle the black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly over the onion rings. Lightly spray or brush each onion ring with the olive oil.
- Top with Cheese: Add the remaining half of the parmesan cheese over the top of the onions, ensuring each ring is well-covered.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You are looking for a deep golden brown color and a crispy texture.
- Slice and Serve: Once removed from the oven, let them cool for a minute or two, then use a pizza cutter or knife to break them into individual chips.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
For the best results, use a block of parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. While pre-shredded cheese works, freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and often has a superior flavor.
If you want perfectly uniform onion slices, use a mandolin. This ensures every chip cooks at the exact same rate, though you should always use a hand guard for safety.
Always use parchment paper rather than just greasing the pan. The cheese creates a “lace” as it bakes, and parchment paper allows you to lift the entire sheet of chips off easily without breaking them prematurely.
Variations & Substitutions
If you want to add a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This creates a “spicy parmesan” profile that pairs beautifully with the sweet onions.
For those who love a bit of “stretch” in their snacks, you can mix the top layer of parmesan with mozzarella cheese. This will result in a slightly chewier, more decadent texture while still maintaining the crispy edges from the parmesan.
You can also apply this same method to other vegetables. Smashed broccoli, zucchini slices, or even thin potato rounds can be baked between layers of parmesan for a variety of crispy vegetable chips.
Serving Suggestions
These Parmesan Onion Ring Chips are delicious on their own, but they truly shine when paired with a great dipping sauce. A Sriracha Aioli is highly recommended. Simply whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, one tablespoon of sriracha, and a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
They also make a fantastic topping for burgers or salads, providing a concentrated burst of onion and cheese flavor and an extra crunch.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage: You can keep any leftover chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Note that they may lose some crispness while chilled.
Freezing: These chips can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag with layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To bring back the crunch, avoid the microwave. Instead, place the chips back on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and sizzling.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 242 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 21g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 909mg |
| Fiber | 0.4g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Parmesan Onion Ring Chips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper to ensure the cheese does not stick.
- Sprinkle exactly half of your shredded parmesan cheese evenly across the parchment-lined sheet pan.12 ounces parmesan cheese
- Slice your white onion into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place these onion slices in a single layer directly on top of the parmesan cheese.1 medium white onion
- Sprinkle the black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly over the onion rings. Lightly spray or brush each onion ring with the olive oil.1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
- Add the remaining half of the parmesan cheese over the top of the onions, ensuring each ring is well-covered.12 ounces parmesan cheese
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You are looking for a deep golden brown color and a crispy texture.
- Once removed from the oven, let them cool for a minute or two, then use a pizza cutter or knife to break them into individual chips.
Notes
FAQ
What should I do if my parmesan chips aren’t crispy?
If your chips are still soft after 20 minutes, they likely need a little more time. Try leaving them in for another 2-3 minutes. If they still aren’t browning, turn on the broiler for 1 minute, but watch them very closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Can I use yellow onions instead of white onions?
Yes, yellow onions or even Vidalia onions will work. Yellow onions are slightly more pungent, while Vidalia onions are sweeter. Keep in mind that smaller onions will result in smaller individual chips.
Do I need to peel the onion first?
Yes, ensure you remove the papery outer skin and the first tough layer of the onion before slicing it into rounds for the best texture.