Cottage Cheese Chips

Cottage Cheese Chips are a fun and healthy snack that combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the crispiness of baked chips. These chips are essentially baked cottage cheese crisps, a great alternative to traditional chips if you’re looking for a high-protein, low-carb snack. You can flavor them however you like, and they make for a great addition to your snack repertoire!

Here’s a simple recipe for making Cottage Cheese Chips:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (or low-fat, depending on your preference)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/2 cup almond flour (or oat flour if preferred)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh or dried herbs (optional: thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
• Olive oil spray (for greasing the baking sheet)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix the Dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, grated parmesan (if using), and almond flour.
2. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture forms a thick dough-like consistency.
3. If you like, you can mix in some fresh or dried herbs for extra flavor (e.g., rosemary, thyme, or parsley).

3. Shape the Chips:

1. Take small spoonfuls of the dough and roll them into balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
2. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten them with the back of a spoon to form thin discs. Try to make them as evenly sized as possible so they bake evenly.

4. Bake the Chips:

1. Spray the tops of the flattened chips lightly with olive oil spray. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the chips are firm to the touch. Keep a close eye on them as baking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the chips.
3. For extra crispiness, you can flip the chips halfway through baking (about 7-8 minutes) to ensure even crisping on both sides.

5. Cool and Serve:

1. Once the chips are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
2. Serve immediately as a snack, or store them in an airtight container for up to a few days.

Tips and Variations:

• Flavor Variations: You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat, or experiment with different dried herbs like oregano or dill.
• Cheese Options: For a cheesier flavor, you can add more grated parmesan or use other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.
• Low-Carb: If you’re following a keto or low-carb diet, almond flour is a great choice. You can also try flaxseed meal or coconut flour as substitutes for the almond flour.
• Thicker Chips: If you prefer thicker chips, flatten the dough balls less. Just keep in mind they may take a little longer to bake.
• Dipping: These chips are fantastic for dipping! Try pairing them with salsa, guacamole, or a creamy yogurt dip.

These Cottage Cheese Chips are a delicious, nutritious alternative to regular chips, packed with protein and flavor. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for satisfying that crunchy snack craving in a healthier way! Enjoy!