Crispy Parmesan and Onion Crackers

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If you’re looking for a crunchy, cheesy snack that’s packed with flavor and easy to make, this crispy parmesan and onion crackers recipe is a must-try.  With just a few simple ingredients, it creates a crispy texture and the perfect balance of salty cheese and sweet, caramelized onion.  These crackers are perfect for cheese boards, party platters, or just guilt-free snacking straight from the baking sheet. No flour, no eggs—just fresh flavor and a whole lot of crunch.

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Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan and Onion Crackers

• About 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (adjust depending on your baking sheet size)
• 1 to 2 onions (red onion or sweet yellow onions work great)
• Avocado oil spray (or oil of your choice)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Optional for extra flavor: onion powder, bagel seasoning, fresh chives, fresh herbs, or even nutritional yeast.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – A small or medium one works best for even baking
• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze
• Mandolin slicer – For slicing onions super thin (a sharp knife can work too, but a mandolin gives more even slices)
• Avocado oil spray – Or any oil spray you prefer for a light coating
• Measuring cup – To portion out the shredded parmesan
• Paper towel – Handy for blotting any excess moisture after baking
• Airtight container – For storing your crackers so they stay crisp

Instructions for Making Crispy Parmesan and Onion Crackers

Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing your pan inside—this helps create that perfect crispy texture. If your oven tends to run hot or cool, consider using an oven thermometer for the most accurate results.

Line Pan

Grab a small or medium baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step is key—parchment prevents the cheese from sticking and makes cleanup much easier. You don’t need to grease the parchment since the cheese has enough natural oil.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the parchment-lined sheet. You want a thin, even layer that covers most of the pan, but avoid overloading it. Using too much cheese can lead to uneven baking, while too little may result in fragile crackers that fall apart.

Slice Onion

Using a mandolin, thinly slice 1 to 2 onions. Red onion adds a slightly sweet, bold flavor and gives the crackers a beautiful color, but yellow or white onions work well too. Slicing them as thinly as possible is important—they’ll bake faster and crisp up better. If you don’t have a mandolin, a very sharp knife will do in a pinch.

Spread Onion

Gently separate the onion slices and spread them across the layer of parmesan. Try to avoid large clusters or overlapping too much, as that can trap excess moisture and prevent the crackers from getting crispy. Even spacing helps everything bake consistently.

Spray and Season

Lightly spray the top of the onions with avocado oil. This adds a touch of richness and helps everything brown and crisp in the oven. Then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also sprinkle on extras like onion powder, bagel seasoning, or fresh herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them toward the end—edges should be golden and the onions should start to look caramelized. If needed, rotate the pan halfway through baking for even crisping.

Cool Down

Once the crackers are done baking, let them cool on the baking sheet at room temperature. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Avoid moving them too soon, or they might fall apart before they’ve set completely.

Blot if Needed

If you notice any visible oil or moisture sitting on top of the crackers, gently dab with a clean paper towel. This helps preserve their crispy texture and keeps them tasting fresh longer.

Store

Once fully cooled, transfer your crackers to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for several days—just be sure they’re completely dry before sealing them up.

Serving Suggestions

These crackers are delicious on their own, but they’re also amazing with dips. Try them with softened cream cheese, an easy dip made from sour cream and fresh herbs, or even a spread made in a food processor with cottage cheese and red peppers. Want something bold? Pair them with blue cheese for a flavor combination that really stands out.

Final Thoughts

These crispy parmesan and onion crackers check all the boxes: simple, fast, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re building a party platter, looking for easy ways to jazz up snack time, or just craving something homemade and savory, this recipe is one you’ll come back to over and over.

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