If you’ve been searching for that perfect snack to satisfy your crunchy cravings while sneaking in a boost of protein, look no further than this Crunchy Chickpea Parmesan Crisps Recipe. These golden, crispy bites deliver an irresistible combo of nutty chickpeas, tangy ranch seasoning, and rich parmesan, baked to perfection. They are not only wildly addictive but also incredibly simple to make, bringing a fresh twist to everyday snacking that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you enjoy them straight from the oven or toss them on salads, these crisps will quickly become your new go-to treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crunchy Chickpea Parmesan Crisps Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of essential ingredients, each one plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture that work together like a dream.
- 15-oz can chickpeas: The star of the show, providing a hearty base that crisps beautifully when roasted.
- 1 tsp olive oil: Helps the chickpeas roast evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix: Brings a zesty, herb-filled kick that elevates every bite.
- 2 to 3 oz finely grated parmesan: Melts into a golden, crispy topping that adds a savory depth and crunch.
How to Make Crunchy Chickpea Parmesan Crisps Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chickpeas
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drain and thoroughly pat dry your chickpeas to ensure they roast crisp instead of steaming. Spread them out evenly on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, tossing gently so every chickpea is lightly coated. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 15 minutes until they start to turn beautifully golden and firm.
Step 2: Add the Flavor
Once the chickpeas are nicely crisped, remove the baking sheet from the oven without turning the oven off. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chickpeas, tossing them gently to coat every bit with that delicious mix of herbs and spices. Then, bunch your chickpeas close together on the pan for a tighter layer, and generously cover the top with finely grated parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Slide the pan back into your still-warm oven and bake for another 7 to 10 minutes. During this time, the parmesan melts and crisps into a golden, crunchy crust. Let your crisps cool completely on the baking sheet, allowing them to harden for that satisfyingly crunchy texture. Once cooled, break or cut them into pieces and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crunchy Chickpea Parmesan Crisps Recipe
Garnishes
These Crispy Chickpea Parmesan Crisps shine with just a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to brighten their flavor. A light dusting of lemon zest or cracked black pepper can also add a refreshing vibrancy that keeps you reaching for more.
Side Dishes
Pair these crisps with creamy dips such as hummus, guacamole, or a tangy yogurt-based dip to balance their crunch. They also make a fantastic crunchy element alongside hearty soups or fresh mixed salads, offering contrast in both flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by incorporating these crispy gems as toppers on pasta dishes or grain bowls for an exciting twist. You can even blend them into a crunchy coating for baked chicken or fish, giving a delightful parmesan-infused crust that’s both unexpected and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Crunchy Chickpea Parmesan Crisps Recipe on hand? No worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3 days. Just make sure they have cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
These crisps are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them for longer storage. Place the cooled crisps in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep well for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature, then refresh in the oven if you want that freshly-baked crunch back.
Reheating
To bring back that irresistible crispiness after storing, pop the crisps in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, and enjoy them warm and crunchy just like freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to soak and cook the dried chickpeas fully before roasting. Canned chickpeas work best for convenience since they’re already soft and just need drying before baking.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
No problem! You can easily substitute with a blend of garlic powder, dried dill, onion powder, salt, and a bit of paprika to mimic ranch flavors beautifully.
Is there a vegan alternative for the parmesan?
Yes, many brands offer vegan Parmesan-style cheese that melts well and adds a similar crispy texture. Nutritional yeast is another option to sprinkle on for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How do I make sure the chickpeas get crunchy and not soggy?
Patting the chickpeas completely dry before roasting is key to achieving that coveted crunch. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—spread them out evenly for the best results.
Can I make these chips spicier?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the ranch seasoning will give your crisps a delicious spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the parmesan.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the Crunchy Chickpea Parmesan Crisps Recipe that makes it perfect for snacking any time of day. The combination of crispy roasted chickpeas, zesty ranch seasoning, and melty parmesan creates a flavor and texture experience you won’t want to miss. Give this recipe a try—soon it will be the snack you can’t stop making and sharing with friends and family!
PrintCrunchy Chickpea Parmesan Crisps Recipe
Crunchy Chickpea Parmesan Crisps are a delicious and high-protein snack featuring crispy baked chickpeas coated with a flavorful ranch seasoning and topped with melted parmesan cheese. Perfect for snacking, adding crunch to salads, or enhancing a cheeseboard.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chickpeas
- 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained (425 g)
- 1 tsp olive oil (5 mL)
Seasoning & Cheese
- 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 2 to 3 oz finely grated parmesan cheese (55 to 85 g)
Instructions
- Prep Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drain and thoroughly pat dry the chickpeas to ensure they crisp nicely. Spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake Initial Crisp: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. This will begin to crisp up the chickpeas. Keep the oven on for the next steps.
- Add Flavors: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chickpeas, and toss to coat. Arrange the chickpeas close together in a single layer and generously cover them with the finely grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake with Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, until the parmesan is melted and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the chickpea parmesan crisps cool completely before breaking or cutting into pieces. Enjoy them as a crunchy snack, a topping for salads, or a flavorful addition to a cheeseboard.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute vegan Parmesan cheese to maintain similar texture and flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun spices, or cayenne pepper for varied flavor profiles.
- Store leftover crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
