Hey, Y’all! Let’s Make Magic in the Kitchen
Well, butter my biscuits and call me impressed! If you’re anything like me, there are days when nothing hits the spot like something crave-worthy crunchy. But when you’re living that low-carb life—whether it’s keto, gluten-free, or just chasing energy—finding a snack that’s both delicious and guilt-free can feel like hunting for crawfish in January. That’s where these little bites of joy come in. Picture this: the bold, savory punch of everything bagel seasoning hugging not one, not two, but three kinds of cheese, baked into crispy, dippable perfection. They’re ready faster than a Mardi Gras parade rolls down Bourbon Street (just 15 minutes!), and trust me, they vanish just as quick. I whipped these up during a wild lunch rush at Martine’s when a regular begged for “something crunchy without the carbs.” One bite, and the whole kitchen crew descended like seagulls on a beignet. Now? They’re our secret weapon for snack attacks. So tie on your apron, cher—we’re making Keto Everything Bagel Cheese Chips that’ll make your taste buds dance zydeco!
Nana’s Cheese Crisps & My Cajun “Aha!” Moment
Y’all ever have a food memory that sticks to your ribs like good gumbo? Mine’s sitting on a wobbly stool in my grandma’s steamy New Orleans kitchen, watching her fry leftover cheese scraps into salty, lacy crisps. She’d wink and say, “Waste not, want not, chère.” Fast-forward 20 years: I’m in my restaurant kitchen, craving that childhood crunch but needing it keto-friendly. I’d been experimenting with bagel seasoning—that addictive blend of sesame, garlic, and poppy seeds we Louisianans adore—when inspiration struck like a thunderclap over the bayou. “What if I smother Nana’s cheese crisps in everything seasoning?” I tossed cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan together, sprinkled that magic dust, and baked ’em. The first tray? Pure gold. My sous-chef Carlos snagged one and yelled, “Dios mío, Jefa! These are everything!” We high-fived over the oven. Now, every time that garlicky scent fills my kitchen, I feel Nana’s sassy spirit nodding in approval.
Gather Your Flavor Soldiers 🛒
Simple ingredients, big personality—just like my hometown! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese » Chef’s insight: Sharp cheddar gives that bayou-worthy kick! Swap in pepper jack for heat.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella » Why? It melts like a dream! Low-moisture part-skim works, but full-fat keeps it keto-perfect.
- ¾ cup grated parmesan » Secret weapon! The salty umami bomb. Freshly grated melts smoother than pre-bagged.
- 1 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning » Don’t have store-bought? Mix 2 tsp sesame seeds, 1 tsp each poppy seeds & dried garlic/onion, ½ tsp salt!
Pro tip from my kitchen: Always shred your own cheese if you can! Pre-shredded bags contain starch to prevent clumping, which can make chips slightly chewy. But hey—if you’re in a hurry, I won’t tell Nana! 😉
Let’s Bake Some Joy 👩🍳
Ready to make crunch happen? Follow these steps (and my sassy commentary!):
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. » Why parchment? No sticking, easy cleanup! Silicone mats are reusable—great for the planet.
- In a bowl, combine all three cheeses. » Channel your inner jazz musician—mix gently! Overworking melts the cheese too soon. We want fluffy mounds, not a sticky ball.
- Scoop small mounds (about 1 tbsp each) onto the baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. » Hack alert! Use a melon baller for uniform chips. Too close? They’ll hold hands and become a “cheese sheet.” Not cute!
- Gently flatten each mound. » Press with a spoon or fingertip—thin is IN for crispiness! Aim for nickel-thickness.
- Sprinkle generously with bagel seasoning. » Don’t be shy! This is the flavor crown. Tip: Sprinkle from high up for even coverage.
- Bake 7-10 minutes until bubbly and golden. » Watch like a hawk after 7 minutes! Edges should be lace-crisp. Rotate pan halfway for even browning.
- Let cool completely on the pan. » PATIENCE, CHER! Cooling = crisping. Sneak one early? It’ll bend like a sad trombone.
Hot kitchen gossip: If your oven runs hot, bake at 350°F. Burnt cheese is a crime in NOLA! 🚨
Serving Up the Crunch 🎉
These chips are social butterflies! Pile ’em high in a mason jar (rustic charm!) or fan out on a vintage plate. At Martine’s, we serve them with cool, creamy dips to contrast the salt—think avocado crema or Cajun-spiked sour cream. Toss ’em on salads for instant crunch, crush over gumbo instead of crackers, or just grab a handful with a cold Abita beer. Feeling fancy? Add a lemon wedge garnish. But honestly? Most guests just hover by the kitchen door, begging for “just one more!”
Shake It Up, Sugar! 🔄
Once you master the basics, jazz it up! Here are my fave twists:
- Spicy Cajun: Swap bagel seasoning for 1 tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp Slap Ya Mama spice mix. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
- Pizza Party: Add 1 tsp dried oregano + garlic powder to cheese mix. Post-bake, dot with mini pepperoni.
- Herb Garden Delight: Mix in 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme. Elegant with champagne!
- Dairy-Free Hack: Use vegan cheddar/mozzarella shreds + nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Big Chip Energy: Make 4 large chips, top with smoked salmon & cream cheese for keto “bagels.”
Kitchen Confessions & Evolution 🗝️
Alright, pull up a stool… real talk time. The first batch I ever made? I was so excited I dumped ALL the seasoning into the cheese mix. Big mistake! The salt drew out moisture, and they baked into puddles. My crew still calls them “Hannah’s Cheese Puddles.” 😂 Now I know: seasoning goes on top only! Over the years, I’ve tweaked the cheese ratios—more parm for crispness, less mozzarella to avoid chew. And here’s a secret: I sometimes add a whisper of smoked paprika to the mix. It gives that backnote of bourbon-barrel smokiness NOLA adores. These chips have graced everything from Mardi Gras parties to my best friend’s divorce “celebration.” (Her ex hated keto. More for us!)
Your Questions, My Sassy Answers 💁♀️
Q: Help! My chips spread into one big blob. What did I do wrong?
A> Sugar, you likely overfilled your mounds! Use a measured tablespoon scoop, and leave 1.5 inches between them. Also, ensure your cheese is cold when mixing—warm cheese melts too fast.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese? It’s so much easier!
A> Bless your busy heart—yes! But know this: pre-shredded cheese has potato starch to prevent clumping. Your chips might be slightly less crisp. If using it, bake 1-2 minutes longer and let them cool EXTRA long.
Q: Why aren’t my chips crispy? They’re bendy like tape measures!
A> Two culprits: 1) You peeked too soon! Let them cool 15 mins minimum on the pan. 2) Oven temp’s off. Grab an oven thermometer—$5 at the hardware store. Life-changing!
Q: How long do these stay fresh? My husband keeps hiding them…
A> 😂 Store in an airtight container at room temp 3-4 days. If they soften (unlikely—they never last!), re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 3 mins.
Nutritional Per Chip (Makes ~20) 📊
Calories: 80 | Fat: 7g | Net Carbs: <1g | Protein: 5g | Sugar: 0g | Fiber: 0g
Note: Values are estimates. Want lower calories? Make 30 smaller chips!
⏱ Prep: 5 min | ⏱ Cook: 10 min | 🍽 Total: 15 min | 🧂 Makes: ~20 chips
Print
Keto Everything Bagel Cheese Chips
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 chips 1x
Description
These cheese chips are everything—literally! Packed with bold flavor from “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning and three kinds of cheese, they’re the ultimate low-carb snack. Ready in minutes, they’re great for dipping, topping, or munching straight from the tray.
Ingredients
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Everything but the Bagel seasoning
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a bowl, combine all three cheeses. Scoop small mounds (about 1 tbsp each) onto the baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart.
Gently flatten each mound and sprinkle with bagel seasoning.
Bake for 7–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let cool on the pan to crisp up before serving.
Notes
Salty, crunchy, and keto-perfect—these cheese chips are your new go-to snack attack solution!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 80 per serving
- Sugar: 0g per serving
- Fat: 7g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 1g per serving
- Fiber: 0g per serving
- Protein: 5g per serving
Final Thoughts: Where Crunch Meets Cajun Charm
There’s something magical about turning three humble cheeses and a sprinkle of seasoning into a crunchy masterpiece—and when that magic comes with Cajun flair and keto confidence? Baby, you’ve got a winner. These Keto Everything Bagel Cheese Chips aren’t just a snack—they’re a vibe. Quick enough for chaotic weekdays, flavorful enough for party trays, and nostalgic enough to channel Nana’s kitchen warmth.
Whether you’re tossing them into lunchboxes, pairing them with cocktails, or devouring them solo while hiding from your kids in the pantry (we don’t judge!), these cheesy crisps are your new secret weapon. They prove that low-carb doesn’t have to mean low-fun. And remember: every bite is a little love letter from New Orleans—bold, beautiful, and just a lil’ bit sassy.
