Frico
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This classic Italian frico is a simple yet sophisticated vegetarian snack made from just one ingredient. By delicately baking finely grated Parmesan or Grana Padano, the cheese transforms into lacy, golden crisps with a deep, savoury flavour. They offer a satisfying crunch that makes them an excellent alternative to traditional crisps or a gluten-free addition to a contemporary grazing board.
Quick to prepare and incredibly versatile, these homemade cheese crisps can be enjoyed flat or moulded into elegant shapes while still warm. Try rolling them into delicate tuiles to garnish a creamy risotto or shaping them into small cups to hold a fresh Mediterranean salad. They are perfect for entertaining guests or adding a professional touch to your favourite starters.
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Ingredients for Frico
16 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese
A silicone baking mat (such as a Silpat)
How to make Frico
Back to contentsPreheat oven to 191°C. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with silicone mat.
Working in 2 batches, scoop 8 mounds of finely grated Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese (1 tablespoon per mound) onto mat, spreading each mound about 3" wide and spacing at least 1" apart.
Bake cheese until light brown and melted, 5-6 minutes (check occasionally while baking so it won't turn too brown). Remove sheet from oven and let frico cool completely. (To shape frico, leave baking sheet in oven with door open; use a small offset spatula to remove frico one at a time, working quickly to shape. To form tuile-like shapes, gently roll warm frico around the handle of a wooden spoon. To form cups, press onto the bottom and up the sides of a mini muffin pan. Keep frico warm until ready to mold; it hardens quickly as it cools.)
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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