Frico: Parmesan Cheese Crackers (gluten-free)



One of the wonderful little antipasto inventions is the frico from the northeastern region of Italy known as Friuli-Venezia Giulia. A frico is nothing more than a crisp-fried cheese wafer made with grated cheese. Even though it is simple, it can be bit tricky to make. Once you have made one successfully, it does seem so easy. Traditionally, the cheese used for making it is a three-month-old Montasio, a cow’s milk cheese with a buttery, creamy taste that melts very well. Traditionally, frico is cooked in a skillet. The difficult part of making a crisp frico, what is called locally frico croccante, is knowing when to remove the wafer from the pan. If it cooks too long and becomes too golden brown, it will become bitter. Therefore, a more fail-safe way to cook it is in the oven on parchment or a silicone baking sheet. Montasio cheese can be found in cheese stores and gourmet markets. If you cannot find it, you can try using freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grating from a large not-dried-out chunk. I use Parmesan. Most importantly, the cheese used for frico should be very low moisture and not too salty. Frico can be easily shaped while right out of the oven while, still warm and malleable, for a cup for fillings. I personally like it as a garnish to a soup or salad.

Ingredients:
• 1 pound Montasio, Asagio, or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated more coarse
• Robust herbs of your choice such as oregano, rosemary, thyme either dry or fresh (optional)
• Fresh ground black pepper (optional)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a cooking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet. Use a round cookie cutter as a guide to put in the grated cheese. Allow about 1 inch between the frico. Put a thin, even layer of grated cheese in each round. If you would like, sprinkle a small amount of herbs on the frico. Remember, the dried herbs will have a more concentrated flavor than the fresh herbs. Per your preference, grate a small amount of black pepper on, too. Place in oven. Carefully watch. Remove from oven once they start to turn a gold color, about 3-5 minutes, depending how much moisture is in the cheese.

The frico will be flexible while it is still hot, and if you drape it over a glass or bottle to cool and firm up you will obtain a cup or basket. Then it is a perfect container for an antipasto. Make sure whatever you use does not contain too much moisture.

Makes about 30 frico
Total time: 10-15 minutes

-Erin Swing
Swing Eats

This is part of Food Network's Sensational Sides Food Fest. Check out The FN Dish. The spring food we're focusing on here are cheesy sides. On twitter, we're tagging #SensationalSides. Here are other delicious recipes to cheese up your life:


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