Oven Baked Cheesy Pasta Chips are crispy bites that are super fun to eat! Made with pasta and lots of melted cheese, they are a tasty snack or appetizer that everyone will love.
These chips are so easy to make; just bake and snack away! I love enjoying them while watching a movie. Seriously, who can resist cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Mafaldine is beautiful and has fun waves, but you can use any small pasta shape like penne or farfalle. Short pasta helps achieve that chip-like texture as they crisp up nicely.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings great flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a different taste. Combining different cheeses can create a richer flavor!
Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or leave it out altogether. It may change the texture slightly, but they’ll still taste great!
Seasonings: The garlic and onion powder add taste, but you can switch things up with Italian herbs or your favorite spices. Experimenting with flavors makes cooking fun!
How Can I Make Sure My Pasta Chips Are Crispy?
Getting crispy pasta chips right can be tricky, but it’s all about the prep! Start by cooking your pasta just until al dente. If the pasta is too soft, it won’t crisp well in the oven.
- Don’t skip rinsing the pasta; it stops the cooking process and removes excess starch that makes them sticky.
- When mixing with cheese, make sure every piece is coated evenly. This ensures they bake uniformly!
- Spread the pasta out in a single layer on the baking sheet—don’t crowd them. Space allows for air circulation, promoting crispiness.
- Keep an eye on the oven; every oven is different, so start checking at 12 minutes to prevent burning!
Oven Baked Cheesy Pasta Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta Chips:
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) uncooked mafaldine or ruffled-edge pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the baking sheets
For Dipping:
- Marinara or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting your cheesy pasta chips ready will take about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 20 minutes of baking. Including cooking the pasta, the total time for this delicious snack is around 30-35 minutes. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook it until it’s just al dente—1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. This keeps the pasta firm. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop further cooking. Don’t forget to pat it dry with paper towels so they don’t stick together!
2. Preheat the Oven:
While the pasta is cooling, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help your pasta chips crisp up nicely. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and give them a light spray with cooking oil.
3. Prepare the Cheesy Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looks creamy.
4. Mix Pasta With Cheese:
Now it’s time to add the dry pasta to the cheesy mixture. Gently toss the pasta in the bowl until every piece is coated evenly with that delicious, cheesy goodness!
5. Arrange Pasta Chips:
Spread the coated pasta pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Try to leave some space between the pieces so they can crisp up perfectly without sticking together.
6. Bake:
Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes or until the pasta chips are golden brown and crispy around the edges. It’s a good idea to check them around the 12-minute mark to ensure they don’t burn, as every oven is a bit different.
7. Cool:
Once they are baked to crispy perfection, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. They will become even crunchier as they cool down!
8. Serve:
Transfer your pasta chips to a serving plate. If you like, you can sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top and add finely chopped chives for a pop of color. Serve them alongside marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for a fun snack or appetizer.
Enjoy your crispy, savory, cheesy pasta chips as a delightful treat! You won’t be able to stop at just one!
Can I Use Different Shapes of Pasta?
Absolutely! While mafaldine or ruffled-edge pasta works great, you can use any small pasta shape like penne or farfalle. Just make sure they’re small enough to crisp up nicely!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if they lose crispness, you can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to revive them!
Can I Make These Cheesy Pasta Chips Spicier?
Of course! If you want to add some heat, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with your seasonings. It’s a delicious way to spice things up!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with These Chips?
Marinara is a classic choice that complements the cheesy flavor perfectly! You could also serve them with ranch dressing, guacamole, or even a spicy cheese dip for added flavor.
