Appenzeller Cheese Crisps

Delicate, lacy cheese crisps made with Appenzeller and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses, fried to golden perfection. These crispy treats feature a delightful combination of Swiss and Italian cheeses in a beer batter for a unique appetizer or garnish.

6 servings
1 hr 14 min

Ingredients

  • cup whole milk
  • ¼ pound Appenzeller cheese
  • ½ ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • cup beer
  • 1 quart vegetable oil
  • 1 piece squeeze bottle with thermometer

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring milk just to a boil over moderate heat in a 3-quart heavy saucepan and remove from heat. Whisk in cheeses until melted, then cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

    2 min

  3. 3.

    Stir eggs and beer into cheese mixture, then stir into flour mixture until combined. Force batter through a medium-mesh sieve into a 2-quart measure or bowl and let stand, uncovered, 30 minutes.

    35 min

  4. 4.

    Transfer batter to squeeze bottle.

    2 min

  5. 5.

    Heat oil in a deep 10-inch heavy skillet (preferably cast-iron) until thermometer registers 320°F. Working very quickly, squeeze batter into hot oil in loose swirls to form 4 (2 1/2-inch) lacy rounds, then fry, turning over once, until golden, about 1 minute total. (Rounds will expand to about 3 inches as they cook.) Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain in 1 layer. Make more crisps in same manner. Serve warm or at room temperature.

    20 min

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