Image: Low Carb Crackers

I originally made these cheese crackers because I wanted something crunchy to have with chicken soup.

I found a low-carb cracker recipe on DiabetesForum.com, but it used almonds, which I couldn't eat. So, as usual, I started experimenting. 😂

I ended up making my own incredibly simple version using mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. They were crispy, tasted great, and took only about a minute in the microwave.

Image: Grate any cheese of your choice, sprinkle 5 piles on baking sheet
My very scientific measurement for that first batch? I grated the cheese for 16 strokes and guessed it was about two ounces. 😂 Fortunately, I eventually figured out that about a tablespoon of mozzarella per cracker worked just fine.

Ingredients

  • 5 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese, approximately 1 tbsp per cracker
  • 1¼ tsp grated Parmesan cheese, approximately ¼ tsp per cracker
  • Garlic salt or other seasoning, optional

Directions

  1. Image: finished crackers
    Cover a microwave-safe plate with parchment paper.
  2. Divide the mozzarella into 5 small piles, using approximately 1 tablespoon for each.
  3. Sprinkle each pile with approximately ¼ teaspoon Parmesan.
  4. Add a very light sprinkle of garlic salt or your favorite seasoning, if desired.
  5. Microwave for approximately 1 minute, or until the cheese has melted and begun to crisp.
  6. Allow the crackers to cool before removing them from the parchment. They'll firm up as they cool.

IMPORTANT: Use parchment paper, NOT wax paper. I learned that wax paper sticks and makes a horrible mess! 😂
Looking for tiny cheese puffs instead? I also make an even simpler version using pieces of sliced mozzarella. Those puff up into about 16 bite-sized crackers.

Original calculated nutrition per cracker:
Approximately 36 calories | 3g fat | 0g carbohydrates | 3g protein

My original calculation showed 0g carbs using the cheese brands I had at the time. Nutrition varies by brand, and some cheeses may contain small amounts of carbohydrate.

Photo credit: Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
All rights reserved

Shopping List:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Garlic salt or favorite seasoning
  • Parchment paper

    • TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION
    300 15-Minute Low-Carb Recipes300 15-Minute Low-Carb Recipes
    Hundreds of Delicious Meals That Let You Live Your Low-Carb Lifestyle and Never Look Back
    -- Eat well, stay fit, and maintain your low-carb diet with these 300 delicious and easy recipes that can be made in 15 minutes or less from start to finish. Simple and speedy cooking methods will lead you to a fabulous finished product every time.

    Studies show that low-carbohydrate dieting works to take weight off and improve cholesterol. But 300 15-Minute Low-Carb Recipes proves that low-carb doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor and taste. All of these low-carb recipes by bestselling author Dana Carpender will provide you and your family with delicious, nutritious, and filling meals that will keep you feeling healthy and leave your stomach stuffed.

    Image: Low Carb Blueberry Muffin

    Need a quick low-carb breakfast or lunch? This blueberry mug muffin takes about five minutes from start to finish and cooks right in the microwave.

    I used ground flaxseed instead of flour, making it naturally gluten-free and nut-free. The result is a light, moist muffin that's surprisingly filling.

    And yes, it really does rise right up out of the mug while it's cooking! Don't panic. 😂 It settles back down when it's finished.

    I used to make this even faster by preparing several batches of the dry ingredients at once and keeping them in small containers in the fridge. Then whenever I wanted a muffin, I could grab one, add the wet ingredients and blueberries, and have lunch ready in moments.

    Recipe details

    Servings: 1 muffin
    Prep & Cook Time: About 5 minutes
    Microwave Time: 99 seconds
    Net Carbs: Approximately 6.4g per muffin
    Contains: Egg, coconut
    Made without: Wheat, gluten, dairy, soy or nuts*

    Always check individual ingredient labels if you're avoiding specific allergens.

    If you watch the muffin cooking in the microwave, you will see it rise up past the cup

    Ingredients

    Dry Ingredients

    • 3 tbsp ground flaxseed
    • 1/2 tsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp cinnamon

    Wet Ingredients

    • 1 large egg
    • 1 tbsp coconut oil
    • 1/2 tsp vanilla
    • 1 tbsp blueberries

    Preparation:
  • Place the coconut oil in a large microwave-safe coffee mug and microwave for about 20 seconds, or until melted.
  • Add the ground flaxseed, baking powder, and cinnamon.
  • Add the egg, vanilla, and blueberries, and mix thoroughly.
  • Microwave for approximately 99 seconds. Microwave wattages vary, so cooking time may need to be adjusted.
  • Don't be alarmed if the muffin rises above the top of the mug while cooking. It should settle back down afterward. This is why I recommend using a large mug!
  • Let it cool briefly. The muffin should release easily from the mug.
  • Eat it straight from the mug or turn it out, slice it into 5 or 6 pieces, and serve with your favorite spread.

    • I usually prepare five batches of the dry ingredients at once ahead of timeMAKE IT EVEN FASTER

    I used to prepare five batches of the dry ingredients at once. I'd make one muffin immediately and store the other four dry mixtures separately in small containers in the refrigerator.

    When I wanted another muffin, most of the measuring was already done. Just add the dry mixture to your mug with the wet ingredients and blueberries, and you're ready to go!



    Original calculated nutrition per muffin:
    434 calories | 34.3g fat | 20.6g carbohydrates | 14.2g fiber | 15.4g protein | 6.4g net carbs

    Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

    Photo credit: Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
    All rights reserved

    Shopping List:
    • Bob's Red Mill Ground Golden Flaxseed Meal
    • Baking Powder, Gluten Free, Sodium Free
    • Extra Select Korintje Cassia Cinnamon
    • Extra Virgin Coconut Oil by Garden of Life
    • Wilton Clear Vanilla

    TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
    500 Low-Carb Recipes: 500 Recipes from Snacks to Dessert, That the Whole Family Will Love500 Low-Carb Recipes: 500 Recipes from Snacks to Dessert, That the Whole Family Will Love
    -- One of the toughest challenges of any diet is having enough variety and choices to keep the dieter from losing interest. The most common reason that people abandon their diet is boredom, but 500 LOW CARB RECIPES: 500 Recipes, From Snacks to Dessert, That the Whole Family Will Love by Dana Carpender has more than enough recipes to keep even the most finicky dieter on track.

    With recipes for everything, including hors d'oeuvres, snacks, breads, muffins, side dishes, entrees, cookies, cakes, and much more, this is an endless supply for creating meals for the whole family night after night. Whether everyone in the family is on a diet or not, these recipes are proven winners with adults and kids alike.
    Image: Cheese Puff Crackers

    These easy low-carb cheese puff crackers may be the simplest snack you'll ever make. All you need is a slice of cheese, parchment paper, and a microwave!

    I originally came across the idea while looking at low-carb cracker recipes and couldn't believe how simple it was. Cut one slice of mozzarella into 16 little pieces, microwave them until they puff and crisp, and you've got homemade cheese crackers!

    They're great when you get the munchies, alongside soup or salad, or whenever you want something crunchy. One slice of cheese makes about 16 crackers, with approximately 0.1g net carbs per cracker based on the cheese I used.

    I used to make a batch in the morning whenever my cracker container was getting empty. They're that easy!

    Servings: 1, about 16 crackers
    Prep Time: 1 minute
    Cook Time: About 45 seconds
    Net Carbs: Approximately 0.1g per cracker
    Contains: Dairy
    Made without: Wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, nuts, or added sugar*

    Always check the ingredient label on your cheese if you're avoiding specific allergens or ingredients.

    Directions:

    1. Cut one slice of mozzarella cheese in half, then continue cutting each piece in half until you have approximately 16 small pieces.
    2. Arrange the cheese pieces in a circle on parchment paper, leaving a little room between them. Do not use wax paper, as it can melt or stick.
    3. Leave the center empty because a piece placed there may cook faster and burn.
    4. Microwave for approximately 45 seconds, or until the cheese has puffed and is beginning to brown. Microwave times can vary, so watch them closely the first time.
    5. Let the crackers cool completely, then peel them from the parchment paper. They'll become crispier as they cool.
    6. Enjoy immediately or store in a covered container.

    Optional: Sprinkle the cheese with your favorite seasoning before microwaving. I tried garlic salt and loved it!

    Place cheese pieces in a circle on parchment paper
    Nutrition information from the mozzarella cheese I originally used:

    Per cracker: approximately 4 calories and 0.1g carbs
    Entire 16-cracker batch: approximately 60 calories and 2g carbs

    Nutrition will vary depending on the brand and type of cheese used. Check your package for the most accurate information.

    Photo credit: Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
    All rights reserved
    Shopping List:
  • Sliced mozzarella cheese
  • Parchment paper
  • Optional seasonings
  • Microwave-safe plate
    • TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
    Eating Stella Style: Low-Carb Recipes for Healthy LivingEating Stella Style: Low-Carb Recipes for Healthy Living
    -- Eating Stella Style is really about mouthwatering recipes: How does a Hot Ham and Cheese Egg Roll sound for breakfast?

    Or Strawberry and Mascarpone Cream Crêpes, Stella Style Baked Eggs Benedict, or Coconut Macaroon Muffins?

    For lunch or dinner, choose Grilled Portabella and Montrachet Salad, Wood-Grilled Oysters with Dill Butter, Kim's Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemony White Wine Sauce, Shaved Zucchini Parmesan Salad, or Spaghetti Squash with Clams Provençal Sauce.

    Satisfy your snack cravings with Better Cheddar Cheese Crisps, Devilish Deviled Eggs with Tuna, or Cheesy Pecan Cookies. And for dessert, try Pumpkin Pound Cake, Lemon Meringue Pie, Honeydew and Blackberry Granita, or Chocolate Pecan Truffles.

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