Great Gerts
Great Gerts are crispy, cheesy treats with a savory flavor, perfect for snacking or serving as party appetizers. Their tender cheese and buttery texture combined with the crunch of Rice Krispies make them appealing to cheese lovers and those who enjoy quick, crowd-pleasing bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine and grated sharp cheese together.
- Add salt, flour, and Rice Krispies to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Pinch off small bits of the mixture with your fingers.
- Press each piece flat with a fork dipped in cold water.
- Place the prepared pieces on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If sharp cheese is too intense for your taste, feel free to substitute with a milder cheese like cheddar. To enhance the texture, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a little kick. Make sure the fork used for flattening is dipped in cold water to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful treats are perfect for serving at gatherings or as a snack alongside soups or salads. They pair beautifully with a refreshing dip, such as ranch or a spicy salsa. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a hearty bowl of Glorified (Heavenly) Rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Great Gerts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Gerts contains roughly 571 calories, with 6g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2341mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheese adds a distinctive flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for extra spice. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly depending on the cheese chosen.
How can I make these gluten-free?
To make Great Gerts gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, particularly the Rice Krispies, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I freeze these before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the formed pieces before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer, just add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).