When it comes to browned cheese, it is a punishable offense to wash any dish before every morsel of the toasty bits have been peeled off and savored. Each New Year's Eve, we get together with our dear friends to ring in the coming year. The traditionalists in the group (I am admittedly one of the worst) insist upon our customary meal of cheese fondue - at least two large, bubbling pots. An evening of lively conversation inevitable turns into tipsy revelry and fondue games - if the bread on your skewer is knocked off, turn and give the person next to you a quick smooch (unless said person is your spouse, in which case the smooch can be as involved as you please). Seating arrangements are made with great forethought.

Once the last of the cheese fondue has been sopped up, a little gem of culinary goodness is left resting on the bottom of each post. The croûte. Ahh, the croûte. At our table, you have to be quick if you want a taste of this golden layer of cheese. And, really, we're not shy about the whole thing. We stand around the pot, chiseling out the remains of our celebration meal, licking our fingers and groaning in approval.

In an effort to recreate the pleasure of that ritual feast, I made some Parmesan cheese cups, forming them in muffin tins and filled them with a lightly dressed spinach salad. The pretty presentation belies the ease of the recipe.

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup (packed) finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, and 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour.

Heat a small, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Be sure the pan is fully heated before adding the cheese. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan mixture into a 4-inch circle in the middle of the skillet.

Cook until the circle starts to hold together as you lift it off of the pan and the bottom is starting to brown, about 1 minute. Using an offset spatula, lift the circle of cheese from the pan and flip to the other side. Cook for an additional 15 seconds. Gently press the circle into a muffin tin. Repeat with the remaining cheese, to make a total of 8 cheese cups.

Let the cheese cups cool completely in the muffin tin. When ready to use, carefully lift them out of the tin.

In a small skillet set over medium heat, lightly toast 2 tablespoons slivered almonds. Watch them carefully so that they don't burn!

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (packed) spinach leaves, torn into small pieces, the toasted almonds, and a simple vinaigrette made of 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Only use enough vinaigrette to lightly dress the spinach.

Place the cheese cups on a serving platter and gently fill with the salad. Top each salad serving with a fresh strawberry slice. Serve immediately.

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Crispy Parmesan Cheese Salad Cups Recipe

These Parmesan cheese salad cups are formed in muffin tins. Fill them with a lightly dressed spinach salad for a unique side dish.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizers, Salads

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Healthy Appetizers

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 35

Servings: Servings

Calories: 201kcal

Author: Dara Michalski | Cookin' Canuck

Ingredients

1 cup packed Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 cup packed spinach leaves, torn into small pieces
2 tablespoons slivered almonds lightly toasted
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 large strawberries cut into quarters

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, rosemary, and flour.
Heat a small, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Be sure the pan is fully heated before adding the cheese. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan mixture into a 4-inch circle in the middle of the skillet. Cook until the circle starts to hold together as you lift it off of the pan and the bottom is starting to brown, about 1 minute.
Using an offset spatula, lift the circle of cheese from the pan and flip to the other side. Cook for an additional 15 seconds. Gently press the circle into a muffin tin. Repeat with the remaining cheese, to make a total of 8 cheese cups. Let the cheese cups cool completely in the muffin tin. When ready to use, carefully lift them out of the tin.
In a medium bowl, combine spinach, toasted almonds, and a simple vinaigrette made of the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Only use enough vinaigrette to lightly dress the spinach.
Place the cheese cups on a serving platter and gently fill with the salad. Top each salad serving with a fresh strawberry slice. Serve immediately.