- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to allow easy removal after baking. Cheese can stick, so this step is crucial. 
- Take your Parmigiano-Reggiano and grate it finely. The finer the cheese, the better the crisps will hold together. You want a light, airy feeling in the mix. 
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper. If you’re feeling adventurous, add the optional lemon zest and garlic powder. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. 
- Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each spoonful. They will spread as they bake. Flatten each mound slightly for even baking. 
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! 
- Once they are baked, remove the crisps from the oven. Allow them to cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes. This step is important as they will firm up as they cool. 
- After they’ve cooled completely, serve them on a platter. If you reserved some fresh thyme, sprinkle it on top as a lovely finishing touch.