Save to Pinterest I was standing in my kitchen one Saturday afternoon, staring at a bag of rice cakes I'd bought for a healthy snack phase that never quite took off. They sat there, bland and forgotten, until I opened the fridge and saw a block of mozzarella begging to be used. What if I could make them crispy and cheesy, like a savory little tower? I grabbed the cheese, preheated the oven, and started stacking. Twenty minutes later, I had golden, bubbly stacks that crackled when I bit into them.
The first time I served these at a casual dinner, my friend picked one up cautiously, unsure what to expect from a rice cake. After the first bite, she grabbed two more and asked for the recipe before she even finished chewing. We ended up making another batch that night, laughing as we experimented with different cheeses and seasonings. It became our go-to snack whenever we needed something quick, warm, and a little indulgent without much effort.
Ingredients
- Rice Cakes: Use plain round ones for the best stacking and texture, they crisp up beautifully in the oven and hold the cheese without getting soggy.
- Mozzarella Cheese: This melts into stretchy, gooey layers that bind the stacks together, and shredding it yourself from a block gives you better melt and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick and helps the tops turn golden and slightly crispy, freshly grated works best for even coverage.
- Olive Oil: Brushing it on the tops helps everything brown and adds a hint of richness that balances the cheese.
- Dried Oregano: Brings a warm, herby note that makes these taste like little pizza stacks.
- Garlic Powder: A small amount goes a long way, giving the stacks a savory depth without overpowering the cheese.
- Black Pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Chili Flakes: Optional, but they add a gentle heat that wakes up the whole bite if you like a little spice.
- Fresh Parsley: A quick sprinkle at the end adds color and a fresh, bright finish to balance the richness.
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks. This step makes cleanup easy and ensures even crisping.
- Build the Base Layer:
- Arrange 4 rice cakes on the sheet, then sprinkle each one generously with mozzarella and a little parmesan. Press the cheese down gently so it sticks to the surface.
- Stack and Seal:
- Place another rice cake on top of each base, pressing down gently to create a neat stack. This helps the layers fuse together as the cheese melts.
- Add the Toppings:
- Brush the tops with olive oil, then sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella, parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili flakes if using. The oil helps everything turn golden and crispy.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching as the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown. The rice cakes will crisp up and the edges will get deliciously crunchy.
- Cool and Garnish:
- Let the stacks cool for a minute or two so the cheese sets slightly, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. They are best enjoyed warm and a little gooey.
Save to Pinterest One evening, I made these for myself as a quick dinner after a long day, and the smell of melting cheese and oregano filled my tiny kitchen. I sat on the floor with the baking sheet on my lap, pulling apart the stacks and watching the cheese stretch between the layers. It was simple, a little silly, but it felt like exactly what I needed in that moment.
Choosing Your Cheese
Mozzarella is the star here because it melts beautifully and creates those satisfying cheese pulls, but you can mix in other cheeses for different flavors. Smoked mozzarella adds a deeper, almost barbecue-like taste, while cheddar brings sharpness and a richer golden color. I once used a blend of fontina and gruyere, and the stacks turned creamy and nutty, almost like a fancy grilled cheese. Just make sure at least half of your cheese is a good melter, or the stacks will not hold together properly.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
These stacks are wonderful on their own, but dipping them in marinara or pesto takes them to another level. The acidity of tomato sauce cuts through the richness, while pesto adds a fresh, herby brightness that makes each bite feel lighter. I have also served them alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, and the contrast between crispy, cheesy stacks and fresh greens felt just right. They work as a snack, a side dish, or even a light meal if you make a double batch.
Customizing Your Stacks
Once you have the basic method down, you can layer in all kinds of extras between the rice cakes. A slice of tomato or roasted red pepper adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, while a few fresh basil leaves bring an herby punch. I have tucked thin slices of prosciutto between the layers for a salty, savory twist, and once I spread a little pesto on the bottom rice cake before adding the cheese. The beauty of this recipe is that it is forgiving and flexible, so feel free to experiment with whatever sounds good to you.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm, slightly smoky flavor.
- Swap the parsley for fresh basil or chives for a different herby finish.
- If you like heat, drizzle a little hot honey over the finished stacks for a sweet and spicy kick.
Save to Pinterest These crispy rice cake cheese stacks have become one of my favorite things to make when I want something satisfying without much fuss. They are warm, cheesy, and just a little indulgent, and they always disappear faster than I expect.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these ahead and reheat them?
Yes, you can assemble the stacks a few hours in advance and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for optimal crispiness. Leftover stacks can be reheated in a 180°C oven for 5-8 minutes.
- → What cheese works best for this dish?
Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates those characteristic stretchy layers, while parmesan adds sharp flavor and helps with browning. You can experiment with smoked varieties or cheddar blends for different flavor profiles.
- → How do I prevent the rice cakes from getting soggy?
Keep the oven temperature at 200°C or higher to ensure the rice cakes crisp up properly. Avoid over-brushing with oil and don't add wet toppings like fresh tomato before baking—add them after if desired.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Absolutely. Try adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions between layers. You can also sprinkle Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, or everything bagel seasoning for variety.
- → Is this suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this is completely vegetarian. It's made entirely from plant-based oils, grains, and dairy cheese. Ensure your rice cakes and cheese are certified vegetarian if that's important to you.
- → How long do these stay fresh?
Best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, though they keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven rather than microwave to restore crispiness.