Save My roommate challenged me to make something crispy and cheesy that didn't require a full grocery haul, and I remembered these plain rice cakes sitting in the pantry. Stacking them with melted cheese seemed absurdly simple, but when they came out of the oven golden and bubbling, I understood why she'd been skeptical—it actually worked. Now I make them whenever I need something fast that feels intentional enough to serve to people.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
I brought a batch to a late-night study session and watched everyone abandon whatever they were doing to eat them warm. That's when I realized these weren't just a pantry-raid solution—they were genuinely the kind of thing people remember and ask you to make again.
Ingredients
- Rice Cakes (8 round plain): The foundation that gets crispy at the edges; look for unseasoned ones so you control all the flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese (200g shredded): This melts smoothly and creates those golden, stretchy layers that make the whole thing work.
- Parmesan Cheese (100g grated): Brings salty, umami depth and helps the top brown faster than mozzarella alone ever could.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Brushed on top, it helps everything crisp and adds richness.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): The herb that makes this taste intentional rather than just melted cheese on a bland base.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Works quietly in the background to deepen savory notes.
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): A small amount goes a long way in seasoning.
- Chili Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For a whisper of heat that complements cheese perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp chopped): The final garnish that makes them look like you actually planned this dish.
Instructions
- Get Everything Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks and cleanup stays simple. Have all your ingredients measured and within arm's reach—this comes together fast.
- Build Your Base Layer:
- Arrange 4 rice cakes on the baking sheet and sprinkle each one generously with mozzarella and a light dusting of parmesan. Don't be shy; this is where the flavor starts.
- Make the Stacks:
- Top each cheese-covered rice cake with another rice cake and press down gently so they hold together. Brush the entire top surface with olive oil to help browning.
- Season the Crown:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheeses across the top, then add oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili flakes if you want a subtle kick. The seasoning should look deliberately scattered, not all in one spot.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide the baking sheet into the oven for 15–20 minutes, watching for the moment when the cheese turns golden and the edges of the rice cakes start to crisp. You'll know it's done when bubbling cheese has turned from pale to golden brown.
- Finish and Serve:
- Let them cool for just a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then scatter fresh parsley over the top. Serve warm, ideally with something to dip them in.
Save The best compliment came from my dad, who called them 'fancy junk food' and then ate four of them. That's when I knew I'd invented something that felt indulgent without pretending to be something it's not.
Variations Worth Trying
I've slipped roasted red pepper between the layers, and it added brightness without overwhelming the cheese. A thin tomato slice works too, though the rice cakes will soften slightly—which isn't bad, just different. Some people swear by smoked cheese or a cheddar-mozzarella blend, and both directions take the savory depth somewhere new.
What to Serve With Them
These are complete on their own, but I've found they shine next to something with acidity and flavor. A quick marinara or pesto turns them into something you'd serve at a gathering, while a sprinkle of flaky salt and fresh herbs makes them feel like you planned a snack board.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers keep in an airtight container for three days, and they reheat beautifully in a 180°C (350°F) oven for five minutes until the cheese softens again. You can also prep the stacks an hour or two ahead of baking, covering them until you're ready to brush and bake.
- Assemble stacks on the baking sheet in advance and cover loosely with plastic wrap until baking time.
- Brushing the oil and seasoning right before baking keeps flavors fresher and browned edges crisper.
- Let them cool just one minute before serving so they're still warm and the cheese hasn't hardened completely.
Save These stacks are proof that sometimes the best food ideas come from working with what's already in your kitchen. They've become my go-to when I need something fast that still tastes like you cared.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheese types work best for stacking?
Mozzarella and parmesan offer great meltability and flavor, but blends including cheddar or smoked cheese also work well to vary taste and texture.
- → How can I achieve a crispier texture?
Brushing olive oil on top before baking and ensuring proper oven temperature helps create a golden crispy crust while melting the cheese within.
- → Can I add extra fillings between the rice cake layers?
Yes, adding slices of tomato or roasted red pepper between layers enhances flavor and moisture, adding more depth to the stacks.
- → What seasonings complement these stacks?
Dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional chili flakes provide a balanced savory note without overpowering the cheesy richness.
- → Are these stacks suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they use vegetarian-friendly ingredients such as cheese and rice cakes without any meat or animal-derived rennet.