Kale chips are a healthy and crunchy snack that’s incredibly easy to make at home. They’re a great alternative to potato chips, offering all the satisfying crispiness but with way more nutrients. Whether you’re looking for something to snack on or a light side dish, these homemade kale chips are simple, affordable, and full of flavor. Plus, you can season them however you like, making them a versatile choice for anyone craving something healthy and tasty.
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 25mins |
History of Kale Chips Recipe
Kale chips became popular in the early 2000s, as part of the larger movement toward healthy, plant-based eating. Kale itself has been a staple vegetable for centuries, but turning it into chips is a relatively new trend. As more people looked for ways to enjoy nutritious snacks, kale chips emerged as a favorite among health-conscious eaters. Their light, crispy texture and ease of preparation made them a go-to snack for those seeking healthier alternatives.
Why Kale Chips Recipe
Kale chips are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Kale is known for being a superfood, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber and antioxidants. Baking kale into chips retains many of these nutrients while offering a guilt-free way to satisfy your snack cravings. Plus, kale chips are easy to customize with your favorite seasonings, making them both nutritious and flavorful.
What is Kale Chips Made of?
Kale chips are made with just a few simple ingredients:
- Kale: The star of the show. You can use curly kale or lacinato (dinosaur) kale.
- Olive oil: Helps the kale crisp up in the oven.
- Seasoning: A pinch of salt and any other spices or seasonings you like—garlic powder, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast are all great options.
What to Have with Kale Chips Recipe
Kale chips make a great snack on their own, but you can also pair them with:
- Dips: Serve with hummus, guacamole, or a light yogurt dip for a more filling snack.
- Sandwiches: They can be a crunchy side to your favorite sandwich.
- Soup: A handful of kale chips can be a perfect crunchy topping for creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash.
Is Kale Chips Healthy?
Yes! Kale chips are very healthy, especially compared to traditional potato chips. Kale is packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, and it’s low in calories. When baked with just a little olive oil, kale chips are a great way to get your greens in without sacrificing flavor. However, be mindful of the amount of oil and salt you use, as too much can increase the calorie content.
Kitchen Equipment
- Baking sheet: A large, flat baking sheet to spread the kale out evenly.
- Parchment paper: This helps prevent the chips from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Mixing bowl: For tossing the kale with oil and seasoning.
- Salad spinner or paper towels: To dry the kale leaves after washing.
- Tongs: For flipping the kale during baking.
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch of kale (about 6-8 cups of torn leaves)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast for added flavor
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the kale: Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. It’s important to get rid of any moisture to help the chips crisp up. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Season the kale: In a large mixing bowl, toss the kale with olive oil and salt, making sure all the leaves are evenly coated. You can add additional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika if desired.
- Spread on a baking sheet: Spread the kale leaves out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overlapping to allow them to crisp up evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking and flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The kale chips are done when they’re crispy but not browned.
- Cool and serve: Let the chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They will crisp up even more as they cool.
Tips
- Dry the kale thoroughly: Any excess water can cause the kale to steam instead of crisping up.
- Low and slow: Baking at a lower temperature for a longer time helps the kale crisp without burning.
- Season after baking: If you’re adding any delicate seasonings like nutritional yeast, add them after the chips are baked to prevent them from burning.
- Storage: Store leftover kale chips in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to keep them crispy.
Conclusion
Kale chips are an easy, healthy, and delicious snack that you can make right at home. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a crispy, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional chips. Whether you’re looking for a snack or a crunchy side dish, kale chips are a perfect option for anyone wanting to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
MORE RECIPES
The Best Kale Chips Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Salad spinner or paper towels
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch of kale (about 6-8 cups of torn leaves)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast for added flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the kale thoroughly. It’s important to get rid of any moisture to help the chips crisp up. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the kale with olive oil and salt, making sure all the leaves are evenly coated. You can add additional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika if desired.
- Spread the kale leaves out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overlapping to allow them to crisp up evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, checking and flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The kale chips are done when they’re crispy but not browned.
- Let the chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving. They will crisp up even more as they cool.