If you think kale is just for salads, think again! Kale chips are a crunchy, tasty snack that'll have you hooked in no time. You can whip up a batch in your kitchen and experiment with flavors like spicy sriracha or cheesy nutritional yeast. Trust me, these aren't your average leafy greens. Ready to find out how to make these delicious snacks? Let's plunge into the five best kale chips recipes you'll love!
Classic Sea Salt Kale Chips
Classic Sea Salt Kale Chips are a delicious and healthy snack option that can easily be made at home. These crispy treats are perfect for satisfying your cravings while providing a wealth of nutrients. The process is simple: just a few ingredients and a bit of time in the oven will transform fresh kale leaves into a crunchy, salty delight.
Whether you enjoy them on their own or as a topping for soups and salads, these kale chips are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh kale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse the kale under cold water and dry thoroughly with a salad spinner or paper towels. Remove the stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, toss the kale with olive oil and sea salt until evenly coated. Spread the kale in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the leaves are slightly browned. Be sure to check them frequently to avoid burning.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure your kale is completely dry before adding oil and salt, as moisture can prevent them from becoming crispy.
You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder or nutritional yeast, for added flavor.
Store any leftover kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crunchy. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite variations!
Spicy Sriracha Kale Chips
Spicy Sriracha kale chips are a delightful and healthy snack that packs a punch of flavor. These crispy, crunchy bites aren't only easy to make but also satisfy your craving for something savory and spicy. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a party appetizer, these kale chips are made with fresh kale and a zesty Sriracha sauce that gives them a fiery kick.
Let's explore making this addictive treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of fresh kale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves, removing the thick stems and tearing the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, Sriracha sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the kale to the bowl and toss until the leaves are evenly coated with the spicy mixture.
Spread the kale in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are crispy but not burnt.
Keep an eye on them as they can quickly go from crispy to charred!
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure to dry the kale leaves completely after washing, as excess moisture can prevent them from getting crispy.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Sriracha used or add a touch of honey to balance the heat.
Experiment with additional spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container, but be aware that they're best enjoyed fresh, as they can lose their crunch over time.
Enjoy your spicy Sriracha kale chips!
Cheesy Nutritional Yeast Kale Chips
Cheesy nutritional yeast kale chips are a delicious and healthy snack that satisfies your cravings for something crunchy and cheesy without the guilt. The nutritional yeast gives these chips a cheesy flavor while keeping them entirely plant-based.
They're perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or as a crunchy addition to salads and bowls. Plus, they're easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of kale (curly or Lacinato)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). While the oven is heating, wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves. Remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, toss the kale with olive oil, making sure all the leaves are coated. Sprinkle the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt over the kale, and toss again until evenly distributed.
Spread the seasoned kale in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the kale is crispy, flipping the leaves halfway through for even cooking.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure the kale is completely dry before adding oil and seasonings; excess moisture can prevent the chips from becoming crispy.
Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking. If you can't finish the chips in one sitting, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, although they're best enjoyed fresh.
Garlic and Herb Kale Chips
Garlic and herb kale chips are a deliciously crunchy snack that combines the rich flavors of garlic and a variety of herbs, transforming the nutritious kale into a satisfying treat. These chips aren't only easy to make but also provide a healthy alternative to traditional snacks.
Perfect for parties, movie nights, or simply as a guilt-free nibble, you'll be amazed at how simple it's to bring this delightful recipe to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of kale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse and thoroughly dry the kale leaves, removing the tough stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the kale and toss well to guarantee each piece is evenly coated.
Spread the kale leaves in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're crisp but not burnt. Keep an eye on them as they can quickly go from perfectly crispy to overdone.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice before baking or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Make sure to check on the kale chips frequently while baking, as they can vary in cooking time depending on your oven and the thickness of the leaves. If you're making a large batch, it might be best to bake them in batches to avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Enjoy your homemade garlic and herb kale chips fresh out of the oven for the best texture!
Sweet and Savory Maple Kale Chips
Sweet and savory maple kale chips are a delicious and nutritious snack that can easily satisfy your cravings for something crunchy.
These chips are made by baking kale leaves until they become crispy and then drizzling them with a blend of maple syrup and seasonings, which adds a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the kale.
Whether you enjoy them as a healthy snack or as a side dish, these kale chips are sure to please your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of kale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Wash and thoroughly dry the kale leaves, removing the tough stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
Pour the mixture over the kale and massage it into the leaves until they're evenly coated.
Spread the kale in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and slightly browned.
Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure to dry the kale leaves thoroughly after washing them, as excess moisture can lead to soggy chips.
If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider baking the chips in batches to avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet.
Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations, such as nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Store any leftover kale chips in an airtight container to maintain their crispness, but enjoy them fresh for the best flavor!