Kale Chips Recipe

Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chips that still satisfy your crunchy snack cravings?

Look no further than kale chips! They’re crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, making them the perfect guilt-free snack.

Whether you’re craving something to munch on during movie night or need a light, crispy topping for your salad, these kale chips will not disappoint you.

Let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of kale (about 6 cups of kale leaves)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• Salt, to taste

• Optional: Nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)

• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice (for extra zest)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature will allow your kale to crisp up without burning.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the chips don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Kale

Wash the kale thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. After rinsing, pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

This step is crucial—if your kale is too wet, it won’t crisp up properly.

Once your kale is dry, remove the tough stems from each leaf. The best way to do this is by folding the kale in half and pulling the stem out with your fingers.

Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. You can make them as big or small as you like but try to keep them relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Massage the Kale with Olive Oil

Place the kale pieces into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and then toss the kale to coat it evenly.

Massage the kale with your hands for about 1-2 minutes to help the oil really get into the leaves. This will help make the chips extra crispy!

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Once the kale is nicely coated in olive oil, sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.

Toss the kale again to make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. If you like a cheesy flavor, feel free to add some nutritional yeast at this stage.

Step 5: Bake the Kale Chips

Spread the kale out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd the leaves—this will allow them to crisp up properly.

If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure an even bake.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as kale chips can go from crispy to burnt quickly.

After about 10 minutes, check for doneness—once the edges of the kale start turning golden brown and crispy, they’re ready. If some leaves are still soft, give them a few more minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once your kale chips are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes.

This will help them crisp up even more as they cool down. If you like a little extra zing, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over them before serving.

Serve them as a snack, or sprinkle them over your salads, soups, or grain bowls for a crunchy topping!

Customizing Your Kale Chips

Kale chips are incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with the flavors. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Spicy Kale Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

• Lemon and Dill: For a refreshing flavor, sprinkle some dried dill and a bit of lemon zest on the kale before baking.

• Cheesy Kale Chips: If you’re looking for a dairy-free cheesy flavor, try adding more nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan.

• Herbed Kale Chips: Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano for an herb-packed version.

Final Thoughts

These crispy kale chips are the perfect snack when you want something crunchy without the guilt.

They’re simple, nutritious, and packed with flavor. Best of all, you can customize them however you like!

Once you try making kale chips at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought ones. So, grab a bunch of kale, and get ready for a snack you’ll feel good about! Enjoy!💖👇🍽🍒