Kale Chips Recipe
Kale chips are the perfect snack for those looking to enjoy a crunchy, savory treat without the guilt. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform hearty kale leaves into light, crispy chips that pack a flavorful punch. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a standalone snack, or a crunchy topping for your favorite dishes, kale chips offer a versatile and delicious option.
Ingredients and Measurements
To make delicious kale chips, you’ll need just a few ingredients: 1/3 cup of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to crisp the kale, 8 ounces of curly kale for its sturdy texture, and a scant 1/4 teaspoon of fine grain sea salt to enhance the flavor. The quantities are flexible, so don’t worry if you have a little more or less kale—just be sure to coat every leaf evenly with oil and seasoning for the best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, arranging the racks in the top and bottom sections of the oven. This will allow for even baking across all the kale leaves.
Start by stripping the kale leaves from their tough central stalks and tearing them into bite-sized pieces. While you should aim for about 5-6 ounces of kale, the recipe allows for flexibility, so don’t stress about precise measurements. The goal is to create uniform pieces that will bake evenly.
In a medium bowl, combine the torn kale with the olive oil and fine grain sea salt. Massage the leaves gently with your hands to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in oil—this step is crucial for achieving that desired crispiness. Once the kale is well-oiled, sprinkle the nutritional yeast over the top and continue massaging the leaves. This will ensure the yeast clings to each piece, creating a uniform coating of cheesy, savory flavor.
Next, arrange the kale in a single layer across two baking sheets. Avoid overcrowding the leaves—spread them out so they can crisp up evenly. Place the sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, use a spatula to toss the kale, ensuring even baking. Watch for the edges to begin browning, which indicates that the chips are nearing their crispy perfection. Once the leaves are fully crisp and there are no soggy spots, remove the trays from the oven.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent soggy kale chips?
Ensure the kale is thoroughly dried before massaging it with oil. Excess moisture will lead to limp, soggy chips. After washing, allow the kale to air dry or use a salad spinner to remove as much water as possible.
Best practices for evenly baking kale chips on two sheets?
Rotate the trays halfway through baking to promote even heat distribution. This prevents some pieces from browning too quickly while others remain undercooked.
Advice on adjusting salt and nutritional yeast to taste?
If you prefer a more intense flavor, feel free to add more nutritional yeast or salt. For those watching their sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt and rely more on the savory flavor of the yeast.
How can you store leftover kale chips?
To keep kale chips crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can introduce moisture and cause them to lose their crunch.
Can you use a different type of kale?
Yes! While curly kale is the most commonly used, other varieties like lacinato (dinosaur) kale can also be used. Just keep in mind that different types of kale may yield slightly different textures and cooking times.
What to do if the chips aren’t crispy enough?
If your chips come out less crispy than desired, simply pop them back in the oven for a few more minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Kale chips are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them alongside a flavorful dip like hummus, guacamole, or a tangy yogurt sauce for a satisfying snack. They also pair beautifully with sandwiches, adding a nice crunch on the side.
For a fun twist, use kale chips as a topping for salads, soups, or even grain bowls. Their light, crispy texture adds a wonderful contrast to the softer elements of the dish, while the nutritional yeast brings an extra layer of flavor.
Flavor Variations
There are countless ways to customize kale chips to suit your taste preferences. For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. Garlic powder or onion powder can also add depth to the flavor profile.
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different oils. While extra virgin olive oil is a classic choice, you can use avocado oil or coconut oil for a different twist. These oils impart their own subtle flavors and can change the overall taste of the chips.
For those avoiding yeast, feel free to substitute it with grated Parmesan or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds to create a nutty flavor.
Kale chips are not only delicious but also a fun, healthy alternative to traditional potato chips. They are easy to make and offer a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet. Whether you enjoy them on their own as a light snack, serve them with your favorite dips, or use them to add texture to other dishes, kale chips are a versatile option that can be enjoyed by all.
To store, simply place them in an airtight container for up to a few days, ensuring they stay crispy. They’re the perfect on-the-go snack or addition to any meal.
Ingredients
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 ounces / 1/2 pound curly kale
Scant 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F, positioning racks on both the top and bottom sections.
Remove the kale leaves from their tough stems and tear them into bite-sized pieces. You should have around 5-6 ounces of kale, but don’t worry too much about precision – this recipe is quite flexible.
In a medium bowl, combine the kale with olive oil and sea salt. Toss and massage the leaves by hand, ensuring they are evenly coated in the oil. Then, sprinkle the nutritional yeast over the kale and continue to massage until it’s thoroughly mixed and no dry spots remain.
Spread the kale in a single layer on two baking sheets. Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing the chips with a spatula halfway through when you notice the edges starting to brown. Continue baking until the leaves are completely crisp, with no soggy parts remaining.
Kale Chips Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces / 1/2 pound curly kale
- Scant 1/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, positioning racks on both the top and bottom sections.
- Remove the kale leaves from their tough stems and tear them into bite-sized pieces. You should have around 5-6 ounces of kale, but don’t worry too much about precision – this recipe is quite flexible.
- In a medium bowl, combine the kale with olive oil and sea salt. Toss and massage the leaves by hand, ensuring they are evenly coated in the oil. Then, sprinkle the nutritional yeast over the kale and continue to massage until it’s thoroughly mixed and no dry spots remain.
- Spread the kale in a single layer on two baking sheets. Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing the chips with a spatula halfway through when you notice the edges starting to brown. Continue baking until the leaves are completely crisp, with no soggy parts remaining.