Kale Chip Recipe your Family will Love

We all love a good bag of salty chips. But don’t we love it more when they are Kale Chips and guilt-free. In my house, we are continuously on a journey to bring in veggies and good nutrients into our diet. I love to bring all of that together by making this Kale Chip Recipe. I have found the crunch irresistible and love the hidden goodness in this homemade kale chip recipe. This is a snack that will have your little ones actually asking for more.

Why Kale Chips

If you are anything like me then you have a lot going on and it is a struggle to make sure your family is eating healthy while also eating something they enjoy. As a full-time wife and mama of two little ones. I am obsessed with clean living and nutrition I have spent the last few years crafting yummy and nutritious food my family (and yours) will enjoy. I have turned to this Kale Chip recipe to give my family some good afterschool snack goodness that everyone enjoys.

In my quest to find yummy snacks my family will actually eat, I have been trying various kale chip recipes. I feel like there are a 100 different ways to make kale chips but I personally think this way is the best way because never before has my kid eaten so much greens and I was pleasantly surprised when she asked for more.

Kale Chip Recipe Ingredients

To make your own Kale Chips, you won’t need much. That is probably one of the things I love most about this snack recipe is it takes next to no planning or time. And, it takes an even shorter ingredient list.

• Kale: You will need fresh kale and a bunch of it. Literally, this recipe calls for one bunch of kale. There are several different types of kale. I love using different kinds of kale. Lacinato kale has long, narrow, dark green leaves with a bumpy texture. Curly Kale is the most common kale with wavy, curly edges. For this recipe, you can use either kind.
• Avocado oil tends to be one of the healthiest oils out there. If I am not using avocado oil then I typically opt for olive oil, Both are great at lightly coating the kale leaves before baking and really hep them to crisp up and create the chip-like texture. I also love all the nutritional benefits that come from such clean oils in our food.
• Salt: Salt is the only seasoning I use in this recipe and find it greatly enhances the natural flavors of the kale. It also helps to draw out moisture from the kale, creating in crispier chips. I always like to go extra light on the salt as a little goes a LONG way and too much salt can be overpowering.

Easy Prep Kale Chip Recipe

Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with silicon mat. Don’t skip preheating the oven, this step ensures that it’s hot enough to crisp up the kale chips with the directions timing. Otherwise you risk over or underbaking them. I also prefer to use a silicon mat to prevent sticking as parchment paper does have some non-stick chemicals I try to reduce use of, but if you don’t have a silicon mat, you can definitely use parchment paper.

Wash the kale thoroughly under running water and give the leaves a good shake before placing on your cutting board. Since moisture can prevent the chips from crisping nicely, take a moment to pat dry the washed kale leaves with a clean kitchen or paper towel. I prefer a cloth kitchen towel to be a bit more eco-friendly. Use fresh kale for the best results. Older kale leaves can be less crispy when baked.

I cut the kale leaves off from the stem and then use a knife. Then, I use the knife to cut the leaves into more uniform bite-sized pieces. I have found that if I cut them too roughly and some pieces are very small and some are larger, the little ones get extra crispy. So you may like the crisp or you may not, so cut as make you happy. I like it when they are kind of mid-sized and my daughter can eat it in one bit and so no crumbs.

Kale Chip Seasoning

Spread the kale pieces out on the lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding or layering the pieces to allow for even airflow and better crispiness. I suggest you use two baking sheets or bake the kale chips in batches. These little snacks go so fast, you will want more than one baking sheet.

Drizzle olive oil over the kale. If you have a large bunch of kale, consider massaging the leaves with a bit of olive oil for a few minutes. This can help to reduce bitterness before baking. Start with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add more if needed. The goal is to lightly coat each piece of kale without drenching them. Too much oil can make the chips greasy instead of crispy. Wash your hands well and then use them hands to toss the kale gently, ensuring that all the pieces get coated in the olive oil. This is easier than trying to mix with utensils.

Sprinkle salt evenly over the kale. A little goes a long way, so start with the recommended amount. You can always taste and adjust the seasoning before baking. Feel free to get creative with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast as well!

Kale Chip Baking Process

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as baking time can vary depending on the oven and the size or thickness of the kale pieces. The chips are ready when they turn crispy and slightly browned at the edges. Take care not to let them burn.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. They will become even crispier as they cool down.

Once cooled, transfer the kale chips to a serving bowl or airtight container. This recipe is great for immediate consumption but can also be stored for a few days. Just make sure to keep them in a sealed container to maintain their crispiness.

Alternate Kale Chip Recipes

There are a few ways you can change up your Kale Chip recipe and really make it your own with just a few simple changes. This is excellent as it will keep these yummy kale chips snacks from getting boring and your family wanting more of this healthy goodness.

• Cheesy Kale Chips: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on the kale before baking for a zesty, cheesy flavor.
• Garlic and Herb Kale Chips: Sprinkle garlic powder, dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), and a squeeze of lemon juice to mix up the flavors.
• Lemon Pepper Kale Chips: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the kale and sprinkle with black pepper before baking for a fun twist on this snack.

Thanks for Baking with Me

Thank you so much for cooking with me and trying out this delicious kale chip recipe! I hope you enjoyed the process as much as I did. There’s something so satisfying about turning simple ingredients into a flavorful and nutritious snack.

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Thank you again for joining me in the kitchen. I can’t wait to share more exciting recipes and adventures with you. See you next time!

xoxo,
Yvonne