Easy-Cheesy Kale Chips
Kale is an amazing leafy green containing a variety of nutrients, and what better way to enjoy a leafy green than as a crispy chip? Kale chips are great on their own as an afternoon snack or can add a crunch to your favorite salad.These easy-cheesy kale chips take less than 30 minutes to make, start to finish - and only 5 of those minutes are hands-on. You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry, with the exception of fresh kale, a lemon, and nutritional yeast. You can find nutritional yeast at most grocery stores in the baking section or near the bulk section, but if you don’t have it - fear not! You can still make kale chips with the other spices in this recipe, or make your own with your favorite spice combinations.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces kale pieces
- juice from ½ lemon
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- pinch salt optional
- 1/2 tsp paprika powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne powder for spice!
Optional add-ins
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350° F
- Line a baking sheet with a slip-mat or parchment paper
- Wash the kale and remove the hard stems - tear the leaves into large pieces, then dry
- Mix all your wet and dry ingredients together in a large bowl
- Toss the kale leaves in the mixture and give a light massage - just to coat, not to make the leaves soft!
- Spread the leaves in a single layer on the baking sheet - overlapping leaves won’t get crunchy!
- Bake for 15 - 20 mins, they’re ready when the ends start to brown! Keep an eye on the time, as ovens vary.
- Get snacking! Best enjoyed right away.
Notes
- Make sure you watch them while they bake, you don’t want them to burn.
- Get creative and mix up your add ins and flavors!
Samantha Haentjens is a long-time plant enthusiast working with Rooted Santa Barbara as a Steering Committee member and marketing consultant.