Oh, kale! I never thought I’d be raving about a leafy green, but here we are. Crispy, cheesy, and just a little bit addictive, these baked Parmesan kale chips are like that unexpected twist in a plot that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re a kale aficionado or a skeptic like I once was, you might find yourself sneaking a few extra from the baking sheet before they even hit the bowl.
Steps
- Detach the thick stems from the kale and chop the leaves into smaller pieces. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly wash the kale, ensuring all water is removed, as dryness is crucial for crispiness.
- In a big bowl, lightly coat the kale with olive oil, sea salt, and garlic. Arrange the seasoned kale in a single layer on a large baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding to prevent steaming.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Bake the kale for 10 minutes, then rotate the pan and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the chips are crispy.
- Once baked, let the kale chips cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Sprinkle them with parmesan cheese before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of fresh kale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 222mg | Vitamin A: 4360IU | Vitamin C: 52.8mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 0.7mg
FAQ
- How do you ensure kale chips turn out crispy?
- To get crispy kale chips, make sure the kale is thoroughly dried before seasoning. Use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to prevent steaming.
- What are some seasoning variations for kale chips?
- Besides olive oil, sea salt, garlic, and parmesan cheese, you can try different seasonings like chili powder, cumin, onion powder, or paprika for a southwestern twist.
- How should I store kale chips to keep them fresh?
- Store kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay fresh for up to one week.
- Is kale a healthy option for snacking?
- Yes, kale is a superfood, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins A, K, C, E, and calcium. It’s also low in calories, making it a healthy snack choice.
- Can I make kale chips if I don’t have a salad spinner?
- Absolutely! If you don’t have a salad spinner, pat the kale dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel to ensure excess moisture is removed before baking.
Tips
- Ensure the kale is thoroughly dried after washing, using a salad spinner if possible, to achieve maximum crispiness and avoid steaming during baking.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow the kale chips to roast evenly. Consider baking in two batches if necessary.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings beyond garlic and parmesan, such as chili powder, cumin, onion powder, or paprika, to create a variety of flavors.
- Store the finished kale chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness for up to one week.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – Useful for washing and drying kale thoroughly.
- Large Baking Sheet – Needed to spread the kale out in a single layer for even baking.
- Airtight Container – For storing the kale chips to keep them fresh.
