Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips
Crunchy, flavorful Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips made with simple pantry ingredients, baked to crispy perfection for a healthy, savory, and guilt-free snack that’s perfect anytime.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Fresh kale (curly or dinosaur), thoroughly washed and dried – about 1 bunch (around 8 cups torn leaves)
- Olive oil – 1 to 2 tablespoons
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Sea salt – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
- Prep the kale: Remove the tough stems from the kale leaves and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the kale is thoroughly dried by using a salad spinner or patting with paper towels—dry leaves are key to achieving crunch.
- Season the kale: Place the kale pieces in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently with your hands until every piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the kale leaves out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so each chip gets enough heat to crisp up properly.
- Bake to crispy perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally to prevent burning. The chips should be crisp and just starting to turn golden around the edges.
- Cool and enjoy: Once removed from the oven, let the chips cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet—they’ll crisp up more as they cool. Then, enjoy immediately or store for later snacking.
Notes
- Dry kale thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so drying each leaf well is essential.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor versus pre-grated options.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Give kale room to bake evenly by spreading it out in one thin layer.
- Lower oven temperature: Baking low and slow prevents burning and ensures even crisping.
- Watch closely near the end: Kale chips can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so stay attentive after 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Kale Chips, healthy snack, crispy kale chips, baked kale chips, gluten free snack, cheesy kale chips