Kale chips are everywhere from the supermarkets to the local health food stores. If you haven’t tried them, we’ll help you get an idea of what to expect. We’re discussing taste, texture and recipe tips for your own homemade kale chips.
Let’s hop to it…
What Do Kale Chips Taste Like?
Without any seasonings, kale chips taste very much like raw or cooked kale—bitter. They also pick up a toasty flavor from the baking process, which can actually balance the bitterness a bit.
Kale chips are a little less “vegetal” than raw kale, but the flavor is still strong. Most kale chips packaged and sold in stores aren’t plain, though, so these flavors are pretty masked.
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Kale Chip Texture
Potato chips are very crunchy, but kale chips are crunchy and chewy. They’re crispiest when thoroughly dehydrated and well-roasted.
The chewiness of kale chips can even be on the tough side, especially if you’ve made a batch with very mature or curly kale. Lacinato kale, sometimes called dino kale, is one of the most tender varieties, so it may make kale chips easier to chew.
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Are Kale Chips Tasty?
Kale chips can be enjoyable plain if you like bitter flavors, but the tastiest kale chips are mixed with spices and various ingredients that add complexity to the taste experience.
Delicious kale chip recipes can be pretty embellished with salt, pepper and olive oil, but much of the time, people get quite creative with their recipes. We’ll link some videos below that’ll show you some of the neatest ways to make tasty kale chips.
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How Long Do Kale Chips Last?
If stored in an airtight container, kale chips can last up to a week. They do tend to lose their crunch somewhat quickly, especially if exposed to air.
The driest kale (before baking) will make the longest-lasting kale chips. Unless you’ve added an ingredient to your kale chips that needs refrigeration, keep them in a cool, dry area to prolong their shelf life.
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How Do You Keep Kale Chips Crispy?
Kale chips go soggy fast if you leave them out in the open, but even if you store them in a well-sealed container, they can still go soggy before you’d like. But you can revive them by giving them another quick roast in the oven. Just don’t do this repeatedly—once should suffice.
If you’re making your own kale chips, besides starting out with dry kale, you should remove the moisture-rich stems to get kale chips that won’t wilt super fast. They’re also very tough, so you may want to remove them for texture, too.
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What Should I Season My Kale Chips With?
Seasoning your kale chips can be as intuitive as you like—just use whatever spices and flavorings that you enjoy on any of your savory snacks. That being said, there are more involved recipes out there that are well worth the (minimal) effort. Check them out.
If you were once a fan of Doritos, you’ll love these vegan “cheesy” kale chips. They’re slightly sweet, tangy and zesty, and best of all, they’re healthy. Here are the ingredients:
- Cashews
- Kale
- Vegan milk
- Roasted red peppers
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic
- Dried onion granules
- Lemon juice
- Sea salt
Here’s a recipe for salty, earthy sesame kale chips. The recipe is very simple. Here’s everything you need:
- Kale
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Sesame seeds
- Coarse salt
Wrap Up
Kale chips are delicious alternatives to potato chips, and they’re tastiest when seasoned. There are no “rules” to seasoning kale chips, but there are some fabulous recipes for turning them into out-of-this-world midday treats. Try nacho “cheese” kale chips for party snacks and Super Bowl season.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
