There's something truly satisfying about snacking on a crispy treat, this homemade kale chips recipe delivers that in the healthiest way possible. Kale has been making waves in the health food world, and for good reason—its nutrient-dense leaves are perfect for guilt-free snacking. But let’s be real, what takes this kale chip recipe to the next level is the coating. The combination of cashew nuts and almond milk provides a creamy, nutty richness that mimics the cheesy flavor, making it perfect for anyone craving something savory and indulgent without the actual cheese.
Whether you're looking for a fun way to sneak more veggies into your diet or a nutritious snack to enjoy on the go, these kale chips will be a HIT. They’re dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, yet packed with flavor, crunch, and a whole lot of nutrients. Let’s DIVE into this recipe and see why you’ll adore it as much as me and my family does.
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Ingredients
Kale: This leafy green vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients, loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. Its sturdy texture makes it ideal for baking into crispy chips. When baked, kale’s bitterness mellows, leaving behind a crunchy, slightly earthy flavor.
Cashew Nuts: Cashews are the star ingredient in the “cheesy” coating, giving it a creamy, nutty taste. When blended, they create a smooth base that coats the kale perfectly. Buy Organic Unsalted Cashew Nuts
Almond Milk: To keep this recipe dairy-free, almond milk adds moisture and helps blend the cashew mixture into a creamy coating. Its mild, slightly sweet taste complements the cashew’s richness. Buy Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
Red Peppers: Adding a dash of red pepper gives the kale chips a subtle kick, balancing the cheesy flavor with a touch of heat. They also add a vibrant color to the recipe.
Instructions
- Torn Kale into bite sized pieces
- Soak cashew nuts in the water
- blend the mixture
- pour it over kale, and bake it in the oven at 275 degrees for 40mins
Hint: For the CRISPIEST kale chips, be sure to dry the kale leaves thoroughly after washing—excess moisture can prevent them from crisping up properly. If needed, you can use a salad spinner or pat them dry with a clean towel. Also, keep an eye on them in the oven to avoid burning the edges, and consider rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.
Watch video of kale chips here: Crispy Kale chips
Reasons to Adore this Recipe:
Health meets flavor: Kale chips are a nutrient powerhouse, and the cashew-based cheesy coating adds richness without any dairy.
Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and a short prep time, these chips are ready to snack on in no time.
Perfect for all dietary needs: These chips are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making them ideal for any dietary preference.
Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the crispy, cheesy flavor, making this a perfect family snack.
Try my another snack recipe: Mango Smoothie bowl
Try this healthy shake: Chia Seeds Shake
Substitutions
- Don’t have almond milk? You can use any other plant-based milk like coconut or oat milk for a different flavor profile.
- Swap cashews with sunflower seeds or macadamia nuts for a nut-free version.
- For a milder taste, replace red peppers with a pinch of paprika or leave them out entirely.
Variations
- Sprinkle some smoked paprika for a smoky twist on the classic flavor.
- If you prefer a creamier coating, add more cashew nuts or even a tablespoon of tahini to the mix.
Equipment
The Blender used in this recipe is best for making smooth batters. Buy this blender here: BLACK+DECKER 10-Speed Countertop Blender
Storage
Once your kale chips are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose their crispiness, you can pop them back into a low-temperature oven for a few minutes to re-crisp. Make sure they are dry before storing to avoid sogginess.
Top tip
Dry the kale thoroughly: After washing, make sure to dry the kale completely to ensure a crisp finish. Any leftover moisture can result in soggy chips.
Spread the kale evenly: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this will allow the kale to crisp evenly.
Low and slow: Bake the kale at a low temperature to prevent burning and to ensure a perfect crunch.
Kale Chips Recipe
This cheesy kale chips recipe is a healthy, crispy snack made with a rich, dairy-free cashew coating. Perfect for anyone craving a savory treat, it's vegan, gluten-free, and packed with flavor while being easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cashews soaked in warm water
- 2 bunches curly Kale, torn into bite-sized pieces
- ⅓ cup Almond Milk, unsweetened
- 1 cup chopped roasted Red Peppers
- ¼ cup nutritional Yeast
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Onion Granules
- lemon juice, ½ lemon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a blender, add drained cashews, almond milk, red peppers, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, onion granules, lemon juice, salt
- Blend the mixture and pour it over Kale and give it a mix
- Spread it on to a parchment lined baking sheet
- Bake at 275 F for 40 mins and flip it halfway through
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 567Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 827mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 12gSugar: 10gProtein: 24g
FAQ
Yes! While kale works best because of its sturdy texture, you can experiment with other leafy greens like spinach, collard greens, or even Swiss chard. However, keep in mind that these greens may not get as crispy as kale and might cook faster, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
Make sure the kale leaves are completely dry before coating them with the cashew mixture. Also, be sure to spread them out evenly on the baking sheet without overlapping. Storing them in an airtight container once cooled will help preserve their crispiness.
Absolutely! If you're avoiding nuts, you can substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, which will still give you a creamy, cheesy coating. Just adjust the blending time to ensure the seeds are fully ground.
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Pairing
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Afshan faisal says
Loved this snack recipe! Perfect for busy days.
Thank you for sharing this awesome recipe!
zoha says
These turned out awesome! Will definitely be making these again!