Introduction
Craving a crunchy snack that’s easy to make and full of flavor? Homemade Bagel Chips are the perfect solution. These crispy little bites are made by thinly slicing bagels, seasoning them to perfection, and baking them until golden brown. They’re a fantastic alternative to store-bought chips, and you can customize the seasoning to your liking—whether you prefer classic garlic, savory onion, or something a little more adventurous, like everything bagel seasoning or spicy chili.
The best part? You can make them from leftover bagels that have started to get a little stale, giving them a second life in the form of a crispy, crunchy snack. Let’s dive into how to make these Homemade Bagel Chips!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Homemade Bagel Chips:
For the Chips:
- 2 plain bagels (or any flavor of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Seasonings:
- Everything Bagel Seasoning (for an everything bagel flavor)
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
- Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy touch)
- Dried rosemary or thyme (for a herby twist)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bagels
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Slice the bagels: Cut each bagel into thin slices, about ⅛ inch thick. If you prefer thinner or thicker chips, you can adjust the thickness, but the thinner you slice, the crispier the chips will be.
- Optional tip: If you want a uniform shape, you can cut the bagels into halves or quarters first, then slice into smaller pieces for bite-sized chips. This also works well for bagel chips served at parties.
Step 2: Season the Bagel Chips
- Brush with olive oil: Place the bagel slices in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil (or melted butter). Toss the slices to coat them evenly with oil.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the bagel slices. If you want to get creative with your flavor profile, now is the time to add optional seasonings like everything bagel seasoning, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs. Toss the slices again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Step 3: Bake the Bagel Chips
- Arrange the slices on the baking sheet: Lay the seasoned bagel slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Try not to overlap the pieces to ensure they bake evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping the bagel slices halfway through the baking time. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to prevent burning. The bagel chips should turn golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Once the chips are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up and become even crispier.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Homemade Bagel Chips are fully cooled, they’re ready to serve! Pair them with your favorite dips, such as hummus, guacamole, or a creamy onion dip. These chips also make a great snack on their own, or you can use them as a crunchy topping for soups or salads.
Tips and Tricks
- Use stale bagels: If you have leftover bagels that are a bit too hard to enjoy on their own, this is the perfect way to use them up. The slight staleness actually makes the chips crisp up better when baked.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When arranging the bagel slices on the baking sheet, make sure they’re in a single layer with minimal overlapping. This allows the heat to circulate around each slice, ensuring they bake evenly and become crisp.
- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different seasoning blends to suit your taste. For example, try adding chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty, Mexican-inspired flavor, or go for a classic pizza flavor with oregano, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Storage: These bagel chips will stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container. If they start to lose their crispiness, you can re-bake them for a few minutes at 300°F to revive their crunch.
Why Make Homemade Bagel Chips?
Homemade Bagel Chips are a fantastic alternative to traditional chips. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also customizable. You control the ingredients, so you can avoid preservatives and artificial flavoring often found in store-bought chips. Additionally, making your own chips is a great way to use up leftover bagels and reduce food waste.
Bagel chips are also versatile—they can be served as a standalone snack or paired with dips and spreads. And if you love experimenting with different flavors, homemade bagel chips offer endless possibilities. Whether you prefer savory, spicy, or herby, these chips will deliver.
Healthier Alternatives for Bagel Chips
While bagel chips are often seen as an indulgent snack, there are ways to make them a bit healthier:
- Use whole wheat bagels: For a more nutritious option, use whole wheat or multigrain bagels. These add fiber and nutrients, making your chips a bit healthier.
- Use less oil: If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, you can brush the bagel slices with a small amount of olive oil or even use a spritz of olive oil spray.
- Add seeds: For extra texture and nutrition, you can sprinkle your bagel chips with flaxseeds, chia seeds, or sunflower seeds before baking.
Serving Ideas for Homemade Bagel Chips
- With Dips: Bagel chips are perfect for dipping into creamy dips. Try pairing them with classic hummus, guacamole, or spinach artichoke dip.
- As a Salad Topping: Use bagel chips as a crunchy topping for salads, similar to croutons. Their crisp texture will add a nice bite to your greens.
- For Soup Dipping: Serve bagel chips with your favorite soups, especially creamy ones like tomato soup or roasted butternut squash soup. The chips will provide the perfect crunch alongside the velvety soup.
- Cheese Pairing: Pair these chips with your favorite cheeses for a simple, satisfying snack or appetizer. Creamy cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or cheddar work wonderfully.
Conclusion
Making your own Homemade Bagel Chips is a simple, fun, and delicious way to enjoy a crunchy snack. Whether you have leftover bagels or just want to try something new, these chips will quickly become your go-to treat. They’re customizable with a variety of seasonings and are perfect for pairing with your favorite dips or as a standalone snack.
Plus, they’re easy to make and only require a few basic ingredients, making them a cost-effective and healthier alternative to store-bought chips. So go ahead, grab some bagels, and start baking your own crispy, golden Homemade Bagel Chips today!