Bagel chips are a delicious and crunchy snack, perfect for dipping, adding to cheese boards, or enjoying on their own. By baking thin slices of bagels, you can transform ordinary bagels into a versatile treat with a variety of flavors. This guide will take you through the simple ingredients needed, flavor combinations to try, and the easy steps to make your own at home.
What Are Bagel Chips?
Bagel chips are thin, crispy slices of bagels that have been baked or toasted to achieve their signature crunch. Unlike their soft, chewy origin, these chips offer a satisfying crispness that makes them ideal for snacking. You can use any type of bagel—plain, everything, or whole wheat—and elevate the flavor by brushing them with olive oil or butter and seasoning them with a mix of herbs and spices.
Many people prefer these chips as a healthier alternative to traditional crackers or potato chips, especially when paired with dips like hummus or cream cheese. If you want to try making them yourself, here’s an easy 3-ingredient bagel chip recipe to get started.
For those who enjoy a bit more flavor, using everything bagels is an excellent choice. Check out this everything bagel chip recipe for a bold and savory option.
Key Ingredients for Bagel Chips
Making this snack is simple, and it requires only a few basic ingredients. Let’s look at the components that go into creating these crispy treats:
1. Bagels
The base ingredient is, of course, the bagel. You can select any type depending on your flavor preferences:
- Plain Bagels: These serve as a neutral base, making it easy to customize with various seasonings.
- Everything Bagels: Pre-seasoned with garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds, these bagels provide an extra kick of flavor.
- Whole Wheat Bagels: A healthier alternative, these add fiber and nutrients to your chips.
- Flavored Bagels: For something different, you can use options like cinnamon raisin or jalapeño cheddar for a sweet or savory twist.
2. Olive Oil or Butter
Brushing each bagel slice with olive oil or melted butter helps achieve the crispy texture that makes these chips so appealing. This step ensures the slices turn golden brown during baking.
3. Seasonings
Seasonings allow you to get creative with flavor. You can stick with simple salt and pepper, or experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or even sweet flavors like cinnamon sugar.
These ingredients combine to create crispy, flavorful chips that can be customized to suit any taste. The simplicity of the ingredients also makes it a quick and easy snack option for any occasion.
Types of Bagels to Use
The type of bagel you use will greatly impact the flavor and texture of the final product. Here’s how different types of bagels influence the chips:
- Plain Bagels: These offer a blank canvas for various seasoning options. Whether you want to make sweet or savory chips, plain bagels provide a neutral base.
- Everything Bagels: These bagels are already seasoned with sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds, adding complex flavors to the chips without much additional effort.
- Whole Wheat Bagels: These provide a denser texture and more fiber, making them a healthier option for those looking to add nutritional value to their snack.
- Flavored Bagels: If you’re seeking something unique, try using flavored bagels like cinnamon raisin, cheddar, or blueberry. These bagels offer distinct tastes, perfect for either sweet or savory chips.
Additionally, bagel chips are a great way to use up leftover or stale bagels. Instead of throwing them away, slice and bake them into crunchy chips. Here’s a guide to making bagel chips from leftover bagels that provides excellent tips for transforming stale bagels into a delicious snack.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bagel Chips
Making bagel chips is easy and requires minimal ingredients and effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create them at home:
1: Slice the Bagels
- Start by slicing the bagels into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be.
2: Brush with Olive Oil or Butter
- Brush each side of the bagel slices with olive oil or melted butter. This helps them turn golden brown and crispy in the oven.
3: Season the Slices
- Sprinkle your desired seasonings on the bagel slices. Whether you prefer basic salt and pepper or want to try garlic powder, onion powder, or even cinnamon sugar, this is where you can experiment with flavor.
4: Bake the Chips
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bagel slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping. Once the bagel slices turn golden brown, they’re ready to enjoy.
5: Cool and Store
- Allow the chips to cool completely before serving. For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay crispy for up to a week.
Making your own chips at home allows you to control the flavor, texture, and ingredients, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought versions.
Flavor Variations for Bagel Chips
One of the best things about making these chips is the ability to try different flavor combinations. Here are a few options to get you started:
1. Garlic & Herb
- A savory combination that includes garlic powder, parsley, and oregano. This flavor works well with dips like hummus or spinach artichoke dip.
2. Cinnamon Sugar
- For a sweet version, brush the slices with butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon and sugar before baking. These chips make a great snack on their own or can be paired with sweet dips.
3. Salt & Vinegar
- Lightly coat the bagel slices with vinegar and sprinkle them with salt for a tangy, crunchy chip that mimics the flavor of salt and vinegar potato chips.
4. Parmesan & Italian Herbs
- Add grated Parmesan and a mix of Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to the bagel slices before baking. This cheesy, herby flavor pairs well with soft cheeses.
These flavor variations allow you to create a snack that suits your preferences, whether you’re craving something savory or sweet.
How to Serve Bagel Chips
Bagel chips are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to help you enjoy them:
- With Dips: These sturdy chips hold up well with thick dips such as hummus, cream cheese, or guacamole.
- Cheese Boards: Add them to a cheese or charcuterie board for added texture. They pair well with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
- Soup Toppers: Crumble the chips over soups like tomato bisque, French onion, or minestrone for a satisfying crunch.
- Salad Toppers: Use bagel chips as a crunchy alternative to croutons by crumbling them over fresh salads.
These options highlight the versatility of bagel chips, making them an excellent addition to any meal or snack spread.
Are Bagel Chips a Healthy Snack?
Bagel chips can be a healthier alternative to fried snacks like potato chips, especially when baked at home. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Lower Fat Content
- Since these chips are baked instead of fried, they contain less oil and fat, making them a lighter snack.
2. Whole Grains
- Using whole wheat or multigrain bagels increases the fiber content, making the chips more filling and nutritious.
3. Portion Control
- When making your own chips, you have control over portion sizes and the amount of oil, salt, and seasoning used, allowing for a healthier snack overall.
While bagel chips are generally a better option than fried snacks, they do still contain carbs from the bagels. To make them even healthier, consider using whole grain or gluten-free bagels and limiting the amount of butter or oil.
For a more balanced meal, pair your chips with a healthy dish like this quinoa salad with figs and goat cheese.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Bagel Chips
While store-bought bagel chips are convenient, making them at home offers several benefits:
Homemade Bagel Chips:
- Freshness: Homemade chips taste fresher and don’t contain preservatives.
- Customization: You can control the thickness, flavor combinations, and crispiness to match your preferences.
- Cost-Effective: Making your own chips is often more affordable, especially if you use leftover bagels.
Store-Bought Bagel Chips:
- Convenience: Pre-packaged chips are ready to eat straight from the bag, making them a great choice for quick snacks.
- Consistency: Store-bought chips are uniform in size and texture, offering a reliable product each time.
While store-bought options are great for convenience, homemade bagel chips give you more control over the ingredients and allow for a wider range of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main ingredients for making bagel chips?
Bagel chips are made from thinly sliced bagels, brushed with olive oil or butter, and baked until crispy.
Are homemade bagel chips healthier than regular chips?
Yes, they can be a healthier option, especially when baked. Bagel chips typically contain less oil than fried potato chips.
Can I use stale bagels to make chips?
Yes, stale bagels are perfect for making chips. Using stale bagels often results in an even crispier chip.
How should I store homemade bagel chips?
Store your chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to a week.
Can I freeze bagel chips?
While it’s possible to freeze them, the chips may lose some of their crunch. Re-toast them in the oven to restore their crispiness before serving.
Conclusion: Why Bagel Chips Are a Must-Try Snack
Bagel chips are a simple, crunchy snack that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re making them from leftover bagels or experimenting with different flavors, these crispy treats are perfect for snacking, dipping, or adding to meals. With the ability to control the ingredients and seasonings, you can create a healthy alternative to store-bought chips.
Next time you find yourself with extra bagels, try slicing and baking them into crispy chips. From savory flavors like garlic and herb to sweet cinnamon sugar, the possibilities are endless!
For more inspiration, pair your bagel chips with this crock-pot pork loin recipe for a complete meal.