Healthy Snacks: A Guide to Making Crispy Spinach Chips

Hello, I’m Elaina, the culinary enthusiast behind Flavour Food and Wine. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s a delightful blend of health and taste – Crispy Spinach Chips. This dish transforms nutrient-rich spinach into crispy, flavorful chips, creating a snack that’s both healthy and delicious. It’s a perfect treat for those who are health-conscious but don’t want to compromise on taste. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey and explore the wonderful world of Crispy Spinach Chips together.

Crispy Spinach Chips Recipe

Crispy Spinach Recipe - Joy to the Food

Crispy Spinach Chip

Ha! Circa ‘twenty some years’ ago, if you would ask me to eat spinach, that quote right there would’ve been exactly what I would’ve said. I can still recall my parents waiting persistently at the dinner table til near bedtime waiting for me to swallow my last bite of cooked spinach from my plate. No joke. And to be honest, I’m still unsure of eating a boiled pile of the stuff…
However, I do LOVE spinach in many other forms, especially raw in a salad. Fresh…I’ll eat it every single day! In chip form…just as often. Why more “chips” on the blog? Well, as probably mentioned before, crispy, crunchy chips are my kryptonite. My kind of “chocolate cake” if you will. So for the lovely and long 40 days of lent, I’ve decided to give up my salty frenemies.
“No problem” I thought to myself. Lately, I’ve been scarfing down my Spiced Tuscan Kale Chips like they were going out of style. This got me thinking…what else can I make chips out of? Mmmm…if it works so well with kale: the curly, leafy green, then why not with spinach leaves, which incidentally are the perfect shape of a chip already! So, I followed my recipe for the kale chips, but added an extra little ingredient, which I’ve been testing out lately…lemon zest. Oh my yum, these turned out GREAT! Salty, spicy, bitter, crispy…healthy! 
Trust me, if you liked the kale chips, you’ll love the spinach chips as well. And be sure to stay tuned to the blog, because I’ve got a couple of other “chip” recipes up my sleeve…
Now here’s my new little tip when roasting…instead of using parchment paper, place a “cooling rack” on your baking sheet and place the spinach leaves on top…this will create a wonderfully new crispy texture to the chips. I also found it makes them turn less brown. AND it actually gives them a little bit of a “crinkled chip” look and texture. To me, this tasted better than placing them on the pan. When doing so like that, I found them to be too “flat” and paper like, rather than like a crispy, crunchy, glorious chip.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine French
Servings 2 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 oven
  • 1 baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves stems trims
  • 1/2 – 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp crushed ancho chilies
  • zest of 1/2 lemon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Wash and pat dry spinach leaves and trim stems.
  • Place in large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and chilies and toss to coat.
  • Place a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet, and place all the spinach leaves on the cooling rack, ensuring they’re all on one layer.
  • Grate lemon zest over layer of spinach.
  • Bake in oven for 10 minutes, but make sure to watch them in case they start to get too dark.

Video

Keyword olive oil, spinach leaves

About crispy spinach chips

Baked Spinach Chips | Gourmande in the Kitchen

Crispy Spinach Chips are a delightful blend of health and taste. This recipe transforms nutrient-rich spinach into crispy, flavorful chips, creating a snack that’s both healthy and delicious. Originating from various cultures where spinach is a staple ingredient, these chips offer a unique gastronomic experience that’s both satisfying and healthful.

Cooking Tips

  • Choose fresh, crisp spinach for the best texture and flavor.
  • Make sure the spinach leaves are completely dry before baking to ensure they become crispy.
  • Toss the spinach lightly in olive oil to ensure each leaf is evenly coated. This helps the spinach crisp up without becoming too greasy.
  • Spread the spinach out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overlapping can result in soggy chips.
  • Watch the spinach closely towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning. The chips should be crispy but not browned.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Spinach Recipe - Joy to the Food

  • Crispy Spinach Chips can be served as a snack or an appetizer.
  • Pair them with a creamy dip like hummus or tzatziki for a more substantial snack.
  • For a balanced meal, serve these chips with a hearty soup or sandwich.
  • Sprinkle the chips with a bit of sea salt or nutritional yeast for an extra layer of flavor.
  • For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I use other types of greens for this recipe? Yes, you can use other types of greens like kale or Swiss chard. However, spinach has a mild flavor that works well in this recipe.
  • Can I make the spinach chips in advance? Spinach chips are best eaten fresh as they can lose their crispness over time. However, if you need to make them in advance, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • What can I use if I don’t have olive oil?  If you don’t have olive oil, you can use other types of oil like coconut oil or avocado oil.
  • Can I make these chips spicy?  Absolutely! Feel free to add a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, you can replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.

Crispy Spinach Chips are a snack that truly celebrates the health benefits of spinach. Their combination of crispy spinach and flavorful seasonings creates a satisfying and flavorful treat. By following the provided cooking tips and serving suggestions, you can create a batch of these healthy chips right in your own kitchen. Remember, cooking is about creativity and personalization, so feel free to experiment with different greens, oils, and spices. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

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