Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips

These Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips offer a delightful crunch with each bite, perfectly seasoned with the robust flavors of garlic and a hint of salt. They’re the ideal snack for when you’re craving something savory and satisfying.

Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these homemade bagel chips are sure to impress. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine, making them a perfect accompaniment to your favorite dips or just on their own. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bagel chips are a must-try for any garlic lover.

Full Recipe:

4 plain bagels

1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Slice the bagels into thin, even slices, about 1/4 inch thick.

In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
Arrange the bagel slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each bagel slice with the olive oil mixture.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let the chips cool on the baking sheet before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Bagel chips have been a popular snack for decades, often enjoyed as a crunchy alternative to regular chips or crackers. The idea of using leftover or slightly stale bagels to create a new, crispy snack is believed to have originated in delis in New York, where bagels are a staple food. Instead of wasting leftover bagels, creative cooks sliced them thinly, seasoned them, and baked them into chips.

This particular recipe for Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips takes inspiration from the classic combination of garlic and salt, which is universally loved for its bold, savory flavor. Garlic has been used in cooking for thousands of years and is known for its strong, pungent taste that adds depth to any dish. When paired with the natural chewiness of bagels and the crispiness achieved through baking, it creates an irresistible snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:

With Dips: Serve these chips with your favorite dips such as hummus, guacamole, spinach and artichoke dip, or a creamy ranch dip. The robust flavor of garlic pairs well with both creamy and tangy dips.
As a Salad Topper: Crumble these chips over a fresh salad to add a crunchy texture. They’re especially good with Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette.

Cheese Platter: Pair these bagel chips with an assortment of cheeses. They hold up well to strong cheeses like aged cheddar, blue cheese, or a creamy brie.
On-the-Go Snack: Pack them in a bag for a convenient snack on the go. They’re perfect for road trips, picnics, or just a quick bite between meals.

Health Benefits

While these bagel chips are a delicious snack, they also offer some nutritional benefits:

Garlic: Garlic is known for its numerous health benefits, including its potential to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. It also has antioxidant properties that help protect the body against free radicals.
Olive Oil: Olive oil, used in this recipe, is a healthy fat that is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. It also contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Whole Grains: If you use whole grain bagels, this recipe can also provide a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help keep you feeling full longer.

Customization Options

This recipe is incredibly flexible and can be customized to suit your taste:

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an added layer of flavor.

Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the bagel slices before baking for a cheesy twist.

Storing the Chips

To keep your Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips fresh and crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week, although they’re so delicious that they might disappear much sooner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses just four basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen: bagels, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Despite the simplicity, these ingredients come together to create a snack that’s packed with flavor.

Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and satisfying snack. There’s minimal prep involved, and the baking process is straightforward, making it a great option even for beginner cooks.
Customizable Flavor: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While garlic and salt are a classic combination, you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your personal preferences. Whether you want to add a touch of heat, incorporate herbs, or sprinkle some cheese, the possibilities are endless.
Perfect for All Occasions: These bagel chips are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a standalone snack, paired with dips, or used as a crunchy topping for soups and salads. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a lunch, or looking for a late-night snack, these chips fit the bill.

Tips for Perfect Bagel Chips

Even Slicing: For the best results, try to slice the bagels as evenly as possible. Thinner slices will result in crispier chips, while thicker slices may have a chewier texture. A serrated knife works best for slicing bagels.
Watch the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bagel chips as they bake. They can go from golden brown to burnt quickly, especially if sliced thin. If some chips are browning faster than others, you can remove them from the oven early.
Cooling Completely: Let the chips cool completely on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. This allows them to crisp up even more and ensures they’ll be perfectly crunchy when you serve them.

Pairing Ideas

Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips are not only delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes and drinks:

With Soups: These chips make an excellent side to a warm bowl of soup. Their crunchy texture complements creamy soups like tomato bisque, potato leek, or mushroom soup. Simply serve them on the side, or use them as a crunchy garnish on top.
With Drinks: Serve these chips alongside a glass of your favorite wine or beer. The garlic and salt flavors are especially good with crisp white wines, light beers, or even a sparkling cider.

With Charcuterie: Add these bagel chips to your next charcuterie board for a unique twist. They pair well with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and spreads, offering a different texture compared to traditional crackers or bread.

Making It Ahead

These Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for entertaining or meal prep:

Batch Cooking: You can easily double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch. Store the chips in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for several days, ready whenever you need a quick snack.

Freezing: If you want to keep them even longer, consider freezing the chips. Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to a month. To re-crisp, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes.

Exploring Different Bagel Flavors

Don’t limit yourself to plain bagels! This recipe can be adapted using different flavored bagels to create unique variations:

Everything Bagel Chips: Use everything bagels for a blend of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt. The result is an extra flavorful chip with a bit more texture.

Onion Bagel Chips: Onion bagels add an additional layer of savory flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
Sesame Bagel Chips: Sesame bagels add a nutty flavor that works well with the garlic and salt, making the chips even more addictive.

A Healthy Alternative to Store-Bought Chips

Making your own Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips at home is a healthier alternative to many store-bought snacks:

Less Processed: Unlike commercial chips, these homemade bagel chips don’t contain preservatives, artificial flavors, or added sugars. You have complete control over what goes into them, ensuring a cleaner, healthier snack.
Lower in Fat: By using just a light coating of olive oil, these chips are lower in fat compared to fried snacks. Olive oil is also a source of healthy fats, contributing to better heart health.
Portion Control: Making your own chips allows you to control the portion size. You can make just enough to satisfy your cravings without the temptation of a large, processed bag of chips.

Great for Kids

These bagel chips are a hit with kids and can be a fun snack to make together:

Kid-Friendly Flavors: The mild garlic flavor is usually a hit with kids, but you can always adjust the seasoning to their tastes. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar instead of garlic for a sweet version that kids will love.
Fun Shapes: Get creative by using cookie cutters to make fun shapes out of the bagel slices before baking. Stars, hearts, or animal shapes can make snack time more exciting for little ones.

Conclusion

Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips are the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, making them an ideal snack for any occasion. Their crispy texture and savory garlic taste make them incredibly satisfying, whether you’re enjoying them on their own, paired with your favorite dips, or as a crunchy addition to soups and salads. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a homemade snack that’s not only delicious but also healthier than many store-bought alternatives.

These chips are highly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different bagel flavors and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them for a road trip, or just looking for a quick snack at home, Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips are sure to please. Plus, they offer a great way to use up leftover bagels, reducing food waste while providing a tasty treat.

In a world filled with processed snacks, making your own bagel chips at home is a refreshing alternative. You’ll appreciate the fresh, authentic flavors and the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. Once you try these Garlic and Salt Bagel Chips, they’re likely to become a staple in your snack rotation. Enjoy the crunch and the flavor, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your own variations!