Learn how to make parmesan kale chips. This delectable recipe turns this superfood into a convenient snack, at fractions of the cost compared to pre-packaged kale chips.

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Kale Chips have always been a snack that I could take or leave. They were just….okay. UNTIL I discovered my favorite recipe–parmesan kale chips! Now I make them at least once a week to put out on the counter or table. My family will walk by and pick at them, until the entire bowl is gone. The best part? I wasn’t coaxing anyone to eat their vegetables. I do sneak greens into smoothies fresh or with my homemade greens powder, but this is just another tool up my sleeve.

ingredients to make kale chips sitting on counter

Nutritional Benefits of Kale

Kale is considered to be a superfood for a reason. Including this leafy green vegetable into your diet, will supply you with some of the most vital nutrients. Having fresh kale available for consumption will maximize these nutrients in your diet.

Calcium
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Iron
and a wide range of other disease fighting nutrients

We grow kale on out homestead to maximize the nutritional value. Homegrown kale is nothing like the limp and lifeless kale often found at the supermarket. Plus, growing our own greens is cheaper and another way we like to fight inflation!

Tools Needed to Make Kale Chips

A Sharp Knife
Colander
Large Mixing Bowl
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet
Cheese Grater
Serving Dish

How to Grow Kale

If you want to a detailed explanation how to grow kale, check out that post. Here I want to reiterate that kale is one of the easiest vegetables that we grow. Outside of a bad pest year, which happens every now again. We almost always have success! We typically start our kale from seed, but on seasons when we are short on time, getting starts from the nursery speeds up the growing process. For very little effort, this vegetable will be hardy in your garden and last the entire season. If you want to know about how to grow a winter garden in zone 9 check out our fall garden planting guide. I encourage you to have even just one pot of kale steps away from your kitchen. I am harvesting kale daily for soups, stews,…and kale chips!

What Kind Of Kale to Use

Not all Kale is equal in regards to making kale chips. Though we grow a variety of kale on our property, the best for kale chips are Lacinato (Dinosaur) , or Vates Scotch Blue Curled, in my opinion. The curly kale is especially tasty because it has more surface area for the various seasonings and ingredients to stick to. Think of these two varieties like the regular and ruffled potato chips.

Ingredients to Make Parmesan Kale Chips

1 bunch kale (curly leaf or dinosaur)
1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly shredded parmesan cheese*

*The key to making these truly delicious is using freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. It is pricey but trust me this one! The groceries we buy to support what we grow on our homestead are quality to maximally enjoy or homegrown produce. However if Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is not in the budget a good alternative would be to use Grano Padano parmesan.

shredded parmesan cheese on cutting board

How to Make Parmesan Kale Chips

Harvest and gather the ingredients.
Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Trim off and set aside the stem ends of the kale leaves (the chickens love them!)
Rinse the leaves clean with cool water and pat them thoroughly dry.
You can leave small leaves whole, but you may want to cut larger leaves into chip-like pieces to be eaten in a bite or two.
Put the kale in a very large bowl and drizzle it with the oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Gently toss the kale pieces until they are thoroughly and evenly coated with the ingredients.
Arrange the leaves on baking sheets in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches, but the key to getting the kale crisp is to bake it in a single layer, so resist any temptation to layer the leaves!).
Bake the kale for 20 minutes.
Remove the kale from the oven, and let it cool—you can leave the kale on the baking sheets or transfer it to cooling racks. (Note that the kale “chips” will not be crisp yet, they will crisp up as they cool, so don’t leave them in the oven longer.) Repeat with remaining kale, if necessary.
Enjoy the kale chips as soon as they’re cool.

Tips to Make Great Parmesan Kale Chips

Arrange kale on a single layer before baking to ensure the chips will crisp up. If kale is on top of itself it steams rather than roasts, which makes the chips crispy.
Use good quality parmesan–and plenty of it! If I’m being real here, the reason these chips taste so good, is because of the cheese…so don’t skimp here.
Adjust the seasonings to your taste preference.
Be SURE to remove the ribs and any thicker area of the kale to ensure the kale doesn’t retain moisture. This will cause the kale to get soggy.
Kale chips are delicate–use parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Allow chips to cool completely before storing in an air tight container.
Set kale out for you and your family to see and enjoy. I have found that my family won’t go searching for kale chips…but if they are out and easy to grab, they will be happily eaten.

How to Properly Store Parmesan Kale Chips

I suggest making them fresh as needed, because the really are best fresh! But if you want to make them ahead it is best to refrigerate, since this recipe contains cheese. Once the chips are completely cooled, store in an airtight container for a couple of days.

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Olive Oil Dispenser

Salt dish

Spice jars

Deep-Sided Baking Sheet

Parchment Paper