Have you ever found yourself craving something crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying, but also want to keep things healthy? Well, I’ve got the perfect solution: homemade cheesy vegan kale chips! Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s so simple, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can absolutely nail this.

A Flavorful Discovery

I’ll admit, I’ve always been a bit kale-obsessed, turning it into everything from salads to nachos. But the idea of cheesy kale chips? That was a whole new level of intrigue.

My inspiration struck after a trip to the grocery store. I stumbled upon a bag of pre-made cheesy kale chips, and curiosity got the better of me. One bite and I was hooked! They were crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly cheesy for a vegan snack. Right then, I knew I had to recreate them at home.

Crafting Your Own Kale Chips: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe is incredibly easy and requires just a handful of ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

10 ounces chopped kale leaves (washed, thoroughly dried, stems removed)
2 Tbsp grape seed, olive, or avocado oil
1/4 cup raw cashews
2 Tbsp raw or roasted (unsalted) sunflower seeds
5-6 Tbsp nutritional yeast (divided)
1/4 tsp each salt + black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 healthy pinch cayenne pepper (optional for a touch of heat)

Instructions:

Prep the Oven and Kale: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (148 degrees C). While it’s heating up, give your kale a good massage with the oil in a large bowl. This helps soften it up and ensures even coating.
Make the Cheesy Magic: In a food processor or blender, combine the cashews, sunflower seeds, 4 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if you like a little kick). Blitz everything until it forms a fine meal, scraping down the sides as needed.
Coat the Kale: Sprinkle the cheesy mixture over your kale and use your hands to really work it into those leaves. We want every nook and cranny coated for maximum flavor!
Bake to Crispy Perfection: Divide your kale between two baking sheets (or more if needed) in a single layer. This helps them crisp up evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, then give them a flip and sprinkle over the remaining nutritional yeast. Pop them back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
Cool and Enjoy: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly before digging in. This allows them to crisp up even more.

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Bowl of our easy to make Cheesy Vegan Kale Chips on a baking sheet

Tips and Tricks for the Best Kale Chips

Dry Your Kale Thoroughly: Wet kale steams instead of crisping, so make sure it’s completely dry before baking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give those kale leaves some breathing room on the baking sheet. This ensures they crisp up nicely.
Watch Closely While Baking: Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on your chips towards the end of baking to prevent burning.

Big bowl of kale ready to be made into delicious vegan kale chips

The Beauty of Homemade Kale Chips

These cheesy vegan kale chips aren’t just delicious, they’re packed with good-for-you ingredients. Kale itself is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Plus, the cashews and sunflower seeds add a boost of healthy fats and protein, making these chips a truly satisfying snack.

Parchment-lined baking sheet with kale, nutritional yeast, and spices for making homemade kale chips

Beyond the Snack Bowl

While these kale chips are fantastic on their own, don’t be afraid to get creative!

Crumble them over salads for a cheesy crunch.
Use them as a topping for soups or chilis.
Serve them alongside dips like hummus or guacamole.

Sprinkling nutritional yeast onto kale chips for a delicious vegan snack recipe

Get Crafty in the Kitchen

This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy snacking can be fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet while indulging your cheesy cravings.

So why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade cheesy vegan kale chips? I have a feeling you’re going to love them!

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Bowl of delicious gluten-free vegan Cheesy Kale Chips

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