Baked Beet Chips Recipe
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Love potato chips, but feel guilty eating them or giving them to your kids? Here is your solution – Baked Beet Chips! Healthy? Flavorful? Crunchy? Fast? Count me in!
Baked Beet Chips are a much healthier and lower calorie alternative to potato chips and the fancy veggie chips available because these are not fried – but you won’t know the difference when you’re snacking on them! And, these Baked Beet Chips are a fraction of the cost!
Why You’ll Love These Baked Beet Chips
- Healthy and Nutritious: These baked beet chips are a fantastic alternative to traditional potato chips. Beets are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, folate, and vitamin C, making them a guilt-free snack. Plus, they retain their vibrant color even after baking, which means you’re getting all those antioxidants with every bite. It’s a snack that doesn’t just taste good but is also good for you!
- Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy equipment or cooking skills to whip up these beet chips. Just slice the beets thinly, toss them with a bit of olive oil, and bake! The process is straightforward and doesn’t take much time, making it perfect for a quick snack or a side dish. Plus, you’ll love how your kitchen smells while these are baking!
- Naturally Sweet and Earthy Flavor: Beets have a natural sweetness and earthy flavor that intensifies when baked. These chips offer a unique taste that is both satisfying and addictive. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with a bit of salt, creating a flavor profile that is complex and delicious. It’s a snack that’s both simple and sophisticated.
- Crispy and Satisfying: These beet chips bake up to be perfectly crispy, giving you that satisfying crunch you’re looking for in a chip. The key is to slice them thinly and bake them at the right temperature, ensuring they don’t turn out soggy. Every bite is crunchy and flavorful, making it hard to stop at just one!
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste. Whether you like your chips with a hint of garlic, a sprinkle of herbs, or a dash of spice, these beet chips are a blank canvas. Experiment with different seasonings to create your perfect snack. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces!
Ingredients For Baked Beet Chips
- Fresh Beets – The star of the recipe, beets are full of natural sweetness and earthy flavor. Choose beets that are firm and unblemished for the best results. Their vibrant color adds visual appeal to your snack as well.
- Olive Oil – Used to lightly coat the beet slices, olive oil helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. It also adds a subtle richness to the chips without overpowering the natural flavor of the beets.
- Salt – A simple sprinkle of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the beets and balances the flavors. You can adjust the amount to your preference or even try different types of salt for a unique twist.
Kitchen Tools for Baked Beet Chips
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for safely slicing your beets. It’s important to use a cutting board that won’t slip as you work.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing beets thinly and evenly. A sharp blade will make the job easier and ensure uniform slices.
- Non-Stick Baking Sheet: This helps the beet chips bake evenly and prevents them from sticking. A non-stick surface is ideal for easy cleanup.
- Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper keeps the beet slices from sticking and makes cleanup simple. It also helps in evenly distributing heat.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for tossing the beet slices with olive oil and seasoning. It ensures the beets are well-coated before baking.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, a cooling rack allows the beet chips to cool evenly and stay crispy. It’s a key tool for maintaining the perfect texture.
How To Make Baked Beet Chips
- Prepare the beets – Start by washing the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt. Peel them with a vegetable peeler, and then use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice them into thin, even rounds.
- Toss with olive oil – Place the beet slices in a mixing bowl and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Gently toss the slices until they’re all evenly coated with the oil.
- Season the beets – Sprinkle the beet slices with salt, and give them another gentle toss to ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly across all the slices.
- Arrange on a baking sheet – Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and spread the beet slices out in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t overlapping, so they bake evenly and get crispy.
- Bake to perfection – Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the beet slices at 200°F until they are crispy and slightly curled at the edges. This should take about 2 hours, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Cool and enjoy – Once baked, transfer the beet chips to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely, which will help them become even crispier. Enjoy them right away or store them for later snacking!
These are chips you can feel good about eating – and they are so easy to make! Not only do Baked Beet Chips make a wonderful snack, but they are so colorful and pretty. They are great for packing in a lunch, serving at parties, or just nibbling on.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Beet Chips
- As a Healthy Snack: Enjoy these baked beet chips straight out of the oven as a healthy snack alternative. They pair wonderfully with a light dip like Greek yogurt mixed with fresh herbs or a tangy hummus.
- Alongside a Sandwich: Serve these crispy beet chips alongside your favorite sandwich for a crunchy, colorful side. They add a nutritious twist to a classic lunch, whether it’s a turkey and avocado sandwich or a simple grilled cheese.
- On a Party Platter: Add these beet chips to a party platter with an assortment of other vegetable chips, fresh veggies, and dips. They bring a pop of color and a unique flavor that will impress your guests.
- As a Salad Topper: Crumble a few of these beet chips over a fresh green salad for added texture and flavor. They’re especially delicious on a goat cheese and walnut salad with a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garnish for Soups: Use these beet chips as a garnish for creamy soups like butternut squash or lentil soup. The crispy texture and earthy flavor of the chips complement the smoothness of the soup beautifully.
Now, if you – or your significant other, or your kids – don’t like beets on the dinner plate, don’t think you – or they – won’t like these. Amazingly, these Baked Beet Chips do NOT have that earthy, distinctive “beet-y” taste at all. Everyone who tries them says they are either “neutral” (more like a potato chip) in taste, or have a slight “roasted corn” flavor.
Tips For Success When Making Baked Beet Chips
- Choose the Right Beets: Start with fresh, firm beets that are free from blemishes. The quality of your beets will directly impact the taste and texture of your chips. Smaller beets tend to be sweeter and more tender, which can result in chips with a better flavor. Additionally, using a mix of red, golden, and even Chioggia (candy-striped) beets can add visual appeal and a variety of flavors to your chips.
- Slice Evenly: One of the most crucial steps in making perfectly crispy beet chips is slicing them evenly. Thin slices will crisp up nicely, while thicker slices may end up chewy instead of crunchy. Using a mandoline is the best way to achieve uniformly thin slices, but if you don’t have one, a sharp knife and a steady hand will also work. Aim for slices that are about 1/16-inch thick for the best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: When arranging the beet slices on your baking sheet, make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Overcrowding the sheet will cause the beets to steam instead of bake, leading to soggy chips. If you have a lot of beet slices, consider baking them in batches to ensure each slice has enough space to crisp up properly.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Beets can go from perfectly crisp to burnt very quickly, so it’s essential to monitor them closely during baking. Ovens can vary, so start checking your chips after about 15 minutes, and then every few minutes afterward. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. The chips are done when they are crisp and slightly curled at the edges.
- Let Them Cool: Once the beet chips are out of the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack. This step is important because it allows air to circulate around the chips, helping them stay crispy as they cool. If you leave them on the hot baking sheet, they may continue to cook and could become too dark or lose their crispiness.
- Store Properly: If you have any leftover beet chips, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their crispiness. However, these chips are best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them on the same day you make them. If they do lose some of their crunch, you can refresh them by popping them back in the oven for a few minutes.
- Experiment with Flavors: While these chips are delicious with just a sprinkle of salt, don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. Try adding a touch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before baking. You can also experiment with dipping sauces to complement the natural sweetness of the beets.
Baked Beet Chips are so easy and so good for you. If you’re looking for tasty and wholesome snacks, well, this is definitely a recipe to try.
Beets are loaded with health benefits. I couldn’t believe how many nutrients are packed into them. They are high in fiber, potassium, iron, and vitamins A, B, and C. Beets help to flush out toxins from your body. They help to improve blood flow, lowering blood pressure. Beets are a unique source of betaine, a nutrient that helps protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress. Betaine also helps to fight inflammation, protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, enhance performance, and likely helps prevent numerous chronic diseases. And best of all, thanks to this Baked Beet Chips recipe, all these nutrients now come in the easily snackable form of a chip!
Tips: Slicing the beets very, very thinly and evenly is one of the keys to getting them crispy. I use my mandoline slice. Once you start using one of these handy for slicing, you’ll wonder how you did without it! If you don’t have a mandoline, use a very sharp knife to very carefully and skillfully slice your beets as thinly and evenly as possible. There’s no need to peel your beets, simply scrub them well under cold water and trim off any of the rooted ends.
Did your beets come with greens attached? Don’t throw out those beet greens! They are actually edible and very nutritious! Check out my sauteed beet greens recipe for a yummy way to use them up :)
Variations and Substitutions for Baked Beet Chips
- Different Types of Beets: While red beets are the most common choice, you can easily mix things up by using golden beets or Chioggia (candy-striped) beets. Golden beets have a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, while Chioggia beets are visually stunning with their pink and white rings. Mixing different types of beets will not only add a variety of flavors but also create a colorful, vibrant chip assortment.
- Sweet Potato Chips: If you want to diversify your veggie chip selection, try substituting some of the beets with sweet potatoes. Sweet potato chips are naturally sweeter and have a softer texture when baked. They complement the earthiness of beet chips and add a touch of variety to your snack. You can prepare and bake them in the same way as beet chips.
- Seasoning Variations: While simple salt is classic, you can experiment with a wide range of seasonings to create different flavor profiles. For a smoky kick, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the beets before baking. If you prefer something more savory, sprinkle the chips with garlic powder, onion powder, or a mix of dried herbs like rosemary and thyme. For a touch of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes will do the trick. You can also add a bit of grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Herb-Infused Oil: Instead of using plain olive oil, consider infusing it with herbs to add an extra layer of flavor. Warm some olive oil with fresh rosemary, thyme, or even a few garlic cloves, then strain out the solids before tossing the beet slices. This will give your beet chips a subtle, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with their natural sweetness.
- Vegan or Dairy-Free Options: If you want to keep the recipe vegan or dairy-free, avoid adding any dairy-based seasonings like parmesan cheese. Instead, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. It’s a great way to add a savory, umami-rich taste to the chips while keeping them vegan-friendly.
- Lower-Oil Option: If you’re looking to reduce the amount of oil used, you can try making these chips with just a light misting of cooking spray instead of tossing them in olive oil. This will help reduce the overall fat content while still allowing the chips to crisp up nicely. However, keep in mind that the chips might not have the same richness as those made with oil.
- Air Fryer Method: For an even crispier and quicker alternative, you can make beet chips in an air fryer. Simply follow the same steps to prepare the beets, then place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method requires less oil and gives you perfectly crispy chips in a fraction of the time.
These healthy Baked Beet Chips are an easy, guilt-free snack. I’m betting you’ll find it hard to stop munching on them, they’re so good, and almost addictive. They are just great alongside a burger or grilled chicken, too. Baked Beet Chips store well in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. However, don’t expect them to last that long. These little guys disappear fast!
Storage and Reheating for Baked Beet Chips
- Storage Tips: To keep your beet chips fresh and crispy, it’s important to store them properly. Once the chips have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. A container that seals well will prevent moisture from getting in and causing the chips to become soggy. Store the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which could affect the texture of the chips. Properly stored, beet chips can last for up to 2-3 days, though they are best enjoyed on the day they are made.
- Avoiding Moisture: One of the biggest enemies of crispy chips is moisture. To help prevent this, you can place a small piece of parchment paper or a paper towel inside the container with the chips. This will absorb any excess moisture and help maintain the chips’ crunchiness. However, if you notice that the chips are losing their crispiness, it’s best to eat them sooner rather than later.
- Refreshing Chips: If your beet chips have softened and lost their crunch, you can easily refresh them. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the chips out on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy again. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Let them cool slightly before enjoying them again.
- Freezing Not Recommended: Due to their delicate, crispy nature, beet chips are not well-suited for freezing. Freezing can cause the chips to become soggy and lose their texture. It’s best to make a fresh batch when you’re in the mood for beet chips rather than trying to store them long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Beet Chips
Why did my beet chips turn out soggy instead of crispy?
Soggy beet chips are usually the result of slices being too thick or the beets not being spaced out properly on the baking sheet. To get crispy chips, make sure you slice the beets as thinly and evenly as possible, ideally about 1/16-inch thick. Also, arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure the slices don’t overlap. Overcrowding the pan can cause the chips to steam rather than bake, resulting in a soggy texture. Additionally, be sure to bake them long enough, and if needed, flip the chips halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.
How can I prevent my beet chips from burning?
Beet chips can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Every oven is different, so the baking time may vary. Start checking the chips after about 15 minutes, and then keep an eye on them every few minutes. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even baking. If some chips are crisping up faster than others, you can remove them early and let the remaining ones continue to bake.
Can I use pre-cooked beets to make beet chips?
Using pre-cooked beets is not recommended for making beet chips. Pre-cooked beets contain too much moisture, which makes it difficult for them to crisp up properly in the oven. For the best results, use raw, fresh beets and slice them thinly before baking. This will give you the crispy texture you’re looking for.
Can I make beet chips in an air fryer?
Yes, beet chips can be made in an air fryer, and this method is often quicker than baking them in the oven. To make beet chips in an air fryer, slice the beets thinly and toss them with a small amount of oil and seasoning. Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Air-fried beet chips tend to be very crispy and delicious!
What other vegetables can I use to make chips?
If you enjoy beet chips, you can use the same method to make chips from a variety of other vegetables. Sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and parsnips all work well for making homemade veggie chips. Each vegetable will have its own unique flavor and texture, adding variety to your snacks. Just be sure to slice them thinly and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Are beet chips healthier than regular potato chips?
Beet chips are generally considered a healthier alternative to regular potato chips. Beets are lower in calories and packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Additionally, when you make beet chips at home, you can control the amount of oil and salt used, making them a lower-fat, lower-sodium option compared to store-bought potato chips. However, it’s important to remember that they are still a snack, and portion control is key to keeping them a healthy choice.
Can I season beet chips with other flavors?
Absolutely! Beet chips are a blank canvas for a variety of flavors. In addition to salt, you can experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. You can also try sweet seasonings, like a light sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, for a different twist. Feel free to get creative with your favorite spices and herbs to customize the flavor to your liking.
If you like these beet chips, check out these other awesome healthy veggie chips recipes:
Need even more awesome recipes to make with beets? Check out roasted beets, Instant Pot beets and beet and feta salad – yum!
Baked Beet Chips Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 beets
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cooling Rack
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Peel the beets and slice them in uniformly thin 1/8-inch slices (the thinner you can slice them, the crispier the chips will be).
- Put the beet slices in a bowl and toss with olive oil to coat.
- Put the beet slices on the baking sheets in a single layer, so they are not touching.
- Put the baking sheets in the oven and bake the beet chips for 2 hours.
- Take the beet chips out of the oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
See Also: