How to Make Cheesy Vegan Kale Chips

If you're looking for a crunchy, savory snack that satisfies your craving for something cheesy without the dairy, give these easy kale chips a try! Made with simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen or garden, including kale, nutritional yeast, garlic, and olive oil, they're a flavorful alternative to potato chips and an easy way to add more nutrient-rich leafy greens to your diet.

Ingredients

1 large bunch of fresh kale
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Optional: 2 tablespoons finely ground cashews for a richer, creamier flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the kale

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), or not, as these alternatively can be made in the dehydrator. Wash the kale thoroughly, remove the tough stems, and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Dry the leaves completely using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner. This step is particularly important because excess moisture can prevent the kale from becoming crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the cheesy seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the nutritional yeast, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, and salt. If you want a richer flavor, add the optional ground cashews.

Step 3: Coat the kale

Place the dried kale in a large bowl. Add the seasoning mixture and gently massage it into the leaves until they're lightly and evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake or dehydrate until crispy

Arrange the kale in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Bake for approximately 20–30 minutes, or dehydrate at 105–115°F (40–46°C) for approximately 8–14 hours, checking periodically. Remove smaller pieces as they become crispy to prevent burning.

Step 5: Cool and enjoy!

Allow the kale chips to cool for 5–10 minutes. They'll become crispier as they cool.

Enjoy them immediately, or store completely cooled chips in an airtight container. If they lose their crispness, you can briefly reheat them in a low-temperature oven.