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You can make bagel chips in the oven with just a few simple steps and a bit of patience.
It’s one of the easiest snacks to whip up at home, and it turns stale or fresh bagels into something wonderfully crunchy and addictive.
Whether you’re looking to use up leftover bagels or just want a homemade alternative to store-bought chips, the oven method is reliable, quick, and totally customizable.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make bagel chips in the oven, from slicing and seasoning to baking and storing them perfectly.
Let’s dive right in and get those bagels crispy.
How to Make Bagel Chips in the Oven: The Basics
To make bagel chips in the oven, you’ll need to slice your bagels thin, season them well, and bake them low and slow until they’re completely dry and crunchy.
The whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and it’s a great way to control exactly what goes into your snack.
When you make bagel chips in the oven, the key is to remove as much moisture as possible, so they turn out crisp rather than chewy.
Here are the core steps to get that perfect crunch every single time.
1. Choose the Right Bagels
You can make bagel chips in the oven with almost any bagel, but day-old or slightly stale bagels actually work best.
Fresh bagels have more moisture, which means they’ll take longer to dry out and might not get as crispy.
If you have fresh bagels, just leave them out on the counter for a few hours or overnight before you start.
Flavored bagels like everything, sesame, or onion add a ton of extra taste to your homemade bagel chips.
Plain bagels work great too, especially if you’re planning to season them heavily.
2. Slice Them Thin and Evenly
When you make bagel chips in the oven, slicing is the most important step.
Use a sharp serrated knife and cut your bagels into thin, uniform slices, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
If your slices are uneven, some will burn while others stay soft, so take your time here.
A bagel slicer or mandoline can help you get consistent thickness, but a steady hand works just fine.
Keep in mind that thinner slices will produce crispier chips, while thicker slices might have a slightly chewy center.
3. Season Like You Mean It
The beauty of learning how to make bagel chips in the oven is that you can flavor them any way you like.
Toss your slices in a bowl with a little olive oil, then sprinkle on your favorite seasonings.
Classic options include garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
For a cheesy twist, add a little grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for a savory umami kick.
If you like a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes works beautifully.
Just remember that the seasoning will intensify as the chips bake, so you don’t need to go overboard.
4. Bake Low and Slow
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), which is the sweet spot for making bagel chips in the oven without burning them.
Arrange your seasoned slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Make sure the slices don’t overlap, or they’ll steam instead of crisp up.
Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each slice over and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes because they can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
When they’re done, they should feel dry and firm to the touch.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Homemade Bagel Chips
Getting the perfect crunch is all about technique and a few handy tricks.
Even if you follow the basic steps, these tips will help you nail it every time you make bagel chips in the oven.
1. Don’t Skip the Flip
Flipping your bagel slices halfway through baking is non-negotiable.
This ensures both sides dry out evenly and become equally crispy.
If you skip this step, one side might end up pale and chewy while the other is dark and brittle.
Use tongs or a spatula to gently turn each slice over after the first 10 minutes of baking.
2. Let Them Cool Completely
When you pull your bagel chips out of the oven, they might still feel slightly soft.
Don’t panic, that’s completely normal.
The chips continue to crisp up as they cool, so leave them on the baking sheet for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
Resist the urge to snack on them right away, as they’ll firm up significantly once they hit room temperature.
This cooling step is crucial if you want that satisfying snap when you bite into them.
3. Re-Crisp If Needed
If you’ve made a big batch and stored them for a few days, they might lose some of their crunch.
No worries, you can easily restore them by popping them back in the oven for a few minutes.
Simply spread them on a baking sheet and warm them at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
Let them cool again, and they’ll be just as crisp as the day you made them.
How to Store Your Oven-Baked Bagel Chips
Proper storage is key to keeping your bagel chips fresh and crunchy for as long as possible.
Once you make bagel chips in the oven and they’ve cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container.
A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag both work well.
Keep them in a cool, dry place like your pantry or a kitchen cabinet.
They’ll stay fresh for about a week, though they rarely last that long in most households.
If you live in a humid climate, you might want to add a silica gel packet to the container to absorb excess moisture.
This simple trick helps maintain their crunch for much longer.
So, How to Make Bagel Chips in the Oven Like a Pro?
Learning how to make bagel chips in the oven is straightforward, and the results are incredibly rewarding.
You take simple bagels, slice them thin, season them up, and bake them low and slow until they turn into crispy, flavorful snacks.
The whole process takes less than an hour, and you can easily customize the flavors to match your cravings.
Whether you’re dipping them in hummus, serving them with a cheese board, or just munching on them straight from the bowl, homemade bagel chips are a total win.
So next time you have a bagel that’s past its prime, don’t toss it, just make bagel chips in the oven and enjoy a tasty treat.
Happy snacking!