bagel chips

Bagel chips are a popular choice for those seeking a crunchy, flavorful snack. Made by slicing bagels into thin rounds and baking or toasting them, they offer a delightful alternative to crackers and other chips. These versatile snacks come in a variety of flavors depending on the type of bagel used, making them suitable for a range of occasions—from casual snacking to elegant charcuterie boards.

Whether you prefer savory bagels like everything or garlic, or a sweeter twist with cinnamon raisin, bagel-based snacks can easily be customized to your taste. This guide explores everything you need to know about making, serving, and enjoying these crunchy treats at home.

What Are Bagel Chips Made From?

The beauty of bagel chips lies in their simplicity. Here are the key components:

1. Bagels

The foundation of the snack, bagels determine the flavor and texture of the chips. Options include:

Savory Bagels: Everything, sesame, garlic, or onion for bold flavors.
Sweet Bagels: Cinnamon raisin or blueberry for a sweeter twist.
Plain Bagels: A neutral base that pairs well with any topping or seasoning.

2. Oil or Butter

Lightly brushing the bagel slices with olive oil or melted butter ensures a golden, crispy texture during baking.

3. Seasonings

Customizable seasonings let you experiment with flavors:

Savory: Garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
Sweet: Cinnamon-sugar or powdered sugar for dessert-style chips.

4. Optional Add-Ons

Sprinkle grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Drizzle honey for a sweet-and-savory mix.

How to Make Bagel Chips at Home

Making bagel chips is straightforward and requires only a few steps. Here’s a foolproof recipe:

Ingredients

2–3 bagels (your choice of flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Seasonings of your choice (e.g., salt, garlic powder, cinnamon-sugar)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the Bagels: Use a sharp knife to slice the bagels into thin, even rounds.
Brush with Oil or Butter: Lightly coat both sides of each slice with olive oil or melted butter.
Season: Sprinkle your preferred seasonings over the slices.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Lay the slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
Cool: Allow the chips to cool completely before serving or storing.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Bagel Snacks

There are plenty of ways to elevate these crispy treats:

Pair with Dips: Serve with hummus, guacamole, or spinach-artichoke dip.
Add to Cheese Boards: Include them alongside cheeses, fruits, and nuts for an elegant snack.
Use as Croutons: Sprinkle on salads or soups for added crunch.
Make Sweet Variations: Enjoy cinnamon-sugar bagel chips with cream cheese or fruit dip.

For more creative snack ideas, explore Jalapeño Popper Mummies—a bold, spicy appetizer to add to your snack table.

Tips for Perfect Bagel Snacks

Use Day-Old Bagels: Stale bagels are easier to slice and bake more evenly.
Thin Slices for Extra Crunch: Thinner slices result in crispier chips.
Arrange in a Single Layer: Avoid overlapping on the baking sheet to ensure even browning.
Experiment with Flavors: Use different types of bagels or add spices and toppings for variety.

Exciting Variations of Bagel Chips

Bagel chips are incredibly versatile and can be customized to match any flavor profile. Here are some innovative variations to try at home:

1. Savory Bagel Chips

Enhance your bagel chips with bold, savory flavors:

Garlic-Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and garlic powder before baking.
Herb-Infused: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an aromatic twist.
Everything Bagel: Top with a pre-made everything seasoning blend for a classic deli flavor.

2. Sweet Bagel Chips

For those with a sweet tooth, bagel chips can be transformed into a dessert-like treat:

Cinnamon-Sugar: Coat bagel slices with melted butter, then sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
Honey-Drizzled: Bake the chips plain, then drizzle with honey and a sprinkle of sea salt after cooling.
Chocolate-Dipped: Dip cooled bagel chips into melted dark or milk chocolate and let them harden for a sweet snack.

3. Spicy Bagel Chips

Add some heat to your chips for a bold flavor:

Cayenne Pepper: Mix cayenne with olive oil before brushing it on the slices.
Chili-Lime: Combine chili powder and lime zest for a tangy-spicy combo.
Buffalo Style: Toss baked chips in buffalo sauce and bake again for a spicy glaze.

4. Gourmet Bagel Chips

Elevate your chips for special occasions:

Truffle Oil Drizzle: Replace olive oil with truffle oil for a luxurious flavor.
Smoked Paprika and Sea Salt: Add depth with smoky seasoning and a touch of coarse salt.
Pesto Chips: Spread a thin layer of pesto on the chips before baking.

Serving Bagel Chips for Events

Bagel chips are perfect for everything from casual gatherings to upscale parties. Here are some themed serving ideas:

1. Game Day Snack Platter

Pair bagel chips with creamy dips like spinach-artichoke or ranch.
Include spicy options like buffalo chicken dip or queso.

2. Elegant Charcuterie Board

Combine bagel chips with gourmet cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, and nuts for a show-stopping appetizer platter.

3. DIY Dessert Bar

Serve sweet bagel chips with toppings like Nutella, whipped cream, and fresh berries for a customizable dessert station.

4. Brunch Spread

Pair plain or everything bagel chips with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and dill for a bagel-inspired platter.

Creative Uses for Leftover Bagel Chips

If you have extra bagel chips, repurpose them in creative ways:

1. Croutons for Salads

Break bagel chips into smaller pieces and use them as crunchy croutons for Caesar or garden salads.

2. Soup Toppers

Add a handful of crushed bagel chips to creamy soups like tomato bisque or butternut squash for added texture.

3. Breadcrumb Substitute

Grind bagel chips in a food processor to create flavorful breadcrumbs for breading chicken, fish, or veggies.

4. Breakfast Bagel Chip Parfait

Layer sweet bagel chips with yogurt and fruit for a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack.

Perfect Pairings for Bagel Chips

The beauty of bagel chips lies in their ability to complement a variety of dishes and beverages. Here are some pairing suggestions:

1. Beverages

For Savory Chips: Pair with a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp lager.
For Sweet Chips: Enjoy with a warm chai latte or a dessert wine like Moscato.

2. Meal Pairings

Appetizer Course: Serve alongside antipasto dishes like marinated olives, roasted peppers, and hummus.
Light Lunch: Pair with a hearty soup or salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Shelf Life

Bagel chips can maintain their crispness and flavor with proper storage. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storage Tips

Store bagel chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze the chips in a resealable plastic bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven to crisp them up.

Reheating Tips

Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C) and heat for 5 minutes to restore crunch.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.

Creative Serving Ideas for BC

Bagel chips are versatile and can be served in creative and unexpected ways, making them a hit at any gathering. Here are more ideas to showcase their adaptability:

1. Build-Your-Own BC Bar

Create an interactive food station where guests can customize their BCs with toppings and dips:

Savory Toppings: Smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and sliced cucumbers.
Sweet Toppings: Nutella, peanut butter, sliced bananas, and honey.
Dips: Include a variety of dips such as hummus, tzatziki, guacamole, and spinach-artichoke.

2. BC Sliders

Use larger bagel chip rounds as a base for mini sliders:

Savory: Layer with deli meats, cheeses, and mustard for a crunchy appetizer.
Sweet: Top with mascarpone, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey.

3. BC Nachos

Turn BCs into a twist on classic nachos:

Base: Arrange BCs on a baking sheet.
Toppings: Add shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, and cooked ground beef or chicken.
Bake: Melt the cheese in the oven and serve with sour cream and salsa.

4. Holiday-Themed BC

Customize BCs to match the flavors of seasonal celebrations:

Thanksgiving: Use herb-seasoned chips with a cranberry cream cheese dip.
Christmas: Try cinnamon-sugar BCs with eggnog-flavored frosting.
Fourth of July: Pair plain chips with red salsa, white queso, and blue corn guacamole.

5. BC Dessert Platter

Transform BCs into a sweet treat centerpiece:

BCs: Use cinnamon-sugar BCs.
Add-Ons: Include marshmallows, chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream.
Pairing Tip: Serve alongside hot cocoa or a warm vanilla latte.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Snacks in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.

How Long Will These Chips Stay Fresh?
If stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to one week.

Are These Snacks a Healthy Option?
When baked with minimal oil, these snacks can be a healthier alternative to traditional chips.

Conclusion

BC are a delicious and versatile snack that’s easy to make and customize. Whether you prefer savory flavors like garlic and herb or sweet options like cinnamon-sugar, these crispy treats are perfect for any occasion. Pair them with dips, use them in salads, or enjoy them straight from the container—BC are always a crowd-pleaser.

For more snack inspiration, check out Crab Brulee and discover new ways to elevate your snack game. Let me know if you’d like further enhancements or variations!