How to Make Homemade Bagel Chips: A Crispy, Flavorful Snack

If you’re a fan of crispy, crunchy snacks that satisfy your craving for something savory and satisfying, homemade bagel chips might just become your new go-to treat. Imagine a perfect balance of golden-brown crispiness, a touch of seasoning, and the comforting flavor of bagels—but in chip form. Whether you’re snacking solo, hosting a get-together, or looking for a healthy option to replace store-bought snacks, homemade bagel chips deliver on both flavor and versatility.

Bagel chips are thinly sliced, crisped-up pieces of bagels that have been baked or fried to perfection. They’re similar in texture to potato chips but made from bagels instead, giving them a unique, heartier crunch and a bit more chew. Traditionally, bagel chips are seasoned with simple ingredients like salt, garlic, or sesame seeds, but the flavor possibilities are endless. You can go savory, sweet, or even spicy with the right seasonings and toppings.

While they might sound like a store-bought snack, making bagel chips at home means you control every step of the process—starting with the bagels you choose to the exact flavor profile you crave.

The Benefits of Making Bagel Chips at Home

Making your own bagel chips isn’t just a fun and creative way to use up leftover bagels—it also comes with several key benefits that make it a far superior choice compared to buying pre-packaged chips. From being able to control the ingredients, to the ability to experiment with flavors, to saving money, homemade bagel chips are a game-changer. Let’s dive deeper into these advantages and explore why making them at home is totally worth it.

Healthier and More Customizable

One of the biggest advantages of making bagel chips at home is that you’re in control of every ingredient. This means you can make healthier choices that align with your specific dietary preferences, goals, or restrictions.

1. Control Over Ingredients
When you make bagel chips at home, you have the freedom to choose high-quality, fresh ingredients. For example:

• Olive Oil vs. Unhealthy Oils: Instead of using vegetable oils or unhealthy hydrogenated oils (which are commonly used in store-bought chips), you can use heart-healthy olive oil. Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are good for your heart and overall health.
• Seasoning to Taste: Pre-packaged chips can often be loaded with excessive amounts of salt and preservatives to enhance their shelf life. When you make them at home, you can control the level of salt or even skip it entirely, opting for more natural flavors like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.

2. Perfect for Dietary Restrictions
Another key benefit of homemade bagel chips is that they can be tailored to meet specific dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free: If you follow a gluten-free diet, you can use gluten-free bagels to make your chips, which isn’t an option with most store-bought versions.
• Vegan-Friendly: If you’re following a vegan lifestyle, you can easily substitute butter with olive oil or other plant-based oils, making it suitable for vegans without sacrificing flavor or crunch.
• Low-Sodium: If you need to watch your sodium intake, homemade bagel chips allow you to go light on the salt, using healthier seasoning options instead.

By being able to swap out ingredients based on your preferences, dietary needs, or even your mood, you have the ultimate flexibility in making chips that are perfectly suited to you.

Save Money and Enjoy Freshness

Making homemade bagel chips is also an economical option compared to buying pre-packaged chips. Here’s how:

1. Save Money
When you buy bagel chips from the store, you’re often paying for packaging, preservatives, and the markup on the convenience of ready-made snacks. Making them at home is an incredibly cost-effective alternative:

• Use Leftover Bagels: If you’ve got a few stale bagels hanging around, instead of tossing them, you can turn them into a delicious, crispy snack. This not only saves you money, but it’s also an eco-friendly way to reduce food waste.
• Bulk Ingredients: The ingredients you need for homemade bagel chips—bagels, olive oil, seasonings—are often pantry staples and can be bought in bulk. This means the cost per batch is much lower than buying pre-made chips, especially when you can make a large batch that lasts longer.

2. Fresh, Crispy Chips Every Time
Nothing beats the freshness of homemade bagel chips. When you make them yourself, you know exactly when they were made and can enjoy them at their crispy, toasty peak.

• No Preservatives: Store-bought chips often contain preservatives to extend their shelf life, but homemade chips are free from any artificial additives. The result? Fresh, crisp chips that taste better, are better for you, and don’t have that “processed” flavor.
• Bake to Perfection: By baking the chips at home, you can control how crisp you want them—whether you prefer them lightly toasted or extra crispy with a deep crunch, you can adjust the baking time to suit your taste.

Enjoying your bagel chips fresh out of the oven is a completely different experience compared to eating a bag from the store. You get to enjoy them warm and crispy, just like they were meant to be.

Tailored to Your Flavor Preferences

Another great benefit of making homemade bagel chips is the freedom to experiment with flavors. While store-bought chips come in a limited range of pre-seasoned varieties (often the same few options, like salt, garlic, or onion), your homemade chips can be as creative as you want.

1. Savory Flavors
Some of the most popular savory seasonings for bagel chips include:

• Garlic and Rosemary: A classic combination that gives the chips a fragrant, earthy flavor.
• Parmesan and Herb: Grated parmesan mixed with fresh or dried herbs (like basil, thyme, or oregano) brings an Italian twist to your bagel chips.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: For those who love the taste of an everything bagel, simply sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Sweet Flavors
If you have a sweet tooth, there are plenty of ways to turn your bagel chips into a sweet treat:

• Cinnamon Sugar: A simple mixture of cinnamon and sugar gives your chips a warm, comforting flavor perfect for afternoon snacking or as a dessert.
• Honey Butter: Brush the chips with a mixture of honey and melted butter for a sweet and savory experience that will have you coming back for more.

3. Spicy Varieties
For those who love a little heat, you can easily make spicy bagel chips:

• Chili Flakes and Lime: For a tangy and spicy kick, toss your chips with chili flakes and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Cayenne Pepper: If you want an extra punch, a dash of cayenne pepper can add a fiery heat that pairs well with the crunchy texture of the chips.

4. DIY Flavors
Another fun aspect of making bagel chips at home is that you can get as creative as you want. Combine different flavors, or try unexpected combinations like:

• Maple Bacon: Add a touch of maple syrup and crumbled cooked bacon for a sweet-salty experience.
• Smoky BBQ: Use smoked paprika and brown sugar to create your own BBQ-flavored chips, perfect for grilling season.

How to Make Homemade Bagel Chips

Making homemade bagel chips is a simple, satisfying process that anyone can master. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find the step-by-step instructions easy to follow. The best part? Homemade bagel chips are customizable, fresh, and ready to satisfy your snack cravings with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the how-to for making the perfect crispy bagel chips.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather all the ingredients and tools you’ll need to make your bagel chips. You’ll want to have everything in place to ensure a smooth process.

Ingredients:

• Stale Bagels: If you have any leftover bagels that are starting to get a little too hard, they’re perfect for this recipe. Fresh bagels work too, but stale ones will give you that perfect crispy texture.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Olive oil is a healthier option, providing a light coating that helps achieve the golden-brown crunch. Alternatively, melted butter can add a richer, more indulgent flavor.
• Sea Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the natural flavor of the bagels. Sea salt is ideal, but regular table salt works fine too.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to your bagel chips. You can also try onion powder or smoked paprika for added depth.
• Optional Toppings: You can mix and match seasonings and toppings to create unique flavors:
  • Parmesan: Grated parmesan cheese adds a savory, cheesy kick.
  • Sesame Seeds: Perfect for a nutty, slightly crunchy texture.
  • Nutritional Yeast: Ideal for a cheesy, umami flavor, especially for vegan bagel chips.
  • Other ideas: Dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme), everything bagel seasoning, or chili flakes for spice.

Tools:

• Knife or Pizza Cutter: A sharp knife or a pizza cutter will make slicing your bagels into thin, even rounds much easier.
• Baking Sheet: A standard-sized baking sheet will do. You can fit a few bagel slices on each sheet, so depending on how many you’re making, you may need more than one.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent the bagel chips from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Oven or Air Fryer: Both work great, but they offer different advantages depending on your preference. More on this later!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Bagel Chips

Now, let’s walk through the steps to make your very own crispy homemade bagel chips. These instructions are foolproof and will have you enjoying your chips in no time!

1. Slice the Bagels into Thin Rounds
   Start by slicing your bagels into thin, even rounds—aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be. If you prefer thicker chips with more bite, feel free to slice them a little thicker, but keep in mind they may take a bit longer to bake.
2. Brush with Olive Oil or Butter
   Once your bagel slices are ready, place them on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each slice with a light coating of olive oil or melted butter. The oil helps them crisp up nicely and gives them that golden, delicious finish. If you’re using butter, it will add a richer, slightly indulgent flavor, so use sparingly to avoid overly greasy chips.
3. Season to Taste
   After coating the slices with oil or butter, sprinkle your seasonings of choice evenly over the slices. A light sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of garlic powder are classic choices, but feel free to get creative with any additional spices or herbs you like. For a cheese lover’s version, sprinkle some grated parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 Minutes
   Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake the bagel chips for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. It’s a good idea to flip the bagel slices halfway through baking (around 8-10 minutes) to ensure they crisp up evenly on both sides. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to make sure they don’t burn, as oven temperatures can vary.
5. Cool and Serve!
   Once your bagel chips are golden brown and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They will crisp up even more as they cool. Serve them as a snack, or pair them with your favorite dip. Enjoy the crunchy, flavorful goodness!

Alternative Methods: Air Fryer vs. Oven

While the traditional oven method is tried and true, air fryers have become a popular alternative for making crispy snacks, and bagel chips are no exception! Both methods work great, but they each have their pros and cons depending on your preferences.

Air Fryer Method (Quicker Results)

• Speed: The air fryer cooks bagel chips much faster than the oven. You can typically have your chips ready in about 7-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This makes it a great option if you’re looking for a quicker snack or want to make a smaller batch.
• Even Crisping: Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even crisping without the need for flipping. The result is often a uniformly crispy chip with less oil, as the air fryer requires only a light spray or drizzle of oil.
• Batch Size: One downside of the air fryer is the limited space. If you’re making a larger batch, you may need to cook the bagel chips in multiple rounds.

Oven Method (More Versatile)

• Larger Batches: If you’re feeding a crowd or making a larger batch, the oven is a better option. You can fit more bagel slices on the baking sheet, which is perfect for larger gatherings or meal prep.
• Even Texture: Baking your bagel chips gives you the option to experiment with a wider variety of flavorings and toppings, especially when working with larger batches.
• Time: While the oven takes longer (about 15-20 minutes), you don’t have to watch it as closely as the air fryer. You can set a timer and let it cook while you focus on other things.

Which Method is Best for You?

• Air Fryer: Ideal for speed and small batches, plus it requires less oil for crispy results.
• Oven: Perfect for larger batches and when you want to bake multiple trays at once for a party or big snack session.

Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Bagel Chips

Now that you’ve made your homemade bagel chips, it’s time to serve and enjoy them in the best possible way! While they’re delicious straight out of the oven, pairing them with the right dips, drinks, or meal accompaniments can elevate the experience even further. Whether you’re snacking solo, serving guests, or incorporating them into a meal, here are some fun and creative ideas to make your bagel chips even more enjoyable.

Perfect Dips for Bagel Chips

Homemade bagel chips are incredibly versatile and pair perfectly with a variety of dips, making them ideal for snack time or as part of a larger meal. The crunchy texture and rich flavor of bagel chips can complement both savory and creamy dips, allowing for endless pairing possibilities.

1. Classic Dips

• Guacamole: The creamy, zesty flavors of guacamole pair beautifully with the crispy crunch of bagel chips. The richness of the avocado and lime gives the chips a refreshing contrast, making for a satisfying combination.
• Hummus: For a lighter, healthier option, hummus is the perfect dip. Whether you opt for classic, roasted red pepper, or a spicy version, hummus’ creamy texture works wonderfully with the crispiness of the chips.
• Sour Cream & Onion Dip: This classic dip is a natural fit for bagel chips. The tangy sour cream and savory onion flavors complement the crisp, toasty chips, offering a rich, indulgent pairing.

2. Cheese Dips and Creamy Sauces

• Cheese Dip: For a more indulgent treat, try pairing your bagel chips with a warm, melty cheese dip. A creamy cheddar dip or a spicy jalapeño cheese sauce will add extra flavor and richness to every bite.
• Ranch Dip: Creamy ranch dressing or a thick ranch dip is another excellent choice. The cool, herby flavor of ranch pairs wonderfully with the warm, crispy bagel chips, giving you the perfect balance of flavors.

3. Sweet and Savory Dips

• Honey Mustard: For a sweet-savory twist, try pairing bagel chips with honey mustard. The sweet, tangy sauce provides a unique contrast to the crunch of the chips, making each bite an exciting experience.
• Cream Cheese and Chive Dip: For a milder but flavorful option, a creamy cream cheese and chive dip adds richness without overwhelming the palate. It’s especially great if you’ve seasoned your chips with herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Serving Ideas and Meal Pairings

While homemade bagel chips are fantastic on their own, they can also be incorporated into meals or served as part of a larger spread. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy them:

1. As a Crunchy Snack
Bagel chips are perfect as a quick snack for any time of day. Enjoy them straight from the baking sheet with your favorite dip, or simply munch on them as they are. Pair them with a refreshing beverage for a satisfying snack break.

2. Topping for Soups
Bagel chips add an irresistible crunch when sprinkled on top of soups, especially creamy ones like tomato bisque or cream of mushroom. The contrast between the crispy chips and the smooth soup enhances the textures and makes the dish more hearty and satisfying. For a flavorful touch, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the chips before adding them to your soup.

3. Salad Garnish
Take your salad to the next level by using bagel chips as a crunchy garnish. Whether you’re serving a classic Caesar salad or a fresh garden salad, the bagel chips can replace croutons and add a burst of flavor. You can even crumble them into smaller pieces and scatter them across the top of the salad for an added crunch.

4. Pairing with Drinks
Bagel chips can be a great snack to enjoy with drinks, whether you’re relaxing solo or hosting a gathering. Here are some ideal drink pairings:

• Wine: Bagel chips pair beautifully with white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which have crisp, refreshing notes that balance the richness of the chips. If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can complement the savory flavors of the chips without overpowering them.
• Beer: If you’re having a casual snack, bagel chips are a great match for a cold craft beer or a light lager. The slight bitterness of the beer pairs well with the salty crunch of the chips.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, fresh lemonade or iced tea (sweetened or unsweetened) works wonderfully with bagel chips, especially if you’re serving them as a snack in the warmer months.

Creative Serving Ideas for Entertaining

If you’re hosting a party, gathering, or just want to impress your guests with a fun and unique snack, homemade bagel chips can be a standout addition. Here are some entertaining ideas to elevate the experience:

1. As an Appetizer for Parties or Gatherings
Bagel chips are an ideal appetizer for a gathering. Their crunchy texture and flavor make them an excellent choice to serve alongside other appetizers like cheese platters, charcuterie boards, or bruschetta. Arrange your bagel chips in a decorative bowl, and offer a variety of dips for your guests to choose from.

2. DIY Dipping Station
For a more interactive and fun experience, create a DIY dipping station where guests can dip their bagel chips into various sauces, spreads, or toppings. Include a selection of both savory and sweet options, such as:

• Savory: Garlic butter, marinara sauce, tzatziki, buffalo ranch, or a spicy mustard sauce.
• Sweet: Fruit preserves (like strawberry or apricot jam), Nutella, or honey cinnamon cream cheese.

This setup allows guests to personalize their snacks and try different combinations, making it a fun experience for everyone. You can also add cut vegetables, cheese cubes, and other bite-sized snacks to the table for a full appetizer spread.

3. Bagel Chip Dippers in a Bowl
Another creative idea is to serve the bagel chips as dippers in a large bowl filled with soup or a creamy dip, such as spinach and artichoke dip. This is especially effective if you’re serving something hearty like chili, as guests can scoop up the thick soup or dip with the crispy chips.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Snack

By now, you should be convinced that homemade bagel chips are more than just a tasty snack—they’re a game-changer! With their crispy, golden texture and the ability to customize the flavors to suit your personal taste, they’re the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them solo as a healthy snack, serving them with dips at a party, or pairing them with a bowl of soup, bagel chips are sure to elevate your snacking game.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can start with basic seasonings like salt and garlic powder, or get adventurous with flavors like parmesan, rosemary, cinnamon sugar, or even a smoky BBQ seasoning. The options are truly endless, and the fun is in the experimentation!

Now that you know just how easy it is to make crispy, flavorful homemade bagel chips, it’s time to get in the kitchen and give them a try. The best part? You get to control everything—from the ingredients to the seasoning—so you can create a snack that’s perfectly tailored to your tastes and dietary preferences.