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I have always been a snacker. But for some reason, potato chips were never my thing…until I was introduced to sea salt and vinegar kettle chips from my favorite grocery store a few years ago.
Oh good grief, those chips are good.
I realized that I could easily make a bag disappear in a day or two if it’s left in my house, so I never buy them anymore. But somehow my friends are also obsessed with them, and they keep showing up at parties over the past few months. And then the cravings start all over again. I don’t know what it is about that classic sea salt and vinegar combo, but I find it (literally) irresistible!!!
So, as you can tell by the title of this post, I finally had the bright idea to try a healthier alternative to see if it would satisfy the ol’ chip craving. 4 ingredients, just a few minutes of prep time, and 20 minutes in the oven later….
craving : SO satisfied.
Seriously. If you dig sea salt and vinegar chips as much as I do, you must (must!) give these guys a try. I make kale chips pretty routinely in my kitchen, and usually tend to douse them in all sorts of seasonings. But the recipe for these couldn’t be easier. All you need is some fresh kale, olive oil, and (yes) sea salt and vinegar.
Here’s how to make ’em:
Start by tearing a bunch of fresh kale into bite-sized pieces. Just about any variety of kale (minus baby kale) will work for these chips.
Add your oil and vinegar…
…and salt, and massage them into the kale for about 1-2 minutes until the kale is nice and soft and darkens a bit.
Then spread the kale out on a parchment-covered baking sheet or two (I used two) in an even layer. You don’t want the kale pieces to be on top of each other, otherwise they will not crisp up. Then sprinkle with just a bit more salt if you’d like and bake them up until the pieces are nice and crispy.
Then pull ’em out, and they are instantly ready to enjoy!
Superfoods made super easy and SUPER tasty. And they are a much more guilt-free snacking option than the potato version. Which means, I happily helped myself to a few more. And then promptly made a second batch in one week. :)
These sea salt and vinegar kale chips are a healthy and delicious alternative to the potato chip version!
Ingredients
Scale
1 bunch kale (I used curly kale, but Lascinato “dino” kale also works too!)
2 Tbsp. vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt, more/less to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Wash and dry kale leaves. Using a knife, separate the green kale leaves from the thick ribs, and discard the ribs. Cut or tear the kale leaves into your desired size of chips, knowing that they will shrink a bit while baking.
Combine the kale leaves, vinegar, oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Then use your hands to toss and massage the kale for 1-2 minutes until it is soft and slightly darker.
Spread out the kale in a single layer on a parchment-covered baking sheet (or two). Then sprinkle on the remaining salt. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the kale is crunchy and no longer soft. Remove and serve immediately, or store in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
It’s like you read my mind, Ali! I was just attacking a giant bag of kettle salt and vinegar chips last week thinking “man, if only these could be healthy”. I WILL be making these asap!
I keep seeing kale chips in Trader Joes and Whole Foods, but I haven’t gotten up the nerve to try them! I love Kale, but the idea of buying something and not liking it made me nervous. Thanks for sharing, this looks pretty easy and I’ll have to give them a try this week. ;)
Jocelyn —
You can always return anything you don’t like at Whole Foods, no matter what!
Old dutch baked Salt and vinegar chips are my weakness! I just bought a big bunch of kale yesterday with the intention of making chips! Im going to give these a shot! Mmmm, thanks, I can’t wait!
We are the Burtons! —
Oh my goodness!! Old Dutch potato chips . . . I remember these from when I was a kid in the midwest…to us they were the best chips in the world. My family always brought some back when we took a trip back there!!! Thanks for the good memories!!
Beyond genius! I love sea salt & vinegar potato chips but I can get carried away with them so I save them now for long road trip snacks. Kale chips are the perfect alternative!
I posted a simple kale chip recipe (not sure if any kale chip recipe is not simple) on my blog last month, but I like the idea of adding vinegar! Yum!
I’m a chip eater, that’s one snack I struggle with. I’ll have to try this version and see if can ward off the cravings for potato chips! Thanks for posting the recipe – and beautiful pictures!
This recipe sounds delish!! I too love love LOVE salt & vinegar chips…we make kale chips but have only made them w/ olive oil & sea salt. I’m super excited to try these. I was wondering is there a reason you use the ACV rather than white or another vinegar? I was thinking after I get a taste of the ones from your recipe, I mite try using a balsamic vinegar or even try a balsamic reduction just to see what I get. Any thoughts on using other vinegars?? Thanks again for the recipe. SAB :-)
Totally love vinager chips, and now totally love kale, so a perfect fit. And kale was on sale this week, so I I am just in chip heaven! These turned out perfect, and so easy.
These are incredible! I’ve never tried Kale chips from the store because they’re expensive and I wasn’t so sure I was going to like them. I finally got around to making these kale chips and they are incredible!!! They’re a great substitute for regular salt and vinegar potato chips. I also used apple cider vinegar. Two thumbs up!!!
O. M. G! My first foray into using kale was 4+ years ago in a smoothie and that was such a dud, it turned me off of wanting to try kale again. However, my Hashimoto problem has made my body think much of the food I grew up on is my worst enemy, so I’ve had no choice over the past year but to learn to eat healthier. I discovered I love The Better Chip Spinach & Kale chips, but wanted to try something homemade. I came across this recipe and, well, I literally inhaled them! They are soooo incredibly tasty! I did run across one problem: I sealed them up 15 minutes after they came out of the oven and when I went back for some, they were soggy. I did let them sit for a half hour or so before eating, but do I need to let them sit out after removing them from the oven for a longer period of time?
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
Hi Jennifer! We’re sorry we’re just now getting around to your comment. We’re so glad you enjoy these kale chips! While it definitely helps to let these sit out for awhile on the baking sheet, because they have vinegar, they won’t hold up as well as some other recipes for kale chips, so they’re best eaten the day of. If you have a spritzer, you can try spritzing these with the vinegar after they’ve been baked instead. That might help them hold up longer without getting soggy. We hope this helps!
Planning on storing these for a quick snack throughout the week, but my sister and I accidentally ate the whole pan while we were “trying them”. AHHH soo soo good ?
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
Uh oh! haha Well they’re healthy and easy to make, so no harm, right? ;) We’re happy you two enjoyed them!
Ok, I love your post and recipe the best! Now, my question to you….how to store these? I mean, I could eat them all in one sitting, but I’d like to save them for my snacks for the week. What do you suggest. I tried a Tupperware and they got super soggy! Yuck.
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
Hi Shannon! In order for these to be stored for a day or two (afraid we haven’t had any luck storing them longer than that), the kale needs to be EXTREMELY dry before you make these. That’s key. We hope that helps!
My 9 year old son and I will be trying this in a few hours. We’re gonna go right now and buy some parchment paper. I will snap some pics and be sure to let you know how they turn out. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!!
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
Awesome Melanie, we would love to see! We hope you both enjoy these!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I never really liked chips and when….only the salt and vinegar. This is such a marvellous solution for a snack! Way better than chips!!!
Hayley @ Gimme Some Oven —
You’re very welcome, Ilona — we hope you can give these a try and that you enjoy them!
Good stuff! I skimped on the vinegar, afraid that these would be too vinegary (and salt-and-vinegar chips are to me). Nope, not vinegary at all. Next time I will have a little faith and follow the recipe as written.
It’s like you read my mind, Ali! I was just attacking a giant bag of kettle salt and vinegar chips last week thinking “man, if only these could be healthy”. I WILL be making these asap!
This is so fun Ali! Soooo trying it this week :)
I keep seeing kale chips in Trader Joes and Whole Foods, but I haven’t gotten up the nerve to try them! I love Kale, but the idea of buying something and not liking it made me nervous. Thanks for sharing, this looks pretty easy and I’ll have to give them a try this week. ;)
You can always return anything you don’t like at Whole Foods, no matter what!
Seriously, my hubs is going to flip! Love the sea salt and vinegar addition!
For some reason I haven’t gotten into kale chips, but these look perfect!
Kale chips are amazing! I must try the salt and vinegar addition! Yum!
LOVE Kale chips but have never made them, am definitely going to need to try these asap!
Old dutch baked Salt and vinegar chips are my weakness! I just bought a big bunch of kale yesterday with the intention of making chips! Im going to give these a shot! Mmmm, thanks, I can’t wait!
Oh my goodness!! Old Dutch potato chips . . . I remember these from when I was a kid in the midwest…to us they were the best chips in the world. My family always brought some back when we took a trip back there!!! Thanks for the good memories!!
I need to make these!
Have you ever made kale salad? Our HEB sells kale salad and it is so addictive!
I found a recipe online and hers is healthy and taste just like the real version.
Try it! Hope that you enjoy it!
https://fitfoodiele.com/2012/03/21/copy-cat-kale/
This sounds like the best thing ever!!!! I can’t wait to try these out!
Aha, this is very exciting. Salt and vinegar crisps: the healthy version. Brilliant.
Oh I love kale chips! The salt and vinegar together sounds absolutely perfect!
My daughter would LOVE these. She’s obsessed with salt & vinegar chips as well as yes…kale chips. Just like her momma ;)
I love kale chips! This salt and vinegar version sounds amazing!
There you go again, a new spin on a favorite. Nice!
I can’t find kale here in Spain :( I’ll try your recipe with other veggies. Thanks!!!
Beyond genius! I love sea salt & vinegar potato chips but I can get carried away with them so I save them now for long road trip snacks. Kale chips are the perfect alternative!
How convenient, I have everything needed for these! Must be a sign to make them tonight!
Such a fabulou snack and salt and vinegar is always a hit!
These definitely will satisfy my crisps craving!
https://lifeandcity.tumblr.com
OMGSH! Made these last night and they were AMAZING!!!! My new go-to snack for sure!
I posted a simple kale chip recipe (not sure if any kale chip recipe is not simple) on my blog last month, but I like the idea of adding vinegar! Yum!
I’m a chip eater, that’s one snack I struggle with. I’ll have to try this version and see if can ward off the cravings for potato chips! Thanks for posting the recipe – and beautiful pictures!
This recipe sounds delish!! I too love love LOVE salt & vinegar chips…we make kale chips but have only made them w/ olive oil & sea salt. I’m super excited to try these. I was wondering is there a reason you use the ACV rather than white or another vinegar? I was thinking after I get a taste of the ones from your recipe, I mite try using a balsamic vinegar or even try a balsamic reduction just to see what I get. Any thoughts on using other vinegars?? Thanks again for the recipe. SAB :-)
Totally love vinager chips, and now totally love kale, so a perfect fit. And kale was on sale this week, so I I am just in chip heaven! These turned out perfect, and so easy.
Been making kale chips for years- snacks but I also use the dried kale in soups and stews
These are incredible! I’ve never tried Kale chips from the store because they’re expensive and I wasn’t so sure I was going to like them. I finally got around to making these kale chips and they are incredible!!! They’re a great substitute for regular salt and vinegar potato chips. I also used apple cider vinegar. Two thumbs up!!!
I just made these kale chips and they are terrific! I love the vinegar. Best kale chip recipe by far!
Love kale I made these today, they were dee-licious! Thanks for the recipe x
Thanks Aneesa, so happy you liked them! : )
Just curious, why not baby kale?
Baby kale isn’t as sturdy, so it doesn’t hold up as well during baking.
thanks for the recipe
but why not use baby kale?
Baby kale doesn’t bake up quite as nicely, since it’s not as sturdy.
I LOVE KALE CHIPS. THIS IS A DIFFERENT FLAVOR CAN NOT WAIT TO TRY
THANK YOU
Hope you enjoy these, Wanda! : )
Will they turn out as crispy if you don’t have parchment paper?
They should! If you don’t have parchment though, I’d just suggest spraying the baking sheet with some nonstick spray, so they don’t stick to the pan.
I am so excited to find this! Thanks for sharing–I am getting my ingredients out right now… and it’s 9:25 am… Thanks, again!
Yay, we’re so glad, we hope you love them!
These are very good although too salty for my taste so I cut the salt back by half and increase the vinegar. Still very tasty!
Thank you for sharing, Martha — we’re glad you still liked them!
There is NO WAY this will even last through the night! Guess I dont have to worry about storing it!
Yay, we’re glad you liked these Mitzi!
O. M. G! My first foray into using kale was 4+ years ago in a smoothie and that was such a dud, it turned me off of wanting to try kale again. However, my Hashimoto problem has made my body think much of the food I grew up on is my worst enemy, so I’ve had no choice over the past year but to learn to eat healthier. I discovered I love The Better Chip Spinach & Kale chips, but wanted to try something homemade. I came across this recipe and, well, I literally inhaled them! They are soooo incredibly tasty! I did run across one problem: I sealed them up 15 minutes after they came out of the oven and when I went back for some, they were soggy. I did let them sit for a half hour or so before eating, but do I need to let them sit out after removing them from the oven for a longer period of time?
Hi Jennifer! We’re sorry we’re just now getting around to your comment. We’re so glad you enjoy these kale chips! While it definitely helps to let these sit out for awhile on the baking sheet, because they have vinegar, they won’t hold up as well as some other recipes for kale chips, so they’re best eaten the day of. If you have a spritzer, you can try spritzing these with the vinegar after they’ve been baked instead. That might help them hold up longer without getting soggy. We hope this helps!
Mmmm I made these and they are the best for your kids and you yes they maybe a little weard but trust me you’ll love them.❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks Rosie, we’re happy you enjoyed these!
Planning on storing these for a quick snack throughout the week, but my sister and I accidentally ate the whole pan while we were “trying them”. AHHH soo soo good ?
Uh oh! haha Well they’re healthy and easy to make, so no harm, right? ;) We’re happy you two enjoyed them!
Oh great, another reason for me to eat an entire batch in one night!
Exactly! ;) We hope you enjoy them!
Ok, I love your post and recipe the best! Now, my question to you….how to store these? I mean, I could eat them all in one sitting, but I’d like to save them for my snacks for the week. What do you suggest. I tried a Tupperware and they got super soggy! Yuck.
Hi Shannon! In order for these to be stored for a day or two (afraid we haven’t had any luck storing them longer than that), the kale needs to be EXTREMELY dry before you make these. That’s key. We hope that helps!
Delish
My 9 year old son and I will be trying this in a few hours. We’re gonna go right now and buy some parchment paper. I will snap some pics and be sure to let you know how they turn out. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!!
Awesome Melanie, we would love to see! We hope you both enjoy these!
I was actually really disappointed in this as there was no real vinegar taste at all once they got crispy.
We’re sorry you didn’t care for these, Judy.
Oh sooooooooo addicted to these. Love them. Thanks for sharing your recipe !!!!
Thanks, Lynnia — we’re so glad you’re a fan! :)
I was wondering if you used the raw, unfiltered type of apple cider vinegar in this recipe?
Yes, but you don’t have to. We hope you enjoy!
These are GREAT! I’m making a batch right now? My favorite kale chip recipe
Awesome, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! :)
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I never really liked chips and when….only the salt and vinegar. This is such a marvellous solution for a snack! Way better than chips!!!
You’re very welcome, Ilona — we hope you can give these a try and that you enjoy them!
I’ve made these several times, and just love them. So does my granddaughter. Thanks for an alternative sugarless snack.
We’re so glad to hear that, Mimi! :)
Love this recipe! Made them with my son,he is hooked!
Thanks, Michelle, we’re so glad you both enjoy these! :)
Good stuff! I skimped on the vinegar, afraid that these would be too vinegary (and salt-and-vinegar chips are to me). Nope, not vinegary at all. Next time I will have a little faith and follow the recipe as written.