Barefoot Contessa’s Crispy Roasted Kale Recipe: A Tasty Twist
Kale takes center stage in this crispy roasted kale recipe that turns ordinary greens into a crunchy, addictive snack.
Ina garten’s technique guarantees perfectly seasoned, golden-brown leaves every single time.
The simple method requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep work.
Salt and olive oil work magic, creating an irresistible texture that crunches with each bite.
You’ll love how quickly this side dish comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
These delectable kale chips satisfy both health-conscious eaters and those seeking a guilt-free alternative to traditional potato chips.
Grab a bunch of fresh kale and get ready to transform your snacking experience with this foolproof recipe.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 150 kcal
Servings: 4
Ingredients for Crispy Roasted Kale
For Greens:
Kale: Nutrient-packed leafy green that transforms into a crispy, delightful snack when roasted; choose fresh, vibrant leaves without yellowing or wilting.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
Olive Oil: Helps kale crisp beautifully and adds rich, smooth undertones; select extra virgin for best flavor.
Kosher Salt: Provides essential seasoning and helps draw out moisture for maximum crunchiness.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the kale's earthy profile.
Fleur de Sel: Delicate finishing salt that provides a luxurious, subtle crunch and mineral complexity.
For Garnish and Final Touch:
Fleur de Sel: Premium sea salt that elevates the roasted kale with its delicate, flaky texture and pure saltiness.
Tools for Perfect Kale Roasting
Large Bowl: Essential for washing and tossing kale with oil and seasonings.
Salad Spinner: Perfect for drying kale leaves thoroughly after washing.
Sharp Knife: Needed to cut out tough kale stems and trim leaves.
Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for preparing kale.
Sheet Pans (3): Required for spreading kale in single layers for crispy roasting.
Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt and pepper.
How to Roast Crispy Kale
Kale Crisp Creation
Kitchen Preparation Clean and organize your workspace with baking sheets and kitchen tools ready for action.
Kale Transformation Remove tough inner stems from kale leaves by gently stripping them with your hands, creating delicate leafy pieces.
Moisture Elimination Thoroughly pat kale dry using clean kitchen towels, ensuring no water remains to prevent soggy results.
Seasoning Magic Massage olive oil into kale leaves, coating each piece with a light, even layer that helps create irresistible crunchiness.
Roasting Technique Spread kale in single layers across baking sheets, giving each piece breathing room to guarantee maximum crispiness during cooking.
Oven Perfection Bake at medium-high heat until edges turn golden brown and leaves become delightfully crunchy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Flavor Finale Sprinkle with delicate sea salt immediately after removing from oven, allowing natural flavors to shine through crispy kale chips.
Seasoning and Kale Roast Tips
Unlock perfect roasted kale with these expert tips and delicious variations.
Use a clean kitchen towel to thoroughly blot kale after washing, ensuring maximum crispiness by removing excess moisture.
Experiment with spice blends like smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, or za'atar to elevate the basic recipe and create exciting taste profiles.
Prepare large quantities by spreading kale in single layers on multiple baking sheets, rotating pans halfway through cooking to guarantee even browning and consistent crunch.
Crush crispy kale chips as a crunchy salad topping, mix into grain bowls, or use as a nutritious garnish for soups and proteins for added texture and flavor complexity.
Serving Your Crispy Kale
Enjoy as a Healthy Snack: Munch on crispy kale chips straight from the oven as a nutritious alternative to potato chips during movie nights or afternoon cravings.
Pair with Dips: Serve alongside hummus, ranch, or herb-infused yogurt dip for an extra layer of flavor and creamy texture that complements the kale's crunchiness.
Create Salad Topper: Crumble the roasted kale over fresh green salads to add a delightful crispy element and boost the nutritional value of your meal.
Incorporate into Appetizer Platters: Arrange these kale chips on a charcuterie board or appetizer spread for a unique, green-friendly option that guests will love.
Storage Info for Crispy Kale Leftovers
Store Fresh: Keep unwashed kale in a loose plastic bag inside the refrigerator's vegetable drawer for up to 5 days. Moisture will cause wilting, so wrap in paper towels to absorb excess dampness.
Prep Ahead: Cut and wash kale leaves the day before roasting. Pat completely dry and store in sealed container with paper towel to absorb humidity. Refrigerate overnight.
Quick Reheat: Crisp leftover kale in a 180°C oven for 3-4 minutes to restore crunchiness. Avoid microwave, which makes chips soggy. Spread in single layer on baking sheet for best results.
Freezing Option: Freeze roasted kale chips in airtight container for 1-2 weeks. Add silica gel packet to prevent moisture buildup. Consume within 48 hours after thawing for maximum crispness.
Barefoot Contessa’s crispy roasted kale recipe delivers a simple, crunchy side dish packed with nutrients. Salt and olive oil elevate this leafy green snack, making kale irresistible for you to enjoy alongside main courses or as a quick, healthy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
2 bunches curly kale (about 1.1 kg / 2.4 lbs)
60 ml (2 fl oz) good olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fleur de sel
Instructions
Preparation: Remove tough stems from kale leaves and tear into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform sizing for consistent roasting.
Cleansing: Thoroughly rinse kale in cool water, spinning dry to eliminate moisture completely, preventing soggy results.
Seasoning: Massage olive oil across kale leaves, ensuring comprehensive coverage, then generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Positioning: Distribute seasoned kale leaves strategically on three sheet pans, creating single-layer arrangements to maximize crispiness and prevent steaming.
Roasting: Position oven racks for optimal heat circulation and roast at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, rotating pans midway to guarantee even crisping and achieving delicate, crunchy texture with slightly darkened edges.
Finishing: Immediately sprinkle fleur de sel upon removal from oven, serving hot to maintain optimal crunchiness and flavor profile.
Notes
Leaf Preparation Matters: Remove the tough stem completely and tear leaves into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
Moisture is the Enemy: Thoroughly dry kale after washing using a salad spinner to prevent soggy, steamed chips instead of crispy ones.
Strategic Spacing Technique: Use multiple sheet pans and spread kale in single layers to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
Salt Timing is Critical: Add salt just before roasting and finish with a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel after cooking to enhance overall flavor profile.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.