How To Make Everything Bagel Chips

Homemade Bagel Chips

Making bagel chips at home is simple.

I can get Long Island bagels in the freezer at Publix, the local Florida grocery store and the only one close to home. They're round, have a hole, and fit neatly into a bag, but they're not exactly fresh or crunchy.

Still, in the spirit of living in paradise, where everything's a little improvised except the fish, we'll doctor up these plain bagels and make them a lot more interesting.

A bagel chip is the perfect vehicle for your favorite dip or flavored cream cheese.

Ingredients

• 2 bagels, any flavor (plain, sesame, everything, toasted garlic, or onion)
• 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter, light olive oil, or avocado oil
• 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

How to Slice the Bagels

Make sure the bagels are soft before you cut them. If they're frozen, let them thaw completely. If they're a couple of days old and hard, run them under water, wrap in foil, and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

When they're soft enough to handle, slice them up. Use a sharp or serrated knife to cut each bagel into quarters, then slice the quarters into thin, coin-shaped rounds.

Seasoning the Chips

The concept is to lightly season the chips. The butter helps the seasoning stick. Use a pastry brush to dab a small amount on each slice. If you soak them, your hands will get oily and they might not be as crispy.

Lay the sliced bagels on a baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the tops with melted butter or oil and sprinkle lightly with everything seasoning.

There's no need to coat the other side.

Oven Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice bagels thin and arrange in a single layer.
3. Brush each slice with melted butter and season with salt.
4. Bake for 8-15 minutes, depending on how thick the slices are.

Air Fryer Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
2. Slice bagels into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they'll get.
3. Brush with butter. Pour seasoning onto a plate and place the buttered side down onto the seasoning - don't press it in.
4. Arrange slices in a single layer in the basket, without overcrowding. Work in batches if needed.
5. Air fry for about 4 minutes, watching the first batch closely so they don't burn. Cooking times vary by thickness.

Storage

• Cool completely before storing. Chips will crisp up more as they cool.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations

If you don't have everything bagel seasoning, try one of these easy flavor options:

Before you season any flavor, brush lightly with butter or oil.

• Sweet: Cinnamon Sugar
• Savory: Italian seasoning
• Spicy: Italian seasoning + a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes
• Salty: Flaky sea salt or pretzel salt
• Garlic-Herb: Garlic powder + dried parsley or oregano
• Parmesan: Sprinkle with finely grated Parmesan
• Onion: Dried minced onion or onion flakes
• Sesame: Toasted sesame seeds

Serving Ideas

These homemade bagel chips make the perfect snack, dipper, or topping. In the Keys, Smoked Fish Dip is one of the most popular appetizers. Why not serve with bagel chips next time?

• Serve with flavored cream cheese: chive, lox, or veggie.
• Pair with deli-style tuna salad, egg salad or crab salad.
• Use instead of croutons in Caesar salad.
• Crumble over green pea soup.
• Add to a charcuterie or appetizer board.
• Top with lox (or baked salmon salad), crème fraiche, and fresh dill for a simple appetizer.
• Serve with tzatziki for a cool, creamy dip.
• Mix with Chex cereal, nuts, M&M's, and tiny pretzels for your own snack mix.
• If you want variety, try my Garlic Butter Pita Chips too. They go with everything.

FAQ