The Irresistible Barefoot Contessa Crispy Roasted Kale Recipe

Crispy roasted kale takes a leafy green and turns it into a snack you can’t stop eating.

The edges curl and crunch in the oven, creating chips that practically melt in your mouth.

A bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt are all it takes to elevate this humble vegetable.

It’s fast to prepare and disappears even faster.

Once you try it, you’ll never look at kale the same way again.

It’s proof that greens can be just as crave-worthy as fries.

Keep Crispy Roasted Kale Fresh

• Crisping Method: Spread leftover kale on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, ensuring each piece regains its original crunch without burning. This technique revives the kale's texture, making it feel freshly roasted.
• Vacuum Sealing: Pack completely cooled kale into vacuum-sealed bags to preserve maximum crispness. Remove all air before sealing, which prevents moisture buildup and extends shelf life up to 5 days. Perfect for meal preppers wanting to maintain that delightful crackly texture.
• Quick Container Storage: Transfer cooled kale into glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Add a small silica gel packet to absorb excess moisture, keeping the leaves crisp and preventing sogginess.

Unique Twists on Crispy Roasted Kale

• Spicy Garlic Kick: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the olive oil before tossing with kale for a bold, zesty flavor profile that adds heat and depth.
• Parmesan Crunch: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the kale during the last 5 minutes of roasting to create a crispy, cheesy coating that elevates the classic recipe.
• Lemon Herb Blend: Drizzle fresh lemon juice and sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting to introduce a bright, aromatic element that complements the kale's natural earthiness.
• Nutritional Boost: Scatter raw sunflower seeds or hemp seeds on the kale before roasting to add extra protein, healthy fats, and a delightful nutty crunch to the crispy greens.

Thoughts on Crispy Roasted Kale

Kale’s crispy transformation whispers culinary magic, turning humble greens into addictive snacks with Barefoot Contessa’s genius method.

Salt-kissed leaves crackle with irresistible texture, promising healthier indulgence for sophisticated palates.

Ina Garten’s signature technique guarants maximum crispness through strategic oven spacing and careful preparation.

Kitchen warriors discover simplicity behind restaurant-quality results with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this green chip experience beyond ordinary nutritional expectations.

Crispy kale beckons – share this game-changing recipe, spark delicious conversations, and ignite fellow cooking enthusiasts’ passion for smart, elegant eating.

Savor Crispy Roasted Kale

• Crunch into Crispy Goodness: These kale chips deliver an incredibly satisfying crunch that snaps perfectly with each bite, transforming a healthy green into an addictive, crispy treat.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: The recipe requires minimal preparation and just a few ingredients, making it simple enough for beginners while delivering restaurant-quality results with professional roasting techniques.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Snack: Kale provides an incredible nutrient boost, offering a guilt-free alternative to traditional chips that satisfies cravings without compromising health goals, packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile Flavor Canvas: The basic seasoning allows endless customization, letting home cooks experiment with different spices, herbs, and salt levels to create unique flavor profiles that match personal taste preferences.

Crispy Roasted Kale Essentials

Main Ingredients:

• Kale: Fresh, robust green with sturdy leaves that transform into crispy chips when roasted; choose deep green leaves with no wilting or yellowing.

• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth oil that helps kale crisp and adds subtle flavor; extra virgin olive oil provides the best taste.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances kale's natural flavor and provides seasoning; coarse texture helps distribute evenly.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground adds warm, sharp note to complement kale's earthy taste.

• Fleur de Sel: Delicate, high-quality sea salt that provides elegant finishing touch and light crunch; hand-harvested with subtle mineral notes.

Easy Steps for Crispy Roasted Kale

Step 1: Gather Vibrant Kale Leaves

Select fresh, crisp kale bunches from the produce section. Inspect for bright green color and firm texture. Rinse kale under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2: Prepare Kale for Transformation

• Lay kale on a clean cutting board
• Slice out tough center stems using a sharp chef's knife
• Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces, roughly 2-3 inches wide
• Pat leaves completely dry with clean kitchen towels

Step 3: Season and Coat Kale

• Place kale pieces in a spacious mixing bowl
• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over leaves
• Sprinkle kosher salt
• Add freshly cracked black pepper
• Gently massage seasonings into kale leaves, ensuring even coverage

Step 4: Arrange for Perfect Roasting

Spread seasoned kale leaves in single layers across baking sheets. Avoid overlapping to ensure maximum crispiness. Use multiple sheets if necessary to prevent crowding.

Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Place baking sheets in preheated oven at 350°F (180°C). Roast for 12-15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Create Delectable Crispy Kale Chips

Remove kale from oven when edges are crisp and slightly darkened. Let cool for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with delicate fleur de sel for extra flavor complexity.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer crispy kale chips to a serving platter. Enjoy immediately while warm and crunchy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Pro Hints for Crispy Roasted Kale

• Spin and Dry Like a Pro: Use a salad spinner to remove every droplet of moisture from the kale, ensuring a perfectly crispy texture that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Space Matters: Give each kale leaf room to breathe on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming, and we want those leaves to crisp up like delicate potato chips.
• Oil is Your Secret Weapon: Massage olive oil into every nook and cranny of the kale. Think of it as giving each leaf a golden, crunchy jacket that'll make it irresistible.
• Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Kale can go from vibrant green to burnt in seconds. Stay close to the oven and watch it like a hawk during those final roasting moments.
• Timing is Everything: Serve these crispy kale chips hot and fresh from the oven. Waiting means losing that magical crunch that makes this snack so addictively delicious.

Barefoot Contessa Crispy Roasted Kale Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa crispy roasted kale elevates humble greens into a salty, crunchy sensation that delights the palate. Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned simply, this effortless side dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 bunches curly kale (about 1.1 kg / 2.4 pounds)

Oils and Seasonings:

• 60 milliliters (2 fluid ounces) good olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Finishing Salt:

• Fleur de sel

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and strategically position three oven racks to ensure even heat distribution.
2. Meticulously trim the tough central stem from each kale leaf using a sharp knife, then gently tear larger leaves into manageable pieces.
3. Immerse the kale leaves in a spacious bowl of cool water, agitating them to remove any lingering dirt or debris. Transfer to a salad spinner and eliminate excess moisture thoroughly.
4. In the dried bowl, massage the kale with olive oil, ensuring each leaf is lightly and evenly coated. Season generously with kosher salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
5. Carefully spread the seasoned kale across three separate sheet pans, creating a single layer to prevent overcrowding. This technique guarantees crisp edges and prevents steaming.
6. Roast the kale in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating pans midway to promote uniform crisping. The leaves should transform into delicate, crunchy chips with slightly darkened edges.
7. Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel. Serve hot for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Crunch matters most when the kale leaves are completely dry and separated on the baking sheet.
• Olive oil coverage ensures each leaf transforms into a delectable crispy bite with golden edges.
• Overcrowding destroys the roasting magic, so spread leaves in a single layer without overlapping.
• Burning happens fast, so monitor the kale closely during those final roasting minutes.
• Immediate serving guarantees maximum crispiness and captures the peak flavor of these delightful green chips.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 cup)
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg