Homemade Beet Chips

If you’ve ever had more beets than you know what to do with, beet chips are a simple and delicious way to turn them into a crisp, savory snack.

Thinly sliced beets are tossed with oil and salt, allowed to release some of their natural moisture, and then slowly baked until crisp. You can keep them simple with just salt or add your favorite seasonings for a little extra flavor.

They’re colorful, earthy, crunchy, and a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal beets.

Ingredients

● Fresh beets

● Oil of your choice

● Salt, to taste

● Optional seasonings of your choice

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the beets

Scrub the beets well with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt.

Cut off the tops and ends.

Using a sharp knife or mandolin slicer, carefully cut the beets into very thin, even slices.

Be especially careful when using a mandolin. Keep your fingers away from the blade and use the safety guard whenever possible.

3. Season the beets

• Place the beet slices in a large mixing bowl.

• Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt.

• Toss well to coat the slices evenly.

• Allow the beets to sit in the oil and salt for approximately 15–20 minutes.

This gives the salt time to draw some of the natural moisture from the beets, which helps them crisp as they bake.

4. Add your seasonings

If you’d like to add additional seasonings, this is the time to do it.

Try experimenting with:

● Black pepper

● Garlic powder

● Smoked paprika

● Rosemary

● Thyme

● Onion powder

● A pinch of cayenne

Toss the beet slices again to distribute the seasonings evenly.

5. Drain

After the beets have rested, drain off any excess liquid.

This step helps remove some of the moisture before the beets go into the oven.

6. Bake

Arrange the beet slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Try not to overlap the slices, as overlapping can prevent them from crisping evenly.

Bake for approximately 45–60 minutes, checking them around the 45-minute mark.

The exact baking time will depend on how thinly the beets were sliced and how much moisture they contain.

You want the beet chips to become crisp without becoming browned or burned.

If some chips are finished before others, remove the crisp ones and allow the remaining slices to continue baking.

7. Cool completely

Remove the beet chips from the oven and allow them to cool completely.

They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Once completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container.

Seasoning Ideas

Beet chips are a blank canvas for seasoning.

• For a simple version, all you need is oil and salt.

• For something more savory, try garlic and rosemary.

• For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika and black pepper.

• For a little heat, try paprika with a small pinch of cayenne.

• You can also experiment with dried herbs from your kitchen or garden.

A Simple Way to Enjoy Beets

Beets are often roasted, steamed, pickled, or added to salads, but turning them into chips gives them an entirely different texture.

They’re a fun snack to make when you’re working with a seasonal harvest, and their beautiful color makes them especially pretty served alongside other homemade snacks.

Sometimes enjoying more vegetables simply comes down to changing the way they’re prepared.

Storage

• Allow the beet chips to cool completely before storing.

• Place them in a clean, airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Because homemade vegetable chips can retain moisture depending on how thinly they’re sliced and how thoroughly they’re dried, check them periodically for changes in texture or signs of spoilage. If they become soft, they can sometimes be crisped again briefly in a low oven.