How Do You Make Bagel Chips

You make bagel chips by slicing stale or fresh bagels thinly, brushing them with oil, and baking them until they’re crisp and golden.
 
It’s honestly one of the easiest snacks to whip up at home, and the best part is you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
 
Whether you’re looking to use up leftover bagels or you just want a crunchy, savory snack, learning how to make bagel chips is a game-changer.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the simple steps, the best seasonings, and a few tips to get perfectly crunchy bagel chips every single time.
 
Let’s dive right in.
 

Why Making Bagel Chips at Home Is So Worth It

Making bagel chips at home means you get total control over flavor, thickness, and crunch.
 
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste because those day-old bagels that are too tough to enjoy fresh turn into something amazing.
 
So, how do you make bagel chips that rival the store-bought ones?
 
It all comes down to a few key choices, and we’re about to break them all down for you.
 

1. The Right Bagel Makes All the Difference

You can make bagel chips with any bagel, but the texture and flavor will vary based on what you start with.
 
Plain, everything, sesame, or even cinnamon raisin bagels all work wonderfully as bagel chips.
 
Stale bagels are actually ideal because they’re already a bit dried out, which means they’ll crisp up faster in the oven.
 
If your bagels are fresh, just let them sit out for a few hours or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes to dry them slightly before slicing.
 
The key is that you’re making bagel chips from a sturdy base, so avoid anything too soft or fluffy like brioche-style bagels.
 

2. Slice Them Thin and Even

When you’re learning how to make bagel chips, the thickness of your slices is the single biggest factor in how they turn out.
 
For maximum crunch, you want to slice your bagels very thin, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
 
Use a sharp serrated knife and a steady hand to get even slices, which ensures they all bake at the same rate.
 
If some slices are thicker than others, the thin ones will burn before the thick ones are crisp, so take your time here.
 
You can also use a mandoline slicer if you have one, but a good knife works perfectly fine for making bagel chips.
 

3. Oil and Seasoning Are Your Best Friends

Once your bagel slices are ready, it’s time to give them a flavor boost that makes these bagel chips irresistible.
 
Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil or melted butter, which helps them brown and crisp up beautifully.
 
Then, sprinkle on your seasonings while the oil is still wet so everything sticks.
 
Classic options include garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a generous pinch of sea salt.
 
If you’re a fan of everything bagel seasoning, that’s an absolute winner here, too.
 
The beauty of making bagel chips at home is that you can tailor the seasoning to exactly what you’re craving.
 

Step-By-Step: How Do You Make Bagel Chips in the Oven?

Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s get into the actual process of making bagel chips, step by step.
 
This method is straightforward, and you’ll have a delicious snack ready in under 30 minutes.
 

1. Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the sweet spot for even crisping without burning.
 
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
 
While the oven heats up, arrange your seasoned bagel slices in a single layer on the sheet, making sure they don’t overlap.
 
Overlapping slices will trap steam and leave you with soft spots, so give each slice a little breathing room.
 

2. Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let the bagel chips bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on their thickness.
 
Start checking around the 10-minute mark, and give the baking sheet a shake or flip the slices halfway through for even browning.
 
You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and feel firm and dry to the touch.
 
Remember, they’ll continue to crisp up a bit as they cool, so don’t overdo it in the oven.
 

3. Cool Completely Before Storing

Once your bagel chips are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
 
Cooling is crucial because it allows the chips to set and reach their final crunchy texture.
 
If you store them while they’re still warm, they’ll release steam and become chewy instead of crisp.
 
After they’ve cooled, transfer them to an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
 
That is, if they even last that long, because these homemade bagel chips are seriously addictive.
 

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Bagel Chips

Once you’ve mastered how to make bagel chips, you’ll want to find all sorts of ways to enjoy them.
 
They’re perfect for dipping into hummus, spinach dip, or a creamy ranch dressing.
 
You can also crush them up and use them as a crunchy topping for salads or soups, just like you would with croutons.
 
For a sweet twist, make bagel chips from cinnamon raisin bagels and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar before baking.
 
Those are amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just on their own as a dessert snack.
 
Another fun idea is to use your bagel chips as a base for bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
 
The possibilities are endless, and once you start making bagel chips, you’ll never look at a stale bagel the same way again.
 

So, How Do You Make Bagel Chips Like a Pro?

You make bagel chips by slicing them thin, seasoning them well, and baking them at 350°F until they’re golden and crisp.
 
It’s a simple process that delivers a huge payoff, especially when you’re using up leftover bagels.
 
No matter which seasonings you choose or how you decide to serve them, making bagel chips at home is always a win.
 
We hope this guide answered your question about how to make bagel chips and inspired you to get into the kitchen.
 
So grab those bagels, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the crunchiest, most flavorful snack you’ve ever made.
 
Happy snacking, and enjoy every single bite of your homemade bagel chips.