HOMEMADE CRISPS
I absolutely crisps and from what I can remember, I always have. Since childhood, I have always preferred savoury foods over sweet and so I loved crisps, cheese & crackers and bread. I still loved chocolate and biscuits but if I had an option, I would always opt for the crisps. If I remember right, salt and vinegar was my flavour of choice which is crazy to me now because its cheese and onion is my absolute fave.
I decided to make some homemade crisps because I wanted a healthier alternative to curb the crisp craving. So I decided to make oven baked crisps with olive oil, salt and pepper. The trick is to slice the potatoes very thinly so that they crisp up in the oven. I made the mistake of cutting them up quite thick the first time around and despite tasting good, they certainly weren’t crispy.
Now, they taste great by themselves but they also go great with dips. I often have mine with a homemade guacamole because its healthy and I generally like the taste of avocados. Especially when they’re mixed in with salt, lime juice and coriander; it tastes so good!
These crisps are perfect for a quick healthy snack but I have also served them as an appetiser before serving lunch. They taste great, they’re easy to make and they’re healthy; perfect!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE HOMEMADE CRISPS
- Control Over Ingredients: Making your own crisps at home lets you to have full control over the ingredients. You’re able to choose high-quality, fresh, and organic ingredients and avoid additives and preservatives which can often be found in shop-bought options.
- Customisation: Homemade crisps are easily customisable and you can experiment with different types of potatoes like sweet potatoes or root vegetables like carrots.
- Healthier Cooking Methods: When making crisps at home, you can choose healthier cooking methods. Either baking or air frying with minimal oil can dramatically reduce the overall fat content compared to traditional deep-frying.
- Freshness and Flavour: Homemade crisps are often fresher and more flavourful than their store-bought ones. The process of making crisps at home allows you to enjoy the natural taste of the ingredients without the need for excessive oils and additives.
- Cost-Effective: Making crisps at home can be more cost-effective than buying shop bought ones, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk. This allows you to enjoy a healthier snack without breaking the bank.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CRISPS
With only 4 ingredients, these crisps are easy to make and the perfect healthy snack. Follow the 5 simple steps below to make the best homemade cookies:
- Begin by pre-heating the oven at 220/200 fan degrees Celsius.
- Slice the potatoes thinly by using a knife or potato cutter and place them into a bowl. Drizzle on good quality olive oil or any oil of your choice and sprinkle on salt to taste. Mix until the potatoes are evenly seasoned.
- Place the potatoes on an oven tray lined with parchment paper as this will stop it from sticking to the tray.
- Then put the baking tray in to oven for 20 mins and flip at half the time (if they appear golden and crispy sooner then take them out of the oven earlier).
- Let them cool for a few minutes before tucking in. You can get creative with dips or sauces to give them extra flavour. I paired my crisps with smashed avocado with a sprinkling of chilli flakes but Greek yoghurt, spicy mayo or barbecue sauce are all great choices.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- Potato – Use thinly sliced potato slices.
- Seasonings – Salt & Black Pepper – You can season with salt and black pepper or you can get more creative with the seasonings.
- Olive Oil – Use a healthy oil like Olive or Avocado.
TOP TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST HOMEMADE CRISPS
- Choose Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: Opt for nutrient-dense vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, beetroot or carrots. These vegetables provide vitamins and minerals also offer offer vibrant colours and flavours.
- Thin and Even Slicing: Slice the vegetables thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking. Thin slices will become crispier without the need for excessive amounts of oil.
- Use a Mandoline or Sharp Knife: A mandoline slicer or a sharp knife can help achieve consistent thickness. A mandoline slices in particular will make it really quick and easy to slice the potatoes. This is important for even cooking and obtaining that perfect crisp texture.
- Pre-Soak or Pre-Blanch: Some vegetables benefit from a quick soak or blanch in hot water before baking as this can help remove the excess starch and reduce the cooking time.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat the sliced vegetables dry with some kitchen towels before seasoning and baking. Doing this will remove the excess moisture and make it crispy and delicious.
MORE TIPS
- Choose Healthy Oils: Use heart-healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil. A light coating is sufficient to help the crisps brown and become crunchy.
- Season Creatively: Experiment with a variety of herbs and spices to add flavour such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, paprika or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: Preheat the oven and bake the crisps at a moderately high temperature at 190-200°C (375-400°F). This promotes even cooking and browning.
- Flip or Rotate Midway: Flip the crisps or rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure that both sides cook evenly.
- Watch Closely Toward the End: Keep a close eye on the crisps as they near the end of the cooking time as they can go from perfectly crisp to burnt quickly. Remove any chips that are done to avoid overcooking.
OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Street Corn – Street Corn – My Simple Eats
Pizza Bagels – Pizza Bagels – My Simple Eats
Samosa Chaat – Samosa Chaat – My Simple Eats
CONCLUSION
Homemade crisps are the perfect snack. They are healthy and inexpensive to make and the perfect for those salty cravings.
Homemade Crisps
Ingredients
- 1 Potato
- 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Turn the oven at 220/200 fan degrees Celsius.
- Slice the potatoes thinly and place them into a bow. Drizzle on the olive oil and salt and mix until the potatoes are fully coated.
- Place the potatoes on an oven tray lined with parchment paper as this will stop it from sticking to the tray.
- Place the potatoes in to oven for 20 mins and flip at half the time (if they appear golden and crispy sooner then take them out of the oven earlier).
- Serve them with some smashed avocado or sauce of your choice.