Bagel Chips Recipe: Let’s be honest — there’s something magical about a crunchy snack. That satisfying crack when you bite into it? Pure joy.
Now imagine turning leftover bagels into crispy, golden, flavor-packed chips that rival anything in the snack aisle.
That’s exactly what this bagel chips recipe delivers.
Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Zero stress.
Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Bagel Chips Recipe
Better Than Store-Bought
Store-bought bagel chips are fine… until you taste homemade. Freshly baked bagel chips are crunchier, more flavorful, and completely customizable.
You control the oil. You control the seasoning. You control the crunch.
Budget-Friendly Snack
Got day-old bagels sitting on your counter? Perfect. This recipe transforms “about-to-go-stale” into “can’t-stop-snacking.”
It’s kitchen alchemy.
Perfect for Dips & Entertaining
Whether you’re serving spinach dip, hummus, or guacamole, bagel chips are sturdy enough to scoop without breaking.
No more sad, cracked crackers.
What Are Bagel Chips?
Bagel chips are thinly sliced bagels brushed with oil, seasoned, and baked until crispy.
Think of them as the crunchy cousin of your breakfast bagel.
The Origin of Bagel Chips
Bagels themselves date back centuries, originating in Jewish communities in Poland. Over time, creative cooks realized stale bagels didn’t need to be wasted — they could be sliced and toasted into crunchy snacks.
Brilliant, right?
Texture & Flavor Profile
Crispy. Slightly chewy in the center. Golden edges. Rich, toasted flavor.
They’re like croutons — but better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple.
Core Ingredients
- 4 plain or flavored bagels
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
That’s it.
Optional Seasonings
Here’s where the magic happens.
Savory Variations
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Everything bagel seasoning
Sweet Variations
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Honey drizzle
Think of seasoning like choosing an outfit. Same base — different vibe.
Best Bagels to Use for Bagel Chips
Fresh vs Day-Old Bagels
Day-old bagels are actually better. Slightly firm bagels slice more cleanly and crisp beautifully in the oven.
Too fresh? They may turn chewy instead of crunchy.
Flavor Options
You can use:
- Plain
- Everything
- Sesame
- Whole wheat
- Cinnamon raisin
Each creates a totally different snack experience.
Equipment Required
You don’t need fancy gadgets.
- Sharp bread knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowl
Simple tools. Big results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bagel Chips
Let’s walk through this together.
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature allows the bagel slices to dry out and crisp evenly without burning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2 – Slice the Bagels
Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the bagels into thin, even slices—about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Thin slices create crispier chips, while slightly thicker slices give a crunchier bite. Try to keep the slices uniform for even baking.
Step 3 – Season the Slices
Place the slices in a bowl and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Toss gently to coat each piece. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite seasoning blend. For a sweeter option, try cinnamon and sugar instead.
Step 4 – Arrange Properly
Lay the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they do not overlap, as overlapping prevents even crisping. Use multiple trays if needed to avoid crowding.
Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides brown evenly. Watch closely during the final minutes, as thinner slices can brown quickly. The chips should turn golden and feel firm.
Step 6 – Cool & Crisp
Remove from the oven and let the bagel chips cool completely. They will continue to crisp as they cool. Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
How to Make Bagel Chips in an Air Fryer
Want faster results?
Preheat air fryer to 350°F.
Place slices in a single layer.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Keep a close eye — air fryers work quickly.
Flavor Variations You Must Try
Garlic Parmesan
Olive oil + garlic powder + grated Parmesan.
Savory, bold, addictive.
Everything Bagel Chips
Add everything seasoning before baking.
Extra crunch. Extra flavor.
Cinnamon Sugar
Mix cinnamon and sugar. Toss with lightly oiled bagels.
Perfect for sweet dips.
Spicy Chili Lime
Chili powder + lime zest + pinch of salt.
Zesty and bold.
Tips for Extra Crispy Bagel Chips
- Slice thin and even
- Don’t skip flipping
- Cool completely before storing
- Use just enough oil
Crispness is a science. Follow the method.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing too thick – Leads to chewiness.
- Overcrowding the pan – Causes steaming.
- Too much oil – Makes chips greasy.
- Skipping cooling time – Chips won’t fully crisp.
Simple tweaks make all the difference.
How to Store Bagel Chips
Once cooled:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
They stay fresh for up to 1 week.
If they soften? Reheat in oven for 5 minutes.
Good as new.
Best Dips to Serve with Bagel Chips
- Spinach artichoke dip
- Hummus
- Guacamole
- French onion dip
- Cream cheese spreads
Bagel chips are like sturdy little shovels for flavor.
Are Bagel Chips Healthy?
They’re baked, not fried — which is a plus.
To make them healthier:
- Use whole wheat bagels
- Reduce oil
- Skip heavy cheese toppings
Like most snacks, moderation is key.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
You can slice bagels ahead and freeze slices before baking.
When ready, bake straight from frozen.
No thawing needed.
Convenience meets crunch.
FAQs about Bagel Chips Recipe
1. Can I use gluten-free bagels?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bagels. However, keep a close eye on them while baking because gluten-free varieties can brown faster or dry out differently. You may need to slightly adjust the baking time to achieve the perfect crisp texture.
2. Why are my bagel chips not crispy?
If your bagel chips aren’t crispy, they were likely sliced too thick or not baked long enough. Thin, even slices are key. Also, make sure they are arranged in a single layer so heat circulates properly around each piece.
3. Can I make them without oil?
Yes, you can skip the oil. The chips will still crisp up, but they may be a bit drier and won’t have that golden, rich finish. A light brush of oil helps improve flavor and texture.
4. How thin should I slice bagels?
For the best crunch, slice the bagels about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Thinner slices produce crispier chips, while thicker ones create a crunchier, slightly denser bite.
5. Can I re-crisp soft bagel chips?
Absolutely. If your chips lose their crunch, simply bake them again at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Let them cool completely afterward to restore their crisp texture.
Conclusion
Bagel chips are proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.
They’re crunchy. Versatile. Budget-friendly. Perfect for dipping or snacking straight from the container.
And once you make them homemade? There’s no going back.
Now grab those bagels and start slicing.
Your next favorite snack is waiting.
