Save to Pinterest This refreshing and crunchy recipe transforms simple cucumbers into an addictive snack that tastes just like the top of a bagel. Crisp, seasoned, and light, these everything bagel cucumber chips are a healthy twist when you want something with major flavor and major crunch. They are perfect for lunches, late-night snacks, or entertaining.
I first landed on these when trying to use up a pile of garden cucumbers and now friends always request them for gatherings because they disappear so fast.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: I go for firm seedless or Persian cucumbers for best texture and slice thinnest for even drying and extra crunch
- Everything bagel seasoning: This blend brings big onion sesame garlic pop check labels for freshness and no caking
- Sea salt or kosher salt: helps draw moisture from the cucumbers and sharpens flavors choose fine salt to distribute evenly
- Freshly ground black pepper: for a bold subtle heat freshly ground brings more punch
Instructions
- Prep the Cucumbers:
- Wash cucumbers well and pat very dry trimming ends Slice as thinly as possible with a mandoline or sharp knife About one eighth inch thick gives perfect chips Uniform slicing means they dry at the same rate
- Salt and Sweat:
- Spread slices on a clean kitchen towel Sprinkle salt and let them sit for fifteen minutes This draws out excess water and intensifies flavor Pat both sides very dry with another towel No shortcuts here or they turn soggy
- Season Layers:
- Layer cucumber slices on dehydrator trays or parchment lined baking sheets in a single layer making sure they do not touch Sprinkle generously and evenly with everything bagel seasoning and a bit of black pepper Press seasoning gently so it sticks
- Dehydrate or Oven Bake:
- For dehydrator set to one thirty five degrees Fahrenheit and dry for six to eight hours until crisp and shatteringly dry For oven use lowest heat usually around two hundred degrees Fahrenheit with the door propped open Dry for two to three hours flipping halfway until crisp and not chewy
- Cool and Store:
- Let chips cool completely before moving to airtight jars or resealable bags Moisture is the enemy so do not rush this They keep their crunch in a dry pantry for at least a week if not gobbled up faster
Save to Pinterest My absolute favorite part is that deep, toasty flavor from the everything bagel blend. Every time I pull a tray of these out of the oven it reminds me of snacking in my grandma’s kitchen and how she never let a vegetable go to waste.
Storage Tips
Once the chips are fully cool stash them right away in a super dry jar or airtight container. A small silica gel packet slipped in keeps them crisp even longer. If you live somewhere humid pop the jar in the fridge and just eat them quickly but honestly a batch almost never lasts beyond two days at my house.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to swap in zucchini slices if cucumbers are out of season or too pricey You can also mix your own everything spice from sesame poppy dried garlic and onion flakes with a pinch of coarse salt. For a little heat throw in Aleppo or chili flakes and get creative with the seasonings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chips on a snack board with whipped feta or ranch. They shine as a crunchy topping for salads or as an edible “spoon” with hummus. Kids even love them right in their lunchboxes for a munchworthy alternative to packaged snacks.
Cultural and Historical Context
Everything bagel seasoning has exploded in popularity in the last decade bringing classic deli flavors far outside New York bakeries. Turning cucumbers into chips means stretching summer’s abundance into a year round treat a little like how homesteaders used to dry their harvests for winter.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try thin carrot coins in the fall when roots are prime In the spring, radishes dry up spicy and sweet Mix in dill seed or dried rosemary for a festive winter twist
Success Stories
Many have told me these chips finally got their kids to devour cucumbers. Others say the chips replaced their cravings for salty snacks. Even the pickiest eaters at our last cookout could not resist finishing the bowl.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Since these are best dried and super crisp skip freezing for storing leftovers Instead prep cucumber slices ahead and freeze raw then thaw and proceed with seasoning and dehydrating when ready for a fresh batch Always dry fully to ward off any sogginess.
Save to Pinterest These everything bagel cucumber chips make snacking vibrant and joyful. Pack them for lunch or share at your next gathering for a healthy crunch everyone loves.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve crispiness with cucumber chips?
Slice cucumbers thinly with a mandoline, pat dry, and bake at a low temperature until crisp. This helps evaporate moisture and results in crunchy chips.
- → Can I use store-bought everything bagel seasoning?
Yes, store-bought seasoning provides a convenient, flavorful blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt.
- → Are these chips suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. Cucumbers and everything bagel seasoning are naturally gluten-free, making these chips a great snack for those avoiding gluten.
- → How long will cucumber chips stay fresh?
Store chips in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain their crunch, as moisture may soften them over time.
- → What dip pairs best with these chips?
Try Greek yogurt dip, hummus, or cream cheese for delicious complementary flavors to the seasoned chips.