If you are looking for a savory, crispy snack that bursts with rich Mediterranean flavors, this Olive Chips Recipe is just what you need. These thinly sliced, baked olives transform into perfectly crunchy chips that are both wholesome and addictive. Whether you want a delightful topping on your salads or a guilt-free munch, these olive chips bring a unique taste and satisfying texture that you won’t find in regular snacks. They require so few ingredients yet deliver a punch of flavor that will keep you reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Olive Chips Recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, focusing on core ingredients to highlight the olives’ natural savory essence and provide just the right crispiness. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing taste, aroma, and that perfect crunch.
- 1 cup pitted black or green olives (or a mix): The star of the dish, offering rich, briny flavor and a firm texture that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional): Adds a subtle smoothness and helps the seasonings adhere, enhancing the final taste.
- Pinch of sea salt: Brings out the natural olive flavor and balances any bitterness.
- Pinch of garlic powder or herbs (optional): Infuses a subtle layer of aromatic depth and makes each chip pop with Mediterranean charm.
How to Make Olive Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Olives
Start by preheating your oven to a low 250°F (120°C). This gentle heat ensures the olives dry out slowly without burning. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Pat your olives dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible—this step is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Slice the Olives Thinly
Using a sharp knife, cut the olives into thin rings or small pieces depending on your preference. Uniform slices will bake evenly and develop that delightful crunch throughout. Take your time here; thinner slices translate to crisper chips later.
Step 3: Season and Arrange
Place the sliced olives in a mixing bowl and toss gently with olive oil if using, then sprinkle with sea salt and garlic powder or herbs for a punch of flavor. Spread the olives out evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer so they don’t overlap—this helps them bake uniformly crisp.
Step 4: Bake Low and Slow
Bake the olive slices for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through for even drying. Keep a close eye near the end of the baking time; once they’re dried and beginning to turn a bit crisp and golden on the edges, it’s time to pull them out. The low temperature and slow bake coax out moisture gently, preventing burnt bitterness.
Step 5: Cool and Crisp Up
As the olive chips cool on the baking sheet, they continue to firm up, turning from slightly pliable to satisfyingly crunchy. Once fully cooled, transfer them to an airtight container to keep their crisp texture fresh and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Olive Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper, a dusting of smoked paprika, or a pinch of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme over your olive chips to add a gourmet touch. These small additions elevate the flavor profile and make the chips incredibly Instagram-worthy as well.
Side Dishes
Olive chips pair brilliantly with Mediterranean spreads such as hummus, baba ganoush, or tzatziki. They also make a crunchy contrast to creamy cheese boards, or a crispy topping for roasted vegetables and vibrant salads, adding both texture and a salty kick.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your olive chips stacked alongside a glass of chilled rosé or sparkling water for a light appetizer. You can also crush them lightly and sprinkle over pasta, sprinkle on avocado toast, or even use as a crunchy layer within a sandwich for a delicious surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover olive chips in an airtight container at room temperature. Their light crisp will stay intact for up to one week if kept dry and away from humidity. This means you can prepare them in advance for snacks or entertaining without any hassle.
Freezing
Freezing olive chips is not recommended because moisture from thawing may compromise their crispness and cause sogginess. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within the storage timeframe mentioned.
Reheating
If your olive chips lose some of their crunch, pop them back into the oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5–10 minutes to revive their crisp texture. Just keep a close watch to avoid burning, and you’ll have refreshingly crunchy chips once more.
FAQs
Can I use any type of olives for this recipe?
Absolutely! Black, green, or a mix of olives work well. Kalamata olives are especially tasty for their rich, salty flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorites to find the perfect chip taste.
Do I have to add olive oil?
Olive oil is optional but recommended as it enhances flavor and aids in even seasoning. If you prefer a lighter chip, you can skip it, but just be sure to season with salt and herbs for full flavor.
How thin should I slice the olives?
The thinner the slices, the crispier your olive chips will be. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick rings for the best texture that bakes evenly.
Can I make these chips without an oven?
Since the slow drying process is key, the oven is the best tool. A dehydrator could work as a substitute but might require time adjustments. Pan-frying is not recommended as it changes the texture and flavor drastically.
Are olive chips healthy?
Yes! Olive chips are a low-carb, vegan, and gluten-free alternative to traditional chips. They provide good fats from olives and olive oil without the heavy frying or processed additives, making for a wholesome, tasty snack.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the secret to making these addictive Olive Chips Recipe at home, it’s time to gather your olives and get baking. Their crispy, briny goodness is bound to become your new favorite snack or topping, perfect for adding a Mediterranean twist to your everyday meals. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these delightful little chips!
Print
Olive Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup
- Category: Snack or Topping
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free, Low Carb
Description
Discover a simple and healthy way to enjoy olives with this Olive Chips recipe. Thinly sliced and baked to crispy perfection, these olive chips make a delicious snack or a crunchy topping for salads, hummus, pasta, and pizza. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this Mediterranean-inspired treat combines the rich flavors of olives with a touch of seasoning, perfect for a low-carb, vegan, and gluten-free option.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted black or green olives (or a mix)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of garlic powder or herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Olives: Pat the olives dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture which helps in achieving crispiness. Slice the olives thinly into rings or small pieces as preferred for even baking.
- Toss with Seasoning: Spread the sliced olives evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, toss them lightly with olive oil, sea salt, and a pinch of garlic powder or herbs to enhance flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Flip the olive slices once halfway through the baking time to ensure even drying and crisping. Towards the end, watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool Down: Remove the olives from the oven and allow them to cool completely, during which they will continue to crisp up.
- Storage: Once cooled, store the olive chips in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use Kalamata olives for a richer, saltier flavor which makes for an excellent chip variant.
- These olive chips are perfect as a crunchy topping on salads, hummus, pasta, or pizza for added texture and flavor.
- Be sure to watch the olives near the end of baking to avoid burning as they can crisp quickly.
- If you prefer less salty chips, adjust the amount of sea salt accordingly or omit it entirely.
