If you’re craving a crunchy, savory snack (that just so happens to be wildly addictive), let me introduce you to Onion Ring Chips. Imagine everything you love about classic onion rings—crispy edges, tender sweet onion, irresistible salty flavor—but in a fun, oven-baked chip form you can munch by the handful or dip to your heart’s content!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, Cheesy Goodness: Each bite of Onion Ring Chips delivers a satisfying crunch and a deeply savory, cheesy flavor thanks to the crisped Parmesan base.
- Ridiculously Easy: There’s no messy frying—just a handful of ingredients and a quick bake for oven-fresh chips in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable Crunch: Tweak the seasonings or try different dips to make these chips your own, whether you like them smoky, garlicky, or with a little heat.
- Crowd-Pleasing Snack: This is the perfect munchable for gatherings, movie nights, or to add a special touch to game-day spreads—there are never leftovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Onion Ring Chips is how unbelievably simple the ingredients are. You don’t need anything fancy, but every item plays a big, delicious role in creating those shatteringly crisp, golden chips you’ll keep coming back to.
- 4 small onions: Small to medium sweet or yellow onions are perfect—slice them thin for ultimate crunch.
- 8 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese: Parmesan melts and crisps into golden, savory layers that hold the chips together and add serious flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts that unmistakable onion flavor in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds irresistible aroma and a gentle savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a warm, smoky color and a little extra wow-factor.
- Cooking oil spray: Helps the onions and cheese brown that much better—don’t skip it!
- Optional dips (Tzatziki, Ranch, ketchup): The perfect finishing touch for dunking or drizzling—pick your favorite or set out a dip trio.
Variations
There are so many ways to make Onion Ring Chips your own. Feel free to mix, match, and play around depending on what you like or what you have—snacks should always fit your vibe!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes with the seasonings for Onion Ring Chips with a subtle heat.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Try using dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a completely plant-based version—just check that it melts and crisps.
- Cheese Swap: Go for half Parmesan and half mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a fun twist in flavor and color.
- Herby Crunch: Stir a little dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning into the cheese before baking for a Mediterranean flair.
How to Make Onion Ring Chips
Step 1: Prep the Onions and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a sheet pan with parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup a total breeze and helps keep the chips from sticking. Next, use a mandolin slicer to cut your onions into even ¼-inch rings. If you don’t have a mandolin, a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick. The thinner the slice, the crispier and lighter your Onion Ring Chips will be!
Step 2: Layer Cheese and Onions
Spread your shredded Parmesan cheese in a thin, even layer directly onto the lined baking sheet. Gently arrange the sliced onions over the cheese, nestling them so each piece is well-coated underneath. This cheesy underlayer is what transforms into the crispy, savory chip base when baked!
Step 3: Season and Bake
Give the whole pan a light coat of cooking oil spray to help the onions brown. Generously sprinkle on the smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder—the spices will blend into the cheese as it bakes, packing each chip with flavor and giving that gorgeous golden hue. Bake for about 18-20 minutes. You’re aiming for deep golden edges and bubbling cheese, but watch closely toward the end to prevent burning (ovens can vary!).
Step 4: Cool and Cut
Let the sheet pan cool for at least 10 minutes. This waiting game is important, as it lets the cheese firm up and ensures the Onion Ring Chips get super crisp. Once cooled, simply cut into squares, strips, or even break into rustic shards—however you like to dip and snack.
Step 5: Serve With Dips
Arrange your chips on a platter and offer with Tzatziki, Ranch, or classic ketchup. These warm, melty, crunchy chips disappear fast, so don’t be shy with the sauces or the serving size!
Pro Tips for Making Onion Ring Chips
- Mandolin Magic: Using a mandolin for even, thin slices ensures the onions bake evenly and your Onion Ring Chips turn out perfectly crisp every time.
- Cheese Placement: Make sure the Parmesan is spread evenly—patchy spots can burn or leave you with floppy chips instead of shatteringly crunchy sheets.
- Golden Watch: Start checking at 16 minutes into baking; a golden, not too dark, cheese layer is the sweet spot—any darker and the flavor turns bitter.
- Cool Down Patience: Don’t rush cutting! Give the chips a good 10 minutes to set up after baking for maximum crispiness (it’s worth it, promise).
How to Serve Onion Ring Chips
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives gives Onion Ring Chips a fresh pop of color and just a hint of herbal brightness. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of extra smoked paprika or a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving adds visual appeal and that final savory touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your crispy chips with a crisp, leafy salad for a light meal, or serve them alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or a hearty soup. Onion Ring Chips also make a stellar addition to sharing boards with cheeses, pickles, and other snacking bites—they bring extra crunch and heaps of personality.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, line a basket or tray with parchment and pile the chips high for a rustic look, or serve in individual paper cones for a fun, street-food vibe. For a special touch, cut the cooled chips into rectangles or triangles and stack for a geometric, modern presentation—the ultimate conversation starter at any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Onion Ring Chips left, let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature—the chips will stay crisp for up to two days. Just make sure the container is truly airtight to preserve all that crunch.
Freezing
While Onion Ring Chips taste best fresh, you can freeze cooled chips in a zip-top bag with parchment between layers. Reheat directly from frozen (see below) to get them close to their original texture—ideal if you’re planning ahead for parties or potlucks!
Reheating
To bring leftover Onion Ring Chips back to life, pop them in a hot oven (375°F) for 3-5 minutes. This will revive their crunch—avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy. For frozen chips, add a couple of extra minutes in the oven.
FAQs
-
Can I make Onion Ring Chips without a mandolin slicer?
Absolutely! A mandolin helps create even, thin slices, but a sharp knife works well—just slice as thinly and evenly as possible, as thicker slices may result in softer chips.
-
What other cheeses can I use for Onion Ring Chips?
While Parmesan is classic for its crispy bake, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or a blend with shredded cheddar for a melty twist. Just keep in mind that moisture-rich cheeses might not crisp up as much.
-
Why did my Onion Ring Chips turn out soggy?
Chances are the onions were sliced a bit too thick, or the cheese wasn’t baked long enough to fully crisp. Aim for ¼-inch slices or thinner, and don’t skip letting the chips cool to set up their crunch.
-
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! You can bake two pans at once, rotating their positions halfway through baking. Just be sure not to overcrowd the cheese and onion layers on each pan so everything gets evenly golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you try only one new homemade snack this week, make it these Onion Ring Chips. They hit every note—crunchy, cheesy, savory, a little smoky—and come together with hardly any effort. Whip up a batch and see why they’re destined to become a favorite in your kitchen, too. Happy snacking!
PrintOnion Ring Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Description
These homemade Onion Ring Chips are a crispy, flavorful snack that’s easy to make and perfect for dipping. Thinly sliced onions are baked with a generous topping of Parmesan cheese and savory seasonings until golden and crunchy. Serve with your favorite dip or enjoy them on their own!
Ingredients
Onion Ring Chips:
- 4 small onions, peeled and sliced to 1/4 inch thickness
- 8 ounces shredded Parmesan Cheese (you can use 6-7 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- cooking oil spray
Optional dips:
- Ranch
- Ketchup
- Tzatziki
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Slice the onions: Using a mandolin slicer, slice the 4 small onions thinly (1/4 inch thickness).
- Prepare the pan: Spread the 8 ounces shredded Parmesan Cheese over the prepared sheet pan. Line the sliced onions over the cheese.
- Season and bake: Spray with cooking oil spray and season with smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool for 10 minutes to harden the cheese. Cut into squares and serve with your favorite dip like Tzatziki.
Notes
- I find small to medium-sized onions work best.
- Be careful not to burn the cheese to avoid a bitter taste.
- Start checking the chips at 16 minutes due to oven temperature variations.
- Slice the onions thinly to prevent sogginess. Use a sharp knife if you don’t have a mandolin slicer.
- If cooking oil spray is unavailable, lightly brush the onions with olive or avocado oil.
- You can make these chips with just onions and Parmesan cheese; the seasonings enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg