Winter Kale Crunchy Bites (Printable Version)

Savory kale and nut clusters baked for a crunchy, healthy winter snack or appetizer alternative.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 5 oz curly kale, stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces

→ Nuts & Seeds

02 - 1/3 cup whole almonds, roughly chopped
03 - 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
04 - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
05 - 2 tbsp sesame seeds

→ Binding & Seasoning

06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
11 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 340°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mix torn kale leaves with chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds.
03 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together eggs, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika if using, and garlic powder until smooth.
04 - Pour the egg mixture over the kale and nut blend, tossing thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing clusters slightly apart.
06 - Gently press each mound to help it hold together.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, until clusters are golden and crisp around the edges.
08 - Allow clusters to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They satisfy that deep need for crunch without any guilt or greasy fingers.
  • You can toss in whatever nuts or seeds are already open in your pantry.
  • Theyre surprisingly filling, thanks to the protein from eggs and almonds.
  • They keep for days in a jar, so you can grab a handful whenever hunger strikes.
02 -
  • Dont skip the cooling step, if you try to lift them too soon theyll fall apart and youll be left with delicious crumbs.
  • Make sure the kale is completely dry before mixing, any moisture will make the clusters soggy instead of crisp.
  • Press each cluster firmly but gently, too much pressure squeezes out the egg and they wont hold.
03 -
  • Use a cookie scoop to keep the clusters uniform in size so they bake evenly.
  • If your kale leaves are huge, tear them smaller so they mix better with the seeds and crisp up faster.
  • Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the salt or spice, its your last chance to get it right.

Go Back