Homemade Bagel Chips & Creamy Garlic & Vegetable Dip

I remember the first time I made bagel chips. It was a desperate attempt to use up a half-dozen bagels that had gone stale faster than expected. The aroma of garlic and Creole spice wafted through the kitchen as they baked, filling the house with an irresistible invitation. The resulting crispy, savory bites, paired with a creamy, tangy dip, became an instant family favorite – a testament to how simple ingredients and a little creativity can transform humble leftovers into something truly special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yields: 24-32 chips
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Bagel Chips:

• 4 plain bagels
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• 1/2 teaspoon Emeril’s Original Essence (Creole seasoning)

For the Emeril’s Essence (Creole Seasoning):

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

For the Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, softened in hot water, drained and chopped
• 3 tablespoons chopped black olives
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt, to taste

Equipment Needed

• 2 Baking Sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Sharp Knife
• Small Saucepan
• Pastry Brush
• Mixing Bowl

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the chips from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Using a very sharp knife, carefully slice each bagel as thinly as possible. Aim for 8 to 10 thin slices per bagel. Consistency is key for even baking, so take your time and apply steady pressure. A serrated knife works best.
3. Arrange the bagel slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they aren’t overlapping, to ensure each chip crisps up properly.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You’re not looking to scorch the oil; just warm it through.
5. When the oil starts to get warm (about 1 minute), remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and the Emeril’s Original Essence.
6. Let the garlic infuse the oil until the aroma fills your kitchen – about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for the garlic flavor to permeate the oil.
7. Remove the garlic from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Discard the garlic.
8. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the flavored oil onto each bagel chip. Don’t saturate the chips, just a light coating is enough.
9. Bake the bagel chips in the preheated oven until golden brown. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
10. Turn the chips over and bake on the second side until they are just crisp, about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Ovens can vary, so adjust baking time as needed.
11. Remove the bagel chips from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. They will crisp up further as they cool.
12. While the bagel chips are cooling, prepare the Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread.
13. For the Emeril’s Essence, combine all ingredients (paprika, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano leaves, and dried thyme) thoroughly in a small bowl. Store the remaining Essence in an airtight jar or container. This spice blend is a fantastic addition to many dishes.
14. To make the Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread, in a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined.
15. Add the remaining ingredients to the cream cheese mixture: minced garlic, chopped softened sun-dried tomatoes, chopped black olives, chopped chives, and fresh lemon juice. Mix well to combine.
16. Season the spread with salt to taste. Remember that the sun-dried tomatoes and olives are already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.
17. Serve the bagel chips immediately with the Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread, or cover the spread and refrigerate until ready to serve. Bring the spread to room temperature before serving, as this enhances the flavors. The spread will keep for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
18. To serve, arrange the bagel chips on a platter with a bowl of the Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy bagel chips, try using day-old bagels. Slightly stale bagels slice more easily and dry out faster in the oven.
• If you don’t have Emeril’s Original Essence, you can substitute with a store-bought Creole seasoning blend, or simply use a combination of paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• To avoid burning the garlic-infused oil, make sure the heat is on low when warming the oil. You only want to gently infuse the oil with the garlic flavor.
• If your bagel chips start to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
• The Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a spicier dip, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spread.
• If the Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the bagel chips and Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread as an appetizer, snack, or party food. Arrange the chips attractively on a platter with a bowl of the dip in the center. Garnish with fresh chives or a sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal.

Store leftover bagel chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to 3 days. If they lose their crispness, you can re-crisp them in a low oven for a few minutes. The Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep for about 3 days.

The bagel chips are best served fresh. The dip can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	122.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	49%
Total Fat	6.7 g	10%
Saturated Fat	2.8 g	13%
Cholesterol	11.4 mg	3%
Sodium	764.1 mg	31%
Total Carbohydrate	12.9 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1.4 g	5%
Sugars	1.3 g	N/A
Protein	3.4 g	6%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Bagel Chips: Use gluten-free bagels to make gluten-free bagel chips.
• Flavored Bagel Chips: Experiment with different bagel flavors, such as everything bagel, sesame bagel, or onion bagel.
• Vegan Creamy Dip: Substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with vegan cream cheese and vegan sour cream alternatives.
• Spicy Bagel Chips: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the oil for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused Oil: Infuse the olive oil with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How do I prevent the bagel chips from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the chips while they are baking and adjust the baking time as needed. Ovens can vary, so it’s important to monitor the chips and remove them from the oven when they are golden brown and crisp.

Q: Can I use different types of bagels for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of bagel you prefer. Everything bagels, sesame bagels, or onion bagels all work well.

Q: How long will the Creamy Garlic and Vegetable Spread last in the refrigerator?
A: The spread will keep for about 3 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make the bagel chips ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the bagel chips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q: What can I substitute for the sun-dried tomatoes?
A: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or chopped artichoke hearts.

Final Thoughts

These homemade bagel chips with creamy garlic and vegetable dip are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The satisfying crunch of the chips, combined with the tangy and flavorful dip, creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a delicious snack, or simply want to use up leftover bagels, this recipe is a winner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different bagel flavors and dip variations to create your own signature combination. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback! Perhaps serve them alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comforting meal.