If you are on the lookout for a crispy, nutritious snack that’s easy to whip up and sure to wow your taste buds, this Black Bean Chips (3 Ingredients, High Protein) Recipe is exactly what you need. With just black beans, nuts or seeds, and a few pantry staples, you will create crunchy chips bursting with rich flavor and an impressive protein punch. These chips are not only perfect for munching on their own but also versatile enough for dipping and sharing, making healthy snacking absolutely effortless and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three simple ingredients come together beautifully to form the base of your chips, offering a harmonious balance of creaminess, crunch, and natural earthiness. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture and nutritional profile.
- Black beans: The star ingredient providing a hearty, protein-rich base with a smooth texture when blended.
- Nuts or seeds (60 grams): Adds natural fats and crunch; choose your favorite for unique flavor variations.
- Water (1.5 cups): Essential for blending the mixture into a smooth batter for even baking.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Creates lightness and helps the chips crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Optional salt (1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon): Enhances flavor, but can be adjusted or left out if preferred.
How to Make Black Bean Chips (3 Ingredients, High Protein) Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Beans and Nuts/Seeds
Start by soaking the dried black beans and your choice of nuts or seeds in boiling water for 30 minutes. This step softens them just enough to blend smoothly later on, ensuring your chips have a delightful, even texture without any gritty bits.
Step 2: Drain and Rinse
After soaking, drain off the water thoroughly and rinse your beans and nuts under cold running water. This not only cleans them but helps reduce any lingering bitterness, keeping your chips fresh and appetizing.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
While the beans and seeds soak, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. This non-stick surface is key for easily lifting off your thin chips once baked.
Step 4: Blend Ingredients into a Smooth Batter
Pop the soaked black beans and nuts into your blender along with 1.5 cups of fresh water. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides to catch any stubborn bits. Then, add the baking powder and optional salt before giving it one last quick blend. This batter is the foundation for your chips—silky and full-flavored.
Step 5: Spread Batter Evenly on Baking Sheets
Pour the blended batter onto your prepared baking sheet and tilt or use a spatula to spread it out in an even, thin layer. Getting the thickness right helps the chips bake evenly and crisp up perfectly without soggy spots.
Step 6: First Bake at 350°F
Bake the batter for 15 minutes at 350°F. This initial bake sets the batter so it can be scored and baked further without falling apart—an important step to forming those classic chip shapes.
Step 7: Cut into Triangles and Reduce Temperature
Remove the baking sheet and reduce your oven temperature to 325°F. Using a sharp knife, pizza cutter, or pastry scraper, cut diagonal lines to create triangle-shaped chips. Don’t worry about perfect shapes here—they’ll taste amazing no matter what!
Step 8: Second Bake for Crispiness
Return the cut chips to the oven for 25 to 30 minutes at 325°F. Keep an eye on them, removing any outer chips as they crisp faster, while allowing inner chips to bake longer to reach that ideal crunch.
Step 9: Cool Completely and Enjoy
Once your chips are evenly crisped, transfer them to a cooling rack and allow them to cool fully. This final step locks in the texture and lets the chips firm up to their perfect snacking crunch.
How to Serve Black Bean Chips (3 Ingredients, High Protein) Recipe
Garnishes
These chips are delicious on their own but you can elevate them by sprinkling a pinch of smoked paprika, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley right after baking. Adding a little zest really brightens each bite and makes sharing even more fun.
Side Dishes
Pair your high-protein black bean chips with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a creamy bean dip for a delightful combo. They also make a fantastic crunchy companion to hearty soups or salads, adding texture and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond bowls—arrange your chips on a colorful platter layered with dips and fresh veggies for a vibrant snack tray. Or stuff them into lettuce cups with hummus and shredded veggies for mini hand-held tacos that impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover black bean chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just be sure they’ve completely cooled before sealing to keep them crunchy and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
These chips freeze well! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay fresh for up to 2 months this way.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or stored chips, pop them in a 325°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until crisp again. This quick reheat restores their crunch without drying out the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?
While dried beans soak better for this recipe, using canned black beans is possible but may affect texture and moisture levels. If you try it, be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly and reduce added water.
What nuts or seeds work best?
Cashews, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds all bring unique flavors and textures, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Just double-check your baking powder to ensure it is certified gluten-free, and you’re all set!
Can I add spices or herbs to the batter?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cumin, chili powder, or fresh herbs can give your chips an extra flavor boost tailored to your taste.
How thin should I spread the batter?
Try to spread it as evenly and thin as possible—about 1/8 inch thick—to ensure the chips crisp up nicely without staying doughy.
Final Thoughts
This Black Bean Chips (3 Ingredients, High Protein) Recipe is such a treasure for anyone who loves simple, wholesome snacks packed with flavor and nutrition. I’m excited for you to try it and discover just how easy it is to create a crunchy delight that not only satisfies your cravings but also fuels your body. Happy baking and snacking!
Print
Black Bean Chips (3 Ingredients, High Protein) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These homemade Black Bean Chips are a high-protein, gluten-free snack made from just three main ingredients. Soaked black beans and nuts or seeds are blended into a smooth batter, baked into crispy, crunchy chips that are perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own. Naturally gluten-free and packed with protein and fiber, these chips make a nutritious alternative to store-bought snacks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dried black beans
- 60 grams (approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup) nuts or seeds of choice (see notes)
- Boiling water for soaking
- 1.5 cups fresh water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (certified gluten-free if needed)
- Optional: 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Soak beans and nuts/seeds: Place the dried black beans and nuts or seeds in a medium bowl. Cover them with boiling water and let them soak for 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the mixture through a sieve or colander, discard the soaking water, and rinse the beans and nuts/seeds under cold water.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet (approximately 18×13 inches) with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy removal of the chips.
- Blend the batter: In a blender, combine the drained black beans and nuts/seeds along with 1.5 cups of fresh water. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. Add the baking powder and optional salt, then blend again to fully incorporate.
- Pour and spread batter: Pour the smooth batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Lift and tilt the baking sheet or use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the batter into an even layer.
- Bake the chips initially: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F (180°C).
- Cut the chips: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C). Using a knife, pizza cutter, or pastry scraper, cut the baked batter diagonally to create triangle-shaped chips. The cuts do not need to be perfect.
- Second bake for crispiness: Return the cut chips to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the chips dry out and become crispy. Keep an eye on the chips, removing the outer ones as they finish baking, and continuing to bake the inner chips as needed to ensure even crispiness.
- Finish baking: Remove all chips that are fully crisped. If some chips need more baking, keep them on the baking sheet and return to the oven for several more minutes until all chips are uniformly crisp.
- Cool completely: Transfer the chips to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before serving to ensure maximum crunch.
- Enjoy: Serve your homemade black bean chips as a healthy snack or with your favorite dips.
Notes
- Use nuts or seeds of your choice according to preference or dietary needs. Options like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, or walnuts work well.
- Be sure to use gluten-free certified baking powder if you need the recipe to remain gluten-free.
- Monitor the chips closely during the second bake to prevent burning; thicker chips may require additional baking time for full crispiness.
- These chips store well in an airtight container for several days but are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crunch.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
