Crunchy Ranch Cucumber Chips Recipe
These Crunchy Ranch Cucumber Chips are a delicious and healthy snack option, featuring thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a flavorful buttermilk-ranch blend. Baked low and slow until perfectly crisp, these chips are a refreshing and tangy alternative to traditional snacks, ideal for guilt-free munching or a crunchy salad topping.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Cucumber and Marinade:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch blend)
Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Baking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray (if baking)
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh chopped dill or chives
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C) if you’re planning to bake the cucumber chips. This low temperature helps to slowly dry out the slices, achieving a crispy texture without burning. Alternatively, you can use a dehydrator or air fryer for a different method.
- Slice the Cucumbers: Wash and dry your cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into very thin rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices are essential to ensure they crisp up nicely during baking.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will infuse the cucumber slices with a rich, tangy ranch flavor.
- Coat the Cucumber Slices: Gently toss the cucumber slices in the buttermilk ranch marinade until they are evenly coated. For deeper flavor penetration, allow the slices to marinate for 5-10 minutes before baking.
- Arrange for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the cucumber slices in a single, non-overlapping layer. Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil to promote crispiness as they bake.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake the cucumber slices in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. Flip each slice halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. The chips are done when they turn golden and have a crunchy texture.
- Cool Down: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cucumber chips to cool completely on the tray. Cooling helps the chips to firm up and become extra crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped dill or chives over the chips for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately as a snack or store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their crunch.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thin slices, which ensures even baking and crisping.
- Adjust salt according to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity.
- For longer storage, keep the chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness, but consume within 2 days for best texture.
- If using an air fryer or dehydrator, adjust time and temperature accordingly; these methods may reduce cooking time.
Keywords: cucumber chips, ranch cucumber chips, crunchy snack, healthy snack, baked cucumber chips, buttermilk ranch snack