Thanks to science and a million and two studies about cholesterol, disease prevention, and the vital nutrients the typical American diet is missing, we’ve had to rethink our relationship with our favorite foods. Luckily, as our ideas about nutrition have evolved over the last decade, so did our recipes. As more and more of us are turning to a plant-based diet or at least embracing Meatless Mondays, it’s easy to find mouth-watering, dinner recipes, including ones the kids will love. Even desserts are getting a nutritional makeover
We've become better at snacking too, though sometimes begrudgingly as we dip a celery stick into peanut butter, longing for a fried bag of chips. Finding an alternative to a potato chip that’s full of flavor, nutrition and has a satisfying crunch seems like it should be impossible, and yet it turns out, hitting the healthier snack trifecta is not as hard as it might seem. Most of these recipes don’t require anything but an oven to make delicious, crispy snacks in a snap. Some of these will be perfect for a quick bite between meals on a busy day, whereas others are sophisticated enough for a dinner party. Most have the approval of an underage food critic, which is so vital and hard to come by. No matter when the snacking pangs make an appearance, one of these perfectly seasoned and delicious options will be the perfect remedy.
BBQ Beet Fries
Coated with a yummy seasoning of marjoram, oregano and garlic powder, and homemade barbecue sauce, these BBQ beet fries are packed with flavor.
Sea Salt and Lime Spinach Chips
Spinach is incredibly nutrient-rich and is one of the best meatless sources of iron, though it’s hard to think of it as a delicious snack. But these crispy sea salt and lime spinach chips, tossed with lime zest, really are an exception.
Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
Like peanuts, chickpeas are a great source of fiber and protein, but they're significantly lower in fat, making a bowl of these roasted legumes a healthier midday snack. Seasoned with thyme and chili powder, these crunchy roasted chickpeas are more flavorful as well.
Salt & Vinegar Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potatoes are full of nutrients, such as fiber and magnesium, and are a wonderful source of vitamin A as well. These salt & vinegar sweet potato chips are full of goodness and are super easy to make in the oven. Use malt vinegar to add a little more depth to the chip.
Parmesan Carrot Shoestring Fries
Julienne carrots sticks get nice and crispy in the oven when they’re coated with cheese and a touch of oil, making a basket of these parmesan carrot shoestring fries a perfect side for a backyard lunch.
Smoked Paprika Corn Crackers
A dehydrator is all that's needed for this otherwise easy recipe made from frozen corn kernels and a mix of spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper and mustard seed. The sweetness of the corn balances out the intense flavors of the seasoning and gives the smoked paprika corn crackers a satisfying crunch.
Baked Artichoke Hearts
Coated with cheese and breadcrumbs, these baked artichoke hearts are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Using canned artichoke hearts makes this buttery, garlic-laced treat a snap to throw together.
Breaded Zucchini Fries
Coated in Parmesan and Italian herbs, these breaded zucchini fries are both crunchy and cheesy.
Baked Apple Chips
These baked apple chips laced with cinnamon and a touch of powdered sugar are the perfect fall snack. With the right oven settings, they'll come out crispy and sweet.
Watermelon Fries with Coconut Lime Dip
Watermelon fries seasoned with chili powder and lime are a healthier, more refreshing snack than their potato cousin. Pair with a dip made with coconut yogurt, and prepare to be transported to a tropical beach.
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds may be small but their nutritional value is not. The seeds are high in antioxidants, zinc and magnesium, as well as iron and fiber. The fall flavors in this recipe for cinnamon sugar pumpkin seeds make the perfect snack for a cozy movie night.
Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These low-carb baked buffalo cauliflower bites are healthier than their wing counterparts but full of flavor. The homemade buffalo sauce with butter, hot sauce, and onion powder is the perfect balance of spice and tang. This snack will get anyone excited about cauliflower, maybe for the first time.
Green Bean Fries
Everything’s better when it’s coated with Parmesan cheese, and these green bean fries have that plus a sprinkling of garlic powder and paprika.
Roasted Pepper and Lentil Crackers
These gluten-free, vegan roasted pepper and lentil crackers will pair beautifully with a creamy dip, but even on their own the red lentils and roasted red bell peppers give these bites a rich, nutty flavor.
Salt & Vinegar Cucumber Chips
Three ingredients and an oven is all it takes to make these salt & vinegar cucumber chips. Just make sure to cut the cucumbers very thinly to get more crunch.
Parmesan Oregano and Pine Nut Melts
These Parmesan oregano and pine nut melts are upscale bites that have all the flavors of Italy.
Broccoli Cheese Bites
Not a fan of cruciferous veggies? Try these broccoli cheese bites. Made with four types of cheese, these nuggets will please even the pickiest eaters and they pair well with a ranch dipping sauce.
Baked Avocado Chips
Who knew avocado could pack a crunch! To make these baked avocado chips whip up a “batter” of mashed avocado, cheese, garlic and onion powder, and bake in the oven.
Baked Sunchoke Chips
Also known as a Jerusalem artichoke, this root vegetable has a nutty flavor and a lot more nutrition than a bag of potato chips. This recipe for baked sunchoke chips also has some aromatic rosemary flavor.
Baked Pumpkin Chips
One serving of these baked pumpkin chips has the daily dose of Vitamin A and almost half of the recommended intake of vitamin C. Make these baked pumpkin chips even more seasonal and beneficial with a dash of cinnamon.
