This recipe for Spicy Parmesan kale chips was created in partnership with my client, Collective Bias, Inc., and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.
I want to share a few amazing game day snacks with you today. Spicy Parmesan kale chips can be the perfect healthy snack option for game day parties this year. They’re crispy and salty like potato chips, but baked instead of deep fried, with a touch of cayenne and Parmesan. They pair perfectly with fresh hot wings and bacon cheddar pasta salad, both available from the deli at Walmart.
Thanks to #CollectiveBias for giving me the opportunity to attend an in-store demonstration at Walmart yesterday, because I now know that the deli at Walmart (and those delicious Tyson wings) will be my #GameTimeHero!
Brian and I enjoy watching most sports, but football season is our favorite. It doesn’t matter if it’s a college or NFL game, we get into the spirit, cheering on our favorite teams.
I like to have game day snacks on hand, but they must be convenient, quick, and easy to prepare.
Spicy Parmesan kale chips fall perfectly into that category, taking 5 minutes to prep and 15 to bake them up. Healthy snacking doesn’t get much easier than that!
The snacks from the Walmart deli are perfect to serve too, because they’re so convenient. The deli has Tyson Bone-in Hot Wings and Boneless General Tso’s flavors. They can be purchased in a Pick 3 Bucket, a plated meal, or even by the pound. Paired up with one of the deli’s ready-to-eat side salads and some bottled Kraft Ranch dressing for dipping, they make a complete game day meal for us.
The bacon cheddar pasta salad from the deli looked fantastic, so I bought some of that as well. Then, I made a trip to the salad dressing aisle for some Kraft Ranch dressing to dip the wings into.
Yesterday, I went back to Walmart, to attend an in-store sampling demo. I love free food samples, because shopping on an empty stomach usually leads to junk food in my cart. The kale I needed to make the kale chips was already in my fridge, but Walmart had some gorgeous looking kale in the produce section.
I find it surprising how much my tastes in food have changed over the past 10 years. I used to gravitate towards junk food, and now I gravitate towards healthy green vegetables and healthy snacks.
Bring on the spicy Parmesan kale chips!

Recipe preparation:
There’s usually some dirt hiding in the curly crevices of kale, so be sure to rinse the leaves well. Then use some paper toweling to pat them dry.
After you’ve washed and dried your leaves, give them a good rub down with a bit of seasoned olive oil. Then, tear them by hand, or use kitchen shears or a knife to cut them into bite-sized pieces. Bear in mind that they’ll shrink down to almost half of their original size, so don’t make them too small to start with.
Before you put them into the oven, sprinkle the kale with a tiny bit of cayenne pepper.
After they’ve finished baking, toss the chips with a little bit of Parmesan cheese, and serve them up. They’re spicy and salty, and oh so yummi! I actually dipped them into some of the Ranch dressing, too. Pretty danged tasty, and because they’re so healthy and low calorie, I didn’t need to monitor how many I was eating. The whole bowl full disappeared before my eyes!
What are your favorite game day party snacks?
Besides the fresh wings and kale chips, I really enjoy making (and eating!) this hot bacon cheddar dip. One of Brian’s game day favorites is my meatball and pepperoni pizza pasta.

Spicy Parmesan Kale Chips
These spicy Parmesan kale chips are healthy, low calorie, and loaded with spicy flavor. Tossed with a little bit of salty Parmesan cheese, they make the perfect healthy snack alternative.
Ingredients
- 1 medium bunch Kale, rinsed, patted dry, and stems removed
- 2 Tablespoons grape seed oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 2 Tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Set oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine oil, cayenne pepper, and salt (if using); stir to combine.
- Using clean hands, massage oil mixture into the kale leaves. Use kitchen shears, a sharp knife, or your hands to tear the leaves into bite sized pieces. Bear in mind that the chips will shrink to almost half of their original size during baking, so don't make them too small to begin with.
- Place chips onto a baking stone or rimmed sheet pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chips dry and slightly browned.
- Remove pan from oven and allow chips to cool slightly. Lightly toss chips with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Karen says
When you make these, how should they be stored and how long will the chips keep? Making them right now! Can’t wait to taste!
Chef Bec says
Karen, if you’re lucky enough to have any left over to store (I never have any left!), you should keep them in an airtight container in a dry area away from any moisture. My best guess is that they’ll stay nice and crispy for 4-5 days.
I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Stacy says
I’m on the kale chip bandwagon as far as eating but I have yet to try make them. This must change! Thanks for the push, Becca.
Chef Becca says
I hope you have a chance to make them soon, Stacy. They were a real treat!
JanetGoingCrazy says
I love quick and easy snacks for game day and these wings with some healthy kale chips looks like a great plan. #client
Chef Becca says
Thanks so much, Janet!
Jess says
These kale chips sound amazing! Love the spicy parmesan addition, so flavourful and delicious!
Chef Becca says
Thanks so much, Jess!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
I love kale chips and that touch of heat in yours is right up my alley!
Karen says
I’m one of the minority of people who haven’t yet tried Kale chips either. I love the addition of the cayenne and the parmesan. Guess I’ll be trying them after all.
David says
I don’t think I’ve ever had kale chips…can you believe that?? I tried to grow some kale in my garden this year, but apparently rabbits love kale. Go figure. I’ll have to grab some at Walmart and try this recipe out for one of the many upcoming football weekends!!
Chef Becca says
It took me 3 years to get on the kale chip bandwagon, Dave… there’s hope for you, too! I’m so sorry to hear about your “wascaly wabbits” taking your veggies without asking permission first.
Katrina says
I SO love kale chips! Have to be careful because I’ve often eaten so much of them at a time that my tummy doesn’t feel well! 😉
Chef Becca says
Oh my gosh, Katrina n I wish you had seen my face as I read your comment, because I had a HUGE smile when I realized that the exact same thing happened to me when I ate these chips! 😉
Liz says
I have been wanting to make kale chips since the rage began…so thanks for the reminder and the perfect recipe to test!
Chef Becca says
Hehe, Lizzy! It appears that you and I are a couple of years behind the food trends. Thing is, I prefer to have someone else be the guinea pig. In the case of kale chips, I can say with assurance that the crazy hype was well founded. 😉
Cate says
I love kale chips so much! They are one of my favorite snacks! Yours look delicious, I love the addition of spice!
Chef Becca says
Thanks, Cate! I really enjoyed them, too.
Brian Donovan says
Thanks for letting me tag along to your Game Day Snacks Demo! Great tasting wings and you know how I love my snacks around Packer Time!
Chef Becca says
I love when you share your time with me, Has. It was fun to have you come along. 🙂