Crunchy Ranch Cucumber Chips Recipe
Crunchy Ranch Cucumber Chips are a deliciously crispy and flavorful snack made by marinating thin cucumber slices in a tangy ranch buttermilk mixture, then baking them until perfectly crunchy. These low-temperature baked chips are a great healthy alternative to traditional chips, offering a fresh, herb-infused taste with a satisfying crunch, ideal for snacking or garnishing your favorite dishes.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- 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 oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) to prepare for baking the cucumber chips, ensuring a low temperature for even drying and crisping.
- Prepare cucumbers: Wash and thoroughly dry the cucumbers. Slice them into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline or a sharp knife for uniform slices that crisp evenly.
- Mix marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined to create the flavor base.
- Marinate cucumber slices: Add the cucumber slices to the bowl and gently toss them until each slice is evenly coated with the ranch buttermilk mixture. Let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated cucumber slices in a single layer without overlapping for even cooking. Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
- Bake chips: Bake the cucumber slices for 1½ to 2 hours, flipping them once halfway through. Bake until they are dry, lightly golden, and have a perfect crisp texture.
- Cool chips: Remove chips from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the pan where they will continue to crisp up, improving texture.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh chopped dill or chives over the cooled chips. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Ensure cucumber slices are very thin (about 1/8 inch) for optimal crispiness.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on your ranch seasoning mix.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
- Chips can also be made using a dehydrator or air fryer following similar low-temperature, slow-drying methods.
- Store chips in an airtight container to maintain crispness; best consumed within 2 days.
Keywords: Cucumber chips, ranch cucumber chips, healthy snack, baked chips, crunchy cucumber snack, low fat snack, buttermilk ranch chips