Cashew Cheesy Kale Chips
Dehydrated | Raw | Dairy Free
Cashew Cheesy Kale Chips
Ingredients
Kale
- 2 large bunches curly kale washed and de-stemmed
Cashew Cheese
- 2 cups raw cashews soaked at least 1 hour and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper
- ¾ –1 cup water as needed
- ½ cup nutritional yeast
- ¼ cup onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional (for heat or depth)
- 1 jalapeño de-seeded
- or 1 tbsp cayenne or both
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
Instructions
- Rinse kale thoroughly and remove stems. Tear or cut into large pieces.
- Lay kale out to air-dry while preparing the cashew cheese.
- Blend all the cashew cheese ingredients, scraping down the sides as needed, until well blended.
- Place kale in a large bowl. Add cashew cheese and massage with your hands until evenly coated.
- Spread kale in a single layer on dehydrator trays (no teflex sheets).
- Dehydrate at 115°F for ~8 hours, checking for dryness.
Optional technique:
- For the first 1–2 hours, dehydrating at 165°F can help evaporate excess moisture quickly and reduce the chance of mold, especially in humid environments.
Notes
Resources
Cheese Crackers
You can use the same cheese recipe to make super crunchy cheese crackers like Cheeze-Its! Just spread the cheese on a dehydrator sheet and dehydrate for about 2 hours before cutting them into squares. Lastly let them dehydrate until crunchy.
Recommended Ingredients
These are the ingredients I use most often. I recommend buying as much as possible at your local health food store, as most of the ingredients will most likely be cheaper.
Recommended Tools
I started with cheap tools I found at the thrift store of Facebook marketplace and then I started investing in better more professional tools. These are the tools I have used.
I have had this set for almost 15 years. I love using the small 16oz processors for making date paste, and grinding spices and seeds. I use the blender for making shea butter body butter and I got rid of the processor bowl as it does not work for my recipes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
- Calories: ~220–260 kcal
- Protein: ~7–9 g
- Carbohydrates: ~18–22 g
- Fiber: ~5–7 g
- Sugars: ~4–6 g
- Fat: ~15–18 g
- Sodium: ~250–350 mg
Key Nutrients
- Kale: Provides fiber, calcium, potassium, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support overall cellular health.
- Cashews: Supply healthy fats, magnesium, copper, and plant-based protein for sustained energy.
- Nutritional Yeast: Contributes B vitamins (often fortified), protein, and a naturally savory, cheesy flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds vitamin C, antioxidants, and subtle natural sweetness.
- Garlic & Onion: Offer phytonutrients and sulfur compounds that support immune and digestive health.
- Paprika & Optional Spices: Provide antioxidants and warming compounds that add depth of flavor.
- Himalayan Salt: Enhances flavor balance and contributes trace minerals.
These kale chips offer a balanced mix of healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein, making them a satisfying snack that supports steady energy rather than quick spikes. Because dehydration concentrates both nutrients and flavor, consider this a general guideline rather than an exact measurement. Enjoy as a grounding, mineral-dense snack.
