Easy Butternut Squash Parmesan Chips (2 Ingredients) – Crispy, Healthy & Addictively Delicious!

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Introduction

Welcome back to the cozy corner of my kitchen! Today, I’m sharing one of those magical recipes that checks every box: incredibly easy, unbelievably delicious, healthy, gluten-free, and—wait for it—made with only two ingredients. Yes, you read that right. These Easy Butternut Squash Parmesan Chips (2 Ingredients) are the kind of snack that makes you feel like a culinary genius without lifting more than a finger.

The first time I made these chips was on a chilly fall afternoon when I was craving something crunchy, salty, and satisfying—without diving into a bag of store-bought chips. I had half a butternut squash sitting in my fridge, a wedge of parmesan, and not much motivation to cook (we’ve all been there). And then it hit me: what if I crisped thin slices of squash and topped them with parmesan?

Fifteen minutes later, I had an entire tray of golden, crispy, slightly sweet and salty chips that tasted like something from a gourmet café. They disappeared instantly. Since then, these Easy Butternut Squash Parmesan Chips (2 Ingredients) have become a staple: the go-to recipe for snacks, holiday platters, appetizer boards, or even a healthier alternative to French fries.

They’re popular because they’re everything a “minimalist recipe” should be:

  • Easy
  • Fast
  • Wholesome
  • Delicious
  • And honestly… borderline addictive

If you love simple snack recipes that feel both elegant and effortless, this will be your new favorite.

Ingredients

You only need two ingredients, but I’ve included substitution ideas if you want variations.

✔️ 2 Ingredients

  • Butternut squash, peeled and sliced into thin rounds (⅛–¼-inch thick)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated or pre-grated

Substitution Ideas

Healthier Options

  • Swap regular parmesan for light parmesan to reduce calories.
  • Use an air fryer instead of baking—this makes them even lighter and crispier.
  • Add a sprinkle of turmeric or paprika for extra antioxidants.

Vegan Options

Because parmesan contains dairy, vegan substitutions include:

  • Vegan parmesan shreds
  • Nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
  • Vegan hard cheese-style flakes

Gluten-Free Options

Good news—this recipe is naturally gluten-free! No substitutions needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These instructions are beginner-friendly, foolproof, and designed to give you the crispiest chips possible.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
High heat is the secret to crispiness—don’t skip this step!

2. Prepare the Butternut Squash

Peel your squash and slice it into thin rounds. Aim for ⅛–¼-inch thickness.

Pro tip:
Use a mandoline slicer for super-even chips that crisp at the same rate.

3. Lay Out the Slices

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Place the slices in a single layer—no overlapping, or they’ll steam instead of crisp.

4. Sprinkle with Parmesan

Generously top each slice with grated parmesan.
Don’t worry if some cheese spills onto the tray—those crispy cheese bits are gold

5. Bake

Bake for 12–16 minutes, depending on thickness.
You’ll know they’re done when:

  • The cheese is golden and crisp
  • The squash edges are lightly browned
  • The centers feel firm, not soft

Tip:
Keep a close eye during the last few minutes—parmesan can brown quickly.

6. Cool & Crisp

Let the chips cool on the tray for 5 minutes.

They crisp even more as they cool (just like baked potato chips).

7. Serve Immediately

Enjoy warm for the ultimate cheesy crunch!

Extra Tips

Serving Suggestions

These Easy Butternut Squash Parmesan Chips (2 Ingredients) shine on their own, but here are fun ways to enjoy them:

  • As an appetizer on a charcuterie or snack board
  • Paired with dips like garlic aioli, Greek yogurt dip, or pesto
  • As a side dish with roasted chicken or steak
  • On top of salads for a crunchy, cheesy element
  • As a healthier replacement for potato chips

Storage & Reheating

Store:
Place in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. They stay crisp for 1–2 days, though best eaten fresh.

Reheat:
Pop in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp.
Avoid microwaving—they’ll soften.

Freezing:
Not recommended. The squash becomes watery when thawed and won’t crisp properly.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Want to take this 2-ingredient recipe to the next level? Try these delicious variations:

  • Spicy Chips: Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes before baking.
  • Herb Chips: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
  • Garlic Lovers’ Chips: Dust with garlic powder or roasted garlic before adding cheese.
  • Smoky Chips: Add a dash of smoked paprika.
  • Sweet & Savory: Drizzle a tiny bit of honey post-bake and top with flaky salt.
  • Extra Crispy: Use finely grated parmesan instead of shredded.

Nutritional Information

(Based on the general recipe breakdown from HungryHappens; values are approximate)

Per serving (about 10–12 chips):

  • Calories: ~110
  • Fat: ~6g
  • Carbs: ~10g
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sodium: ~130mg

Nutritional values vary depending on cheese quantity and slice thickness.

FAQ

How long does it take to make Easy Butternut Squash Parmesan Chips (2 Ingredients)?

From start to finish, about 20–25 minutes:

  • 5 minutes to prep
  • 12–16 minutes to bake
  • 5 minutes to cool and crisp

Can I substitute the parmesan?

Absolutely! Great alternatives include:

  • Nutritional yeast (for a vegan, cheesy flavor)
  • Pecorino Romano
  • Asiago
  • Vegan parmesan

Just make sure it’s finely grated for best melting and crisping.

Can I freeze these chips?

Unfortunately, no.
Butternut squash contains a lot of moisture, so once frozen and thawed, the chips lose their crisp texture. They’re best enjoyed fresh or reheated from room temperature.

Do I need to peel the squash?

Yes! The skin is tough and won’t crisp properly.

Can I air fry them instead of baking?

Absolutely—air frying works beautifully.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes, checking often to prevent burning.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a snack that’s crunchy, cheesy, healthy, and ridiculously easy, these Easy Butternut Squash Parmesan Chips (2 Ingredients) are about to become your new obsession. They’re golden, crispy, salty-sweet, and satisfying in a way that feels almost too good for such a simple recipe.

Whether you’re prepping a holiday appetizer, craving a guilt-free snack, or just trying to use up that leftover squash sitting on your counter, this recipe delivers big flavor with almost no effort.

If you make these chips, let me know how they turned out!
Did you add spices? Try a vegan version? Pair them with a dip?
Share your experience in the comments—I love reading your creative twists!

Happy snacking, and may your kitchen always smell like warm parmesan and roasted goodness. 🧀✨