Trader Joes Chili Onion Crunch Recipe

This crispy savory Trader Joes Chili Onion Crunch Recipe is made with dried minced onion and red pepper flakes and ready in 15 minutes. The oil turns a vibrant red while the dried bits sizzle and release a deeply toasted aroma. I love keeping a jar on the counter to drizzle over eggs and noodles.

What Makes This Version Different

I used to buy multiple jars of the original condiment on every grocery run until I realized how simple the ingredients were. Getting the oil temperature right was my biggest hurdle early on.

If the oil is too hot, the dried garlic turns bitter instantly. I learned to heat the oil gently before stirring in the aromatics to achieve that signature crunch without burning.

Trader Joes Chili Onion Crunch Recipe Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup dried minced onion
• 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

How To Make Trader Joes Chili Onion Crunch Recipe

1. Warm the Oil: Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes until warm but not smoking.
2. Add the Aromatics: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the dried onion, dried garlic, and red pepper flakes.
3. Season and Infuse: Mix in the smoked paprika and kosher salt, stirring well to combine.
4. Cool and Store: Let the mixture cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a clean glass jar.

Recipe Tips

• Control the heat: Use medium-low heat to warm the oil, as high heat will scorch the dried aromatics.
• Wait for the crunch: The texture improves after sitting for at least an hour as the dried bits absorb the seasoned oil.
• Adjust the spice: Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a sharper kick.

What To Serve With Chili Onion Crunch

Drizzle this crunchy oil over fried eggs, avocado toast, or roasted vegetables. It also works beautifully as a quick stir-in for plain noodles or hummus.

How To Store

Store the cooled chili crunch in an airtight glass jar at room temperature for up to one month. Always use a clean spoon to scoop it out to prevent spoiling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic and onions?
No, fresh ingredients contain water and will spoil at room temperature. Dried minced vegetables are essential for the crunchy texture.

Why did my oil turn bitter?
The oil was likely too hot when you added the dried ingredients. Always remove the pan from the heat before stirring them in.

What type of oil is best?
Olive oil closely mimics the store-bought version, but neutral oils like avocado or canola also work well.

Nutrition

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 145mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 3g
• Protein: 0g

Trader Joes Chili Onion Crunch Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

15

minutes

Crispy savory Trader Joes Chili Onion Crunch Recipe featuring dried minced onion, olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes ready in just 15 minutes. This quick homemade condiment is simple to mix together to spoon over your morning eggs.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup dried minced onion

• 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

• Warm the Oil: Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes until warm but not smoking.
• Add the Aromatics: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the dried onion, dried garlic, and red pepper flakes.
• Season and Infuse: Mix in the smoked paprika and kosher salt, stirring well to combine.
• Cool and Store: Let the mixture cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a clean glass jar.