Snacks

Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch Recipe

This spicy crunchy Trader Joes Chilli Onion Crunch Recipe is made with dried minced onion, garlic, and olive oil, and ready in 10 minutes. The warm oil hits the dried spices, releasing an intensely savory and toasted aroma that instantly makes your kitchen smell amazing. I keep a jar of this on my counter at all times.

What I Learned Making This

When I first tried making chili crunch at home, I accidentally burned the garlic by keeping the heat too high. I learned that gently warming the oil before pouring it over the dried ingredients is the safest method.

This approach toasts the aromatics perfectly without turning them bitter. It gives you complete control over the final flavor profile.

Jump to Recipe

Trader Joes Chilli Onion Crunch Recipe Ingredients

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

How To Make Trader Joes Chilli Onion Crunch Recipe

  1. Combine Spices: Place the dried onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and smoked paprika in a heatproof glass jar.
  2. Heat Oil: Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it reaches 250 degrees, taking about 3 minutes.
  3. Pour and Infuse: Carefully pour the hot oil over the spice mixture, stirring gently as it bubbles up.
  4. Cool Completely: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Recipe Tips

  • Use a thermometer: Checking the oil temperature prevents you from scorching the dried garlic.
  • Choose glass containers: A heatproof mason jar is the safest vessel for handling hot oil.
  • Let it rest: The crunch gets significantly better if you wait a day before eating it.

What To Serve With Chilli Onion Crunch

Spoon this spicy oil over fried eggs or avocado toast for a quick breakfast addition. It also pairs incredibly well with hummus and warm pita bread.

How To Store

Keep the jar tightly sealed at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a month and let it sit at room temperature before using.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic and onion?

No, fresh ingredients contain water which will cause the oil to spoil quickly. They also prevent the signature crisp texture.

Is this very spicy?

It has a moderate kick, but you can easily reduce the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.

Why did my garlic turn bitter?

Bitter garlic means the oil was too hot when poured over the spices. Always keep the oil below 275 degrees.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 145mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2g
  • Protein: 0g

Try More Recipes:

Trader Joes Chilli Onion Crunch Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

5

minutes
Total time

10

minutes

Trader Joes Chilli Onion Crunch Recipe brings spicy, crunchy texture to your favorite meals with dried garlic and red pepper flakes. Ready in 10 minutes, this quick condiment is a reliable staple for busy weeknights when dinners need extra heat.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/4 cup dried minced onion

  • 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic

  • 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions

  • Combine Spices: Place the dried onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and smoked paprika in a heatproof glass jar.
  • Heat Oil: Pour the olive oil into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until it reaches 250 degrees, taking about 3 minutes.
  • Pour and Infuse: Carefully pour the hot oil over the spice mixture, stirring gently as it bubbles up.
  • Cool Completely: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

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