Potato Chip Clusters

Quick, easy potato chip clusters are one of our sleeper recipes: They are offbeat and have dozens of five-star reviews. This slightly retro treat, made with simple pantry ingredients, requires zero baking, beating or rolling. That’s a win-win when you need something sweet fast, whether for an afternoon snack, potluck appetizer or tasty dessert.

Stir crushed potato chips and pecans into melted chocolate, then let spoonfuls of the mixture chill and set. The simple, sweet and savory snack—aka potato chip candy—is sneakily clever. The crispy-crunchy texture with a surprising hint of nutty flavor is a total crowd-pleaser no matter where you take these treats.

Ingredients for Potato Chip Clusters

• White baking chocolate: Sweet white chocolate melts into velvety smoothness, acting as the glue that holds these crunchy clusters together. Chop the chocolate before microwaving so it melts evenly.
• Ridged potato chips: Use a great-tasting brand of potato chips. Break the chips into coarse crumbles by popping them into a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
• Pecans: Nuts add mild flavor and lots of extra crunch. Coarsely chop the pecans; for bonus flavor, lightly toast them.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the chocolate

In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped white chocolate.

Editor’s Tip: The microwave is one of the best ways to melt chocolate. Cover the bowl and heat on low power, stirring often, to ensure the chocolate melts without burning.

Step 2: Add the mix-ins

Gently stir in the crumbled potato chips and pecans.

Step 3: Scoop and chill

Using a tablespoon or a cookie spoon, drop lumps of the chocolate mix onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until set.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t try to rush the chilling step! Letting the confections chill ensures they firm up and meld together, rather than splitting apart when you pick them up.

Potato Chip Cluster Variations

• Swap chocolates: If you’re a chocolate lover, use regular or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate. The darker you go, the less sweet the clusters will taste.
• Change the chips: Not a huge potato chip fan? You can sub in shoestring potatoes or even Fritos.
• Use liners: In Step 3, drop the potato chip candy mixture straight into muffin liners and chill for easy on-the-go snacks.
• Make chocolate crunch patties: Replace the white chocolate with 4 cups butterscotch chips and 2 cups milk chocolate chips, and replace the pecans with 3 cups dry roasted peanuts.
• Try peanut butter clusters: Substitute 4 cups peanut butter chips and 2 cups milk chocolate chips for the white chocolate. Substitute 3 cups dry roasted peanuts for the pecans.

How to Store Potato Chip Clusters

You can keep potato chip clusters in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Once they’re chilled and set, transfer them from the baking sheet to an airtight container. If they don’t fit in a single layer, place a piece of parchment or waxed paper between layers. Store them in a cool, dry place at room temperature if you plan to eat them in a few days. If you want to store them longer, or your kitchen is very warm or humid, keep the container in the refrigerator.

How long do potato chip clusters last?

At room temperature, the potato chip candy lasts three or four days. It’ll keep for one or two weeks in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze potato chip clusters?

Yes, these potato chip clusters are a great snack to freeze. Follow the recipe as written, including the chilling step. Don’t put the clusters in the freezer while they’re still warm; make sure they’re fully set. Transfer the set clusters from the baking sheet to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to two months. You can remove the clusters individually for a quick snack, or all at once. Defrost them in the fridge for a few hours and they’ll be ready to eat.

Potato Chip Cluster Tips

What are some fun ways to serve potato chip clusters?

These clusters are crowd-pleasing and ready to party, so get ready to share. If you want to take them to a potluck or picnic, scoop the potato chip candy mixture into small muffin cups with liners to chill and set—that makes them so easy to pick up off a platter. The salty-sweet snack also makes a delicious homemade food gift. It’s an unexpected addition to a cookie tin—just put a layer of waxed paper between the savory chip candy and the sweet cookies. Or, share a plate with new parents, who always need tasty, simple snacks.

What can you serve with potato chip candy?

You’ll be surprised at how versatile these sweet-and-savory treats are. While making a delicious snack, they also play well with many other foods. Take a batch to a potluck or a casual football party where they’re delicious alongside more expected snacks like dips and sliders. Even at a swanky holiday party, they’ll make a fun appetizer or hold their own on the cookie table, offering up a salty respite from all the chocolate, mint and butter.