There’s something so special about rediscovering a beloved recipe, especially when it turns out to be even better than you remember. That’s exactly how I felt when I found my aunt’s Homemade Baked Potato Chips recipe—a true gem that’s been a family favorite for years. These chips are a healthier alternative to store-bought ones and are packed with flavor, crispiness, and a whole lot of love.
Whether you’re preparing for a family movie night, a casual get-together, or simply craving a satisfying snack, these baked potato chips are the way to go. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! Serve them alongside sandwiches, pair them with a bowl of chili, or enjoy them with your favorite dips like ranch, hummus, or guacamole. For a full meal, combine them with a fresh salad and some grilled chicken.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Baked Potato Chips
Healthier Alternative: These chips are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Customizable: You can control the seasoning and flavors to suit your taste.
Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples, they’re easy and affordable to whip up.
Perfectly Crispy: With a few tips and tricks, you’ll achieve that perfect crunch every time.
Ingredients for Homemade Baked Potato Chips
To make these crispy, delicious chips, you’ll need:
4 large russet potatoes: Russets are ideal because they’re starchy and crisp up nicely.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve that golden, crispy texture.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a smoky flavor and a pop of color.
Ingredient Tips
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are best for baking, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil provides a nice flavor, but you can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
Seasonings: Start with the basics (salt and pepper) and then get creative! Try garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a flavor twist.
Paprika: If you love a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Instructions Outline
Follow these simple steps to make Homemade Baked Potato Chips:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into thin, even slices. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be. Tip: Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick for the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.
Soak the Potatoes: Place the potato slices in a bowl filled with cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps in achieving crispier chips. Pro Tip: Add a little ice to the water to keep it cold and help firm up the potato slices!
Dry the Potatoes: Drain the potato slices and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Removing as much moisture as possible ensures they bake up nice and crispy.
Season and Coat: In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil until each slice is evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they don’t overlap. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning—the chips should be golden and crispy. Tip: Baking times may vary depending on the thickness of the slices, so adjust as needed.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the chips from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This step helps them stay crisp. Serve them warm or at room temperature with your favorite dip or meal!
Serving Suggestions
These Homemade Baked Potato Chips are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
With Sandwiches: Serve alongside a hearty sandwich, like a classic BLT or a grilled cheese.
With Soup or Chili: Pair with a bowl of chili, tomato soup, or butternut squash soup for a cozy meal.
As a Snack: Enjoy with a variety of dips like ranch, hummus, guacamole, or salsa.
With a Fresh Salad: Serve as a crunchy side to a fresh green salad topped with grilled chicken or salmon.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Make Ahead: You can slice the potatoes and soak them in water up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes.
Freezing: While baked chips don’t freeze well due to their texture, you can freeze the raw, sliced potatoes for future batches. Just thaw and bake as directed!
Variations and Substitutions
Here are some fun ways to switch up the recipe:
Different Potatoes: Try using sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, or fingerling potatoes for a unique flavor and color.
Flavorful Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or chili powder. A sprinkle of Parmesan or nutritional yeast adds a cheesy twist.
Extra Crunchy Chips: For an extra crispy texture, bake the chips on a cooling rack placed over the baking sheet. This allows better air circulation around the slices.
Final Note
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own Homemade Baked Potato Chips—especially when they turn out even better than you remembered! These chips are a simple pleasure, bringing comfort, flavor, and a little bit of nostalgia to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends and family or indulging in a solo snack, these chips are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
So next time you’re craving a crunchy treat, skip the store-bought bags and make these homemade delights instead. Enjoy every crispy, delicious bite!
Homemade Baked Potato Chips
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for a smoky flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.
- Wash and peel the potatoes (if desired). Slice potatoes thinly using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife.
- Place potato slices in a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain the potato slices and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Toss the potato slices in a large bowl with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Arrange slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika, if using.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let chips cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.