There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly crispy potato chip. But what if you could achieve that irresistible texture at home, without the deep fryer, and with a unique sweet and salty twist? Say hello to homemade, oven-baked sweet and salty potato chips!

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Mastering Homemade Baked Sweet and Salty Potato Chips

For too long, the idea of homemade potato chips seemed daunting, often associated with messy deep frying. Yet, the revelation of oven-baked chips completely transforms this perspective. If you’ve been a fan of baked tortilla chips, prepare to be utterly captivated by the simplicity and deliciousness of baking your own potato chips from scratch. It’s an absolute game-changer for snack enthusiasts everywhere, offering a healthier, fresher, and incredibly satisfying alternative to store-bought varieties.

The Irresistible Allure of Sweet and Salty

What makes these baked potato chips truly special is the harmonious blend of classic savory goodness and delightful sweetness. This recipe features a brilliant combination of regular potato chips seasoned with traditional salt and pepper, alongside sweet potato chips dusted with a comforting cinnamon-sugar mix. Imagine reaching into a bowl and pulling out a savory, crisp regular potato chip, then immediately following it with a warm, subtly sweet bite of a cinnamon-sugared sweet potato chip. Or, for those of us who simply can’t decide, grabbing one of each to enjoy a symphony of flavors in a single, glorious mouthful. It’s a flavor profile that tantalizes every part of your palate, making these chips exceptionally addictive and enjoyable.

Baking chips might seem like a simple task, but mastering the technique to achieve a truly crispy result is key. When done correctly, these oven-baked delights are every bit as crunchy and satisfying as their deep-fried counterparts, but with the added benefits of being less greasy and often healthier. This guide will walk you through every essential step, ensuring your homemade chips emerge from the oven perfectly crisp and golden every single time.

Achieving Perfect Crispness: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Potato Chips

Creating perfectly crispy baked potato chips isn’t a mystery; it’s a science. Follow these tried-and-true tips and techniques to elevate your homemade chip game and banish soggy chips forever:

1. Precision Slicing is Paramount

Use a Mandoline: For consistently thin, 1/8-inch slices, a mandoline is your best friend. Uniform thickness is crucial for even baking. If slices vary too much, some will burn while others remain soft.
Sharp Knife Technique: No mandoline? No problem! A very sharp chef’s knife and a steady hand can achieve similar results. Take your time and aim for the thinnest, most even slices possible. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get.

2. The Importance of Proper Preparation

Rinse Away Starch: After slicing, rinse your potato slices in cold water. This removes excess starch, which can lead to gummy or less crispy chips. Change the water a few times until it runs clear.
Thorough Drying: This step is non-negotiable. Lay the rinsed potato slices on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and pat them absolutely dry. Any residual moisture will steam the chips instead of crisping them, making them chewy and soft.
Lightly Oil for Crispness and Adhesion: Toss the thoroughly dried potato slices in just a little olive oil (or another neutral oil like avocado oil). This helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven and ensures your chosen seasonings adhere evenly to every surface.

3. Strategic Baking Setup

The Elevated Rack Method: Place your potato slices in a single layer on a greased baking rack, which is then set on a rimmed baking sheet. This ingenious setup allows hot air to circulate all around each chip, crisping them from every angle. It also prevents the chips from sticking to the bottom of the pan and eliminates the tedious task of flipping each individual chip halfway through baking.
Avoid Overcrowding: Resisting the urge to pile up chips is vital. Overlapping or crowded chips will steam each other, resulting in a soft, rather than crisp, texture. If necessary, use multiple baking sheets to ensure ample space for air circulation.

4. The Low and Slow Baking Secret

Preheat with the Chips Inside: This is a golden tip! Place your baking sheets with the prepared potato slices into a cold oven, then set the temperature to 300°F (150°C). This gradual increase in temperature allows the potatoes to slowly dry out and begin cooking as the oven preheats, laying the groundwork for ultimate crispness before they even start to truly bake.
Optimal Temperature and Time: Bake the chips at 300°F for approximately 35-45 minutes. During this time, you’ll observe the potatoes bubbling slightly, crisping around the edges, and gradually turning a beautiful golden brown all over. Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end, as oven temperatures can vary. Rotating the pans every 15 minutes ensures even baking across all sheets and racks.

5. The Crucial Cooling Stage

Patience is a Virtue: Once baked, resist the urge to immediately devour your chips. Let them cool on the baking rack for at least 10-15 minutes. As they cool, the chips will continue to crisp up even further, reaching their peak crunchy perfection. They become significantly firmer and more brittle as they come to room temperature.

Why Homemade Baked Chips Trump Store-Bought

Beyond the simple satisfaction of making something from scratch, homemade baked chips offer numerous advantages:

Healthier Alternative: Significantly less fat and calories compared to deep-fried versions. You control the type and amount of oil used.
Freshness You Can Taste: The flavor of freshly baked potatoes is unparalleled. No artificial preservatives or additives.
Customization Options: The ability to experiment with endless seasoning combinations, tailoring them exactly to your preference.
Cost-Effective: Making your own chips is far more economical than buying premium bags from the store.

Get ready to be utterly astonished by the incredible flavor and texture of these home-baked chips. Once you experience the crispy, wholesome goodness, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. It’s a snack that truly delivers on all fronts – taste, health, and satisfaction.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

These versatile sweet and salty potato chips are the ultimate sidekick for almost any meal or occasion. They were recently the star alongside a fantastic menu for “Burger Night, Done Right!” which included delicious Skillet Sliders, savory Cheeseburger Bun Pizzas, and delightful Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshakes. I was so delighted I made a triple batch, because they vanished in a flash! Everyone raved about them, proving that homemade chips are always a crowd-pleaser. For the full Burger Night menu, CLICK HERE!

Beyond burger night, consider serving these chips with:

Sandwiches and Wraps: A classic pairing that elevates any lunch.
Picnics and Potlucks: Easy to transport and universally loved.
Game Day Snacks: A healthier alternative to traditional fried chips for your party spread.
Movie Night Munchies: The perfect crunchy companion for your favorite film.
Healthy Lunchbox Addition: A guilt-free treat for kids and adults alike.
Dips: While delicious on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a creamy onion dip or a spicy salsa.

Flavor Explorations: Beyond Basic Seasonings

While the salt & pepper and cinnamon & sugar combination is truly stellar, the world of homemade chips invites endless experimentation:

Savory Enhancements:
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss with garlic powder, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of dried parsley.
- Smoky Paprika: Add smoked paprika, a touch of cumin, and chili powder for a Southwest kick.
- Herbaceous Delight: Fine herbs like dried rosemary, thyme, or dill can add a sophisticated touch.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like it hot.
Sweet Variations:
- Maple Pecan: A drizzle of maple syrup and crushed pecans (add after baking) for a autumnal flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice: Blend cinnamon with nutmeg, ginger, and allspice for a seasonal treat.
- Cocoa Dust: A light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder with a pinch of sugar for a surprising dessert chip.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match or create your own signature blend. The possibilities are truly limitless, making every batch of homemade chips a new adventure in flavor.

Enjoy every crisp, flavorful bite!

xoxo,

This post was created as part of my partnership with Nolan Ryan Beef and Kroger. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are certainly my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The BakerMama possible.

Baked Sweet and Salty Potato Chips

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Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish

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Description

Prepare to be delighted by these super crisp, oven-baked Sweet and Salty Potato Chips. This irresistible snack features a perfect blend of thinly sliced regular potatoes seasoned with classic salt and pepper, alongside sweet potatoes generously dusted with a delightful cinnamon-sugar mix. A healthier, homemade alternative that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!

Ingredients

1 large baking potato (like a Russet or Idaho), for savory chips
1 large sweet potato, for sweet chips
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1–1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, for savory chips (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, for savory chips (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed, for sweet chips
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for sweet chips

Instructions

Prepare Baking Setup: Position two oven racks in the middle and upper-middle of your oven. Place a rimmed baking sheet on each rack and then set a wire baking rack on top of each baking sheet. Generously spray both wire racks with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This setup is crucial for air circulation and even crisping.
Clean and Slice Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly cleaning both the baking potato and the sweet potato. Scrub the outsides well under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry. Using a mandoline slicer (highly recommended for evenness) or a very sharp knife, carefully slice each potato into thin 1/8-inch rounds. Aim for consistent thickness across all slices for uniform baking. Lay the sliced potatoes on clean paper towels and pat them very dry; this step helps remove excess moisture and starch, which is key to achieving crispness.
Season Savory Chips: Transfer the regular baking potato slices into a large, resealable plastic bag. Add 1.5 teaspoons of olive oil (or half of your total olive oil) and seal the bag, gently shaking to ensure all potato slices are lightly coated in the oil. Next, add the kosher salt and ground black pepper to the bag. Seal again and shake until every potato slice is evenly coated with the seasoning blend. Arrange these seasoned potato slices in a single layer on one of the prepared greased baking racks, ensuring no slices overlap as much as possible. It’s okay if the edges lightly touch, but don’t stack them.
Season Sweet Chips: In a separate large, resealable plastic bag, place the sweet potato slices. Add the remaining 1.5 teaspoons of olive oil and shake to coat the sweet potato slices. Then, add the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to the bag. Seal and shake until all sweet potato slices are thoroughly and evenly coated with the sweet seasoning. Spread these sweet potato slices in a single layer on the second prepared greased baking rack.
Bake for Crispness: Place both baking sheets (with their racks and potato slices) into the oven, then set your oven to preheat to 300°F (150°C). The potatoes will begin to dry out and bake as the oven slowly comes to temperature. Continue baking the potatoes for approximately 35-45 minutes. During this time, the chips will gently bubble, crisp up around the edges, and turn a beautiful golden brown across their tops. To ensure even baking and browning, rotate the baking sheets every 15 minutes. Watch them closely during the last 10-15 minutes, as they can quickly go from perfectly crisp to burnt.
Cool and Serve: Once the chips are golden brown and crisp to your liking, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the potato chips rest on their baking racks for at least 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is vital, as the residual heat will continue to crisp them further, leading to that ultimate satisfying crunch. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe by Maegan Brown/Photography by Madison Mentesana