Have you ever bitten into something that made you stop and think, “Wait… this is weird, but also amazing?” That’s exactly what happens when you try chocolate covered potato chips for the first time. It’s an unusual combination—crispy, salty potato chips dipped in rich, creamy chocolate—but somehow, it just works.
If you love the contrast of sweet and salty flavors, or you’re just curious about this snack, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from how they became popular to how you can make them at home.
What Are Chocolate Covered Potato Chips?
At their core, chocolate covered potato chips are exactly what they sound like—potato chips coated in melted chocolate. But don’t let their simplicity fool you. This snack is an absolute flavor bomb that combines the crunchy, salty goodness of potato chips with the sweet, velvety richness of chocolate.
The Perfect Combination of Sweet and Salty
Ever wondered why sweet and salty flavors go so well together? There’s actually science behind it! Our taste buds respond to different flavor profiles, and when sweet and salty come together, it triggers a sensory overload—in the best way possible. The salt enhances the sweetness, while the sugar balances out the salt, creating a harmonious blend that keeps you craving more.
Think about some of the best snack pairings—salted caramel, peanut butter and jelly, kettle corn, and now, chocolate covered potato chips. They all work because they hit both ends of the taste spectrum.
How This Unusual Snack Became Popular
You might think chocolate covered potato chips are some fancy new trend, but they’ve actually been around for a while. Their origin is a bit unclear, but many credit Midwestern candy shops for making them popular. Stores in places like Wisconsin and Minnesota started dipping potato chips in chocolate as a fun novelty treat, and people loved them!
Fast forward to today, and they’ve gone mainstream. You can find them in gourmet candy shops, specialty grocery stores, and even major snack brands have jumped on the bandwagon. But, as you’ll see, the best version of chocolate covered potato chips is the one you make yourself!
Why You Should Try Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
If you’ve never had them before, you might be wondering—why all the hype? Well, here’s why you should give them a shot.
The Science Behind the Flavor Balance
We’ve already touched on how sweet and salty flavors complement each other, but let’s go a little deeper. Salt actually suppresses bitterness in chocolate, making the sweet flavors pop even more. That’s why dark chocolate works especially well—it has a hint of bitterness that the salt helps smooth out.
How Texture Affects Taste
Texture plays a huge role in how we experience food. A soft cookie with a crunchy topping? A creamy milkshake with bits of candy? We love these combinations because they engage multiple senses at once.
- With chocolate covered potato chips, you get:
- ✔ Crunch from the chip
- ✔ Creaminess from the chocolate
- ✔ A balance of salt and sweetness
It’s like a mini fireworks show for your taste buds.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade: Which is Better?
You can find chocolate covered potato chips in stores, but are they worth it?
| Factor | Store-Bought | Homemade |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Control | Limited | Full control over chocolate type & toppings |
| Freshness | Varies | Always fresh |
| Customization | Rare | Endless options (nuts, caramel, white chocolate, etc.) |
| Cost | Expensive | Cheaper to make in bulk |
While store-bought ones are convenient, homemade chocolate covered potato chips allow you to experiment, get creative, and enjoy them fresh.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Potato Chips at Home
Ready to try it yourself? Making chocolate covered potato chips at home is surprisingly easy, and you don’t need any fancy equipment.
Best Types of Potato Chips to Use
Not all potato chips are created equal when it comes to making this treat. You want chips that are sturdy enough to hold the chocolate without breaking but light enough to maintain that crisp crunch.
Regular vs. Kettle-Cooked vs. Wavy Chips
- Regular Chips – Thin and light, but can break easily.
- Kettle-Cooked Chips – Extra crunchy and thick, great for holding chocolate.
- Wavy Chips – A solid middle-ground option with a fun texture.
If you’re making these for the first time, kettle-cooked or wavy chips are your best bet.
Salted vs. Unsalted Chips
- Salted Chips – Enhance the sweet-salty contrast.
- Unsalted Chips – Allow the chocolate’s sweetness to shine more.
Most people prefer salted chips because they amplify the contrast, but if you want a smoother sweetness, go for unsalted.
Choosing the Right Chocolate
Not all chocolate is created equal. Here’s how to pick the best one for your chips.
Milk, Dark, or White Chocolate – Which One Works Best?
| Chocolate Type | Flavor Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Chocolate | Sweet, creamy | A balanced classic taste |
| Dark Chocolate | Slightly bitter, rich | A sophisticated, less sweet option |
| White Chocolate | Buttery, super sweet | Best if you like a milky, sweet contrast |
Milk chocolate is the most popular choice, but dark chocolate adds an elegant touch, and white chocolate is great for extra sweetness.
Melting and Tempering Chocolate for a Smooth Finish
If you just melt chocolate and dip the chips, they might end up dull and streaky. To get that smooth, glossy look, you’ll want to temper the chocolate.
1️⃣ Chop the chocolate into small pieces for even melting.
2️⃣ Melt ⅔ of the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each.
3️⃣ Remove from heat and add the remaining ⅓ chocolate, stirring until melted.
4️⃣ Dip the chips quickly and place them on parchment paper to dry.
Tempering keeps the chocolate shiny and crisp, rather than soft and melty.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato Chips (Kettle or Wavy) | 2 cups |
| Chocolate (Milk, Dark, or White) | 1 ½ cups |
| Sea Salt (optional) | For garnish |
| Sprinkles or Nuts (optional) | For extra crunch |
Coating the Chips the Right Way
1️⃣ Melt and temper the chocolate as described above.
2️⃣ Dip each potato chip, letting excess chocolate drip off.
3️⃣ Lay them on parchment paper and sprinkle with sea salt or toppings.
4️⃣ Let them dry for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
Want an extra thick coating? Double dip them!
Fun Variations and Flavor Twists
While classic chocolate covered potato chips are already delicious, why not take them to the next level? With just a few extra ingredients, you can create endless variations that cater to different tastes.
Adding Nuts, Sprinkles, or Caramel
If you love extra crunch, adding chopped nuts is a fantastic way to enhance both texture and flavor. For example:
- Crushed peanuts give a nutty contrast to the chocolate.
- Almond slivers add a mild, buttery crunch.
- Toasted coconut brings a subtle tropical sweetness.
On the other hand, if you prefer something more playful, sprinkles are a fun option. Whether you choose rainbow sprinkles for a colorful look or gold flakes for an elegant touch, they add an extra element of visual appeal.
Additionally, for those with a sweet tooth, drizzling caramel or peanut butter over the chocolate-covered chips adds an irresistible gooey texture. Just be sure to let the chocolate set first before adding the drizzle to avoid a messy mixture.
Spicy Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
For anyone who enjoys a spicy kick, adding heat to this sweet-salty treat is an exciting twist. You might be wondering—how can spice work with chocolate? Surprisingly, spicy and sweet flavors complement each other beautifully.
To create a spicy version, try:
- Sprinkling cayenne pepper or chili powder on top before the chocolate sets.
- Using Mexican chocolate, which often contains cinnamon and spice.
- Mixing a pinch of smoked paprika into the melted chocolate for a subtle heat.
This combination is great for those who love spicy-sweet snacks, similar to spicy dark chocolate bars.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Alternatives
If you follow a vegan or dairy-free diet, you don’t have to miss out on this amazing treat. Instead of using regular chocolate, swap it for dairy-free dark chocolate or vegan milk chocolate.
Additionally, you can use:
- Coconut oil to help melt the chocolate smoothly.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar for added sweetness if needed.
- Unsalted kettle chips to keep it free from dairy-based flavorings.
The result? A completely plant-based, yet equally indulgent, version of this classic treat.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Even though making chocolate covered potato chips is simple, a few things can go wrong. But don’t worry—these common mistakes are easy to fix!
Why Is My Chocolate Too Thick or Too Runny?
If your melted chocolate is too thick, it can be difficult to coat the chips evenly. Here’s what you can do:
- Add a teaspoon of vegetable or coconut oil to thin it out.
- Avoid overheating the chocolate, as this can cause it to seize.
- Use high-quality chocolate, which melts more smoothly.
On the other hand, if your chocolate is too runny, it might not coat the chips properly. In this case:
- Let the melted chocolate cool for a few minutes before dipping.
- Use less oil if you added any during melting.
- Double-dip the chips for a thicker coating.
Preventing the Chips from Becoming Soggy
One of the biggest concerns when making this snack is keeping the chips crispy. Since chocolate contains moisture, some chips can lose their crunch if stored improperly.
To prevent sogginess:
- Use thicker, sturdier chips like kettle-cooked or wavy chips.
- Let the chocolate fully harden before storing.
- Keep them in an airtight container to protect them from humidity.
How to Keep the Chocolate from Melting Too Fast
If your chocolate covered potato chips are melting too quickly, the environment may be too warm. To solve this:
- Store them in a cool, dry place (but not the fridge, as condensation can make them sticky).
- If it’s hot outside, refrigerate them for a few minutes before serving.
- Use tempered chocolate, which stays solid longer at room temperature.
Best Ways to Serve and Enjoy Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
Once you’ve made these delicious treats, how should you serve them? There are several creative ways to enjoy chocolate covered potato chips beyond simply eating them from a bowl.
Pairing with Drinks: Coffee, Wine, or Milk?
Pairing snacks with drinks enhances the overall experience. Since chocolate covered potato chips have both sweet and salty flavors, they pair well with a variety of beverages:
- Coffee: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Red Wine: A bold red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon) complements the richness of the chocolate.
- Milk: A classic pairing, perfect for kids and chocolate lovers alike.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider offering different drinks alongside your homemade chips so guests can choose their favorite pairing.
Using Them as a Dessert Topping
If you want to take your desserts up a notch, try crushing chocolate covered potato chips and using them as a topping. They add extra crunch and flavor to:
- Ice cream
- Cheesecakes
- Brownies
- Yogurt parfaits
This is a great way to repurpose leftover chips while making your desserts more exciting.
Gifting Ideas: How to Package Them Nicely
Because they look fancy and unique, chocolate covered potato chips also make great gifts. Whether it’s for holidays, birthdays, or just a thoughtful treat, you can easily package them beautifully.
To make them gift-worthy:
- Place them in a decorative tin or glass jar.
- Tie a ribbon around the container for a special touch.
- Add a small tag with a personalized note.
For an extra festive feel, consider using seasonal sprinkles or colored chocolate drizzles to match the occasion.
Where to Buy the Best Chocolate Covered Potato Chips
If you don’t have time to make them at home, you might be wondering where to buy the best chocolate covered potato chips. Luckily, many gourmet brands and specialty stores sell high-quality versions of this snack.
Top Brands That Sell Them
Some of the most popular brands include:
- Hammond’s Candies – Known for their thick chocolate coating.
- Trader Joe’s – Offers seasonal variations with dark and milk chocolate.
- Asher’s Chocolates – A go-to for gourmet chocolate-covered snacks.
For those looking for something extra, check out How to Make Outback Blooming Onion Sauce as a unique dipping option!
Ordering Online vs. Buying in Stores
While you can find these treats in specialty grocery stores, buying online often provides more variety and customization. However, when ordering online:
- Check customer reviews to ensure quality.
- Choose brands that use real chocolate rather than artificial coatings.
- Be mindful of shipping costs, as chocolate can be fragile in warm climates.
Conclusion: Indulge in the Perfect Crunchy & Chocolatey Treat
Now that you know everything about chocolate covered potato chips, it’s time to give them a try! Whether you choose to make them at home or buy them from a store, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
If you love the mix of sweet and salty, this snack is a must-try. So, why not grab some chips and chocolate and make a batch today? You might just discover your new favorite indulgence! 🚀