These Potato Chip Clusters are the ultimate quick and easy candy, featuring an irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor combination that makes them one of the most crave-worthy desserts to make.

Easy Potato Chip Clusters Recipe

Many of the candies and sweets we enjoy during the holidays are tied to cherished memories and a sense of nostalgia. This potato chip candy is a classic example of a nostalgic Christmas confection that’s been enjoyed for generations. It’s a timeless treat that can be made with all white chocolate or a blend of chocolates, as I do in this recipe. The addition of butterscotch adds a little something extra special. Often overlooked during the holidays, butterscotch is a simple way to add variety and depth to your favorite seasonal sweets.

If baking isn’t your thing and you prefer quick, no-fuss treats, this five-ingredient potato chip clusters recipe is made for you. These easy holiday candies are crunchy, salty, and sweet, with a retro flavor combination that appeals to just about everyone. Perfect for Christmas dessert trays, homemade gifts, super bowl party snacks, birthday’s and potlucks.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Potato Chip Candy Clusters: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.

Potato Chips – Wavy or ruffled potato chips work best for this recipe.
Chocolate – Chopped white chocolate bars i.e. Ghiradelli or similar.
Butterscotch – Butterscotch flavored baking chips give this candy a buttery flavor.
Vegetable Shortening – Vegetable shortening thins the chocolate making it smooth and velvety.
Nuts – Salted peanuts for extra crunch.

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How to Make the Best Potato Chip Clusters Recipe

Prepare the Pans – Line 2 large baking pans with wax paper.
Melt White Chocolate and Butterscotch Chips – In a double boiler over simmering water, melt together white chocolate, butterscotch chips and shortening until smooth. This will take several minutes.
Combine – Remove from the heat, add potato chips and peanuts. Stir until evenly distributed and ingredients are coated.
Divide the Potato Chip Mixture – Use a tablespoon to scoop and drop in clusters onto wax paper lined pans.
Let Set – Chill for 2 hours or until set.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Potato Chip Candy

Baking sheet pans lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
Double boiler.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Two tablespoons.

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Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Chocolate Potato Chip Candy – You can omit the butterscotch chips and make these potato chip clusters with all white chocolate or replace them with semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate using the same amount. Some brands of chocolate melt better than others. I highly recommend using a good quality chocolate that will melt smoothly.
Peanut Butter – You can also replace the butterscotch chips with peanut butter chips.
Melting Wafers – You can use the same amount of white chocolate melting wafers in place of chopped white chocolate baking bars. These can also found on the baking aisle of most grocery stores, including places like Target and Walmart.
Vegetable Shortening Substitution – The purpose of the shortening is to thin the melted chocolate making it easier to coat all of the ingredients evenly. You can also substitute the shortening with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
Potato Chips – You can use any brand of potato chips. Ruffled or wavy potato chips do best i.e. ruffles. They don’t have to be a particular brand of chips, but the wavy shape seems to hold up better to the melted baking chips.
Nuts and Mix-Ins – You can substitute the peanuts with chopped pecans, chopped walnuts , chopped almonds or even dried fruit, if that’s your preference. When doing so, take a few minutes to toast the nuts in a preheated 350°F oven to give them that added depth of flavor.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store potato chip clusters in an airtight container at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer – They can be frozen for 2 months. Thaw in the fridge then bring to room temperature for serving.

More Southern Style Candy and Sweet Treats to Make

Enjoy these potato chip clusters at the holidays or any occasion when quick and easy sweets are on the menu. More delicious recipes you may like to try:

Fluffy Southern Divinity Candy is a holiday staple.
Chocolate Toffee Cashew Clusters are a homemade candy that takes minutes to make.
Two bite candy coated Pecan Balls.
Chocolate Dipped Scotcheroo Bon Bons can be decorated with colorful sprinkles to suit any occasion.
Praline Pecan Clusters made in the microwave.
Chocolate drizzled Peanut Butter Fudge.
Cinnamon Graham Cracker Pralines are topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.
You may also enjoy this recipe for Potato Chip Chocolate Fudge from White Lights on Wednesday.

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