Potato Chip Clusters

Course Candy, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword potato-chip-candy, potato-chip-clusters, potato-chips

Prep Time 15

Chill time 2

Total Time 2 15

Servings clusters

Calories 91kcal

Line 2 large baking pans with wax paper.
In a double boiler over simmering water, melt together white chocolate, butterscotch chips and shortening until smooth. This will take several minutes.
Remove from the heat, add potato chips and peanuts. Stir until evenly distributed and ingredients are coated.
Use a tablespoon to scoop and drop in clusters onto wax paper lined baking pans. Chill for 2 hours or until set.
Store leftovers in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature for serving.
These potato chip clusters can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Special Note: I find it helpful to leave the bowl over the hot water while dividing into clusters, to keep the mixture warm while you work.

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.