Potato Chip Rice Krispie Treats: A Sweet & Salty No-Bake Dessert
Crunchy twist transforms classic marshmallow bars into an irresistible texture sensation.
Potato Chip Rice Krispie Treats: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Snack
Take the classic rice krispie treat to new heights with crunchy, salty potato chips and a generous chocolate drizzle. If you thought marshmallow cereal bars couldn’t get better, think again—these dessert bars combine your favorite gooey sweetness with irresistible savory notes. Perfect for school bake sales, afternoon snacks, or game day celebrations, they’re set to surprise and delight with every bite.
Why You’ll Love Potato Chip Rice Krispie Treats
- Sweet meets salty: The combination of marshmallow, chocolate, and crispy potato chips brings the best of both worlds.
- No baking required: You can whip up these treats in minutes—just melt, mix, press, and drizzle!
- Versatile occasions: Great for parties, lunchboxes, or even just as an indulgent snack.
- Customizable: Try different chip varieties, cereals, or chocolate types to suit your taste!
What Makes Potato Chip Rice Krispie Treats Unique?
The real magic of these bars comes from the contrasting textures and flavors. The gooey marshmallow binds the crispy rice cereal and crunchy potato chips, while a final layer of drizzled melted chocolate pulls the whole treat together. If you’re a fan of snacks that blend sweet and salty (think pretzel desserts or salted caramel), this recipe will quickly become a new favorite.
Choosing the Right Potato Chips
If you’re wondering what chips work best, the key is sticking with plain, salted ridged potato chips (like Ruffles). Ridged chips offer extra crunch and a lighter texture, which contrasts beautifully with the chewy marshmallow base. Avoid flavored varieties; they can overpower the other ingredients. You can use kettle-cooked chips for extra crunch, but make sure they’re not too thick or hard.
| Type of Chip | Texture | Flavor | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridged potato chips | Extra-crisp, airy | Plain salted | Best choice |
| Kettle-cooked chips | Very crunchy | Plain salted | Good option |
| Regular potato chips | Thin, light | Plain salted | Acceptable |
| Flavored chips (BBQ/Cheddar) | Varies | Strong flavor | Not recommended |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 2 (12-ounce) bags marshmallows
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 5 cups rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
- 5 3/4 cups coarsely crushed plain ridged potato chips
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Equipment Checklist
- 9-by-13-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Larg pot (for melting butter and marshmallows)
- Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Zip-top bag or spoon (for drizzling chocolate)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep the pan: Butter the baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the marshmallows until smooth and gooey, then add the salt. Remove from heat.
- Combine the base: Gently fold in the rice cereal and 5 cups of the crushed potato chips until mixed well and evenly coated with marshmallow.
- Press into the pan: Transfer the sticky mixture into the prepared dish. Use damp or greased fingers to press it flat in an even layer. Take care not to compress too much—keeping it light preserves the gooey texture.
- Melt and drizzle chocolate: Microwave the chocolate chips in a bowl at 50% power in 10-second intervals until melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate into a zip-top bag and snip a corner or use a spoon to drizzle three-quarters of the chocolate in a zig-zag pattern across the bars.
- Top with more chips & finish drizzle: Scatter the remaining 3/4 cup potato chips evenly on top, then drizzle with the rest of the chocolate.
- Set and slice: Let the bars set at room temperature for at least three hours, or in the fridge for one hour. Use the parchment overhang to lift the treats from the pan. Slice into 12 squares by cutting three rows lengthwise and four crosswise.
Pro Tips for the Best Rice Krispie Treats
- Don’t press too firmly: Overpacking the mixture can make the bars dense rather than gooey. Use a gentle hand to preserve their soft bite.
- Use high-quality marshmallows: Fresh, soft marshmallows melt better and give a chewier texture.
- Reserve some chips for topping: This adds a fresh crunch and more salty contrast.
- For a neater drizzle: Make sure the chocolate is melted smooth and use a zip-top bag for controlled zig-zag lines.
How to Store Potato Chip Rice Krispie Treats
These bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If stacking, layer wax paper between each bar so they don’t stick together. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to one month—though their texture is best enjoyed fresh.
What others are reading
Creative Variations and Serving Ideas
- White or dark chocolate drizzle: Swap semisweet chocolate for white or bittersweet varieties to change the flavor profile.
- Extra crunch: Add chopped pretzels, nuts, or sprinkles before drizzling chocolate for even more texture.
- Mini treats: Pour the mixture into mini muffin tins for bite-sized, party-ready portions.
- Holiday flair: Top with colored candy melts or themed sprinkles for special occasions.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cereal and chips to make allergen-friendly treats.
Serving Suggestions
Potato chip rice krispie treats shine in a range of settings:
- Bake sales: Their unique flavor will attract attention and rave reviews.
- Game day: Serve with other salty snacks for a sweet halftime twist.
- After-school surprise: Kids and adults alike love their playful texture and bold flavor.
- Potlucks or parties: Easy to slice and share, plus fuss-free cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use flavored potato chips or sweetened cereal?
A: Flavored chips (like BBQ or cheddar) may overpower the marshmallow and chocolate elements. Stick with plain salted chips for the perfect balance. You can experiment with lightly sweetened cereals but avoid anything too sugary.
Q: How can I make these treats extra gooey?
A: Add extra marshmallows or reduce the amount of rice cereal slightly. Also, avoid pressing the mix too hard into the pan.
Q: What is the best way to slice the bars?
A: Wait until the chocolate sets, then use a sharp, buttered knife for clean cuts. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang.
Q: Can I freeze the bars?
A: Yes! Individually wrap bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Let them thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving.
Q: Are these treats gluten-free?
A: By using certified gluten-free rice cereal and potato chips, you can safely serve these to guests with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
Expert Tips for Sweet & Salty Success
- Balance is key: Too many chips can make the bars crumbly rather than chewy. Stick to the measurements and mix well.
- Damp hands work wonders: Use damp or greased hands/fingers to spread and press the sticky mix into the pan.
- Chocolate drizzle: For an even finish, test the chocolate’s texture on a plate before zig-zagging over your rice krispie bars.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 280 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients and brands used.
Conclusion: Why Make Potato Chip Rice Krispie Treats?
Potato chip rice krispie treats bring together the irresistible duo of salty crunch and sweet gooiness—with a touch of chocolate for pure decadence. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and crowd-pleasing, they prove that sometimes, the most memorable desserts come from unexpected combinations. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next party or simply want to spice up your snack routine, these bars have you covered.
References
- https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/potato-chip-rice-krispie-treats/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63634715/potato-chip-rice-krispie-treats-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11405/nutella-krispie-treats/
- https://www.aol.com/potato-chip-rice-krispie-treats-184500021.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a80086/rice-krispie-treats-3-ways/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a46913349/lucky-charms-bars-recipe/
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