Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks
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Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks are a quick, no-bake treat that always disappears fast. It’s the sweet-and-salty mix that gets you every time. This recipe is simple and easy to pull together for holidays or last-minute treats.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Key Takeaways
- Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks are a quick, no-bake treat combining sweet and salty flavors.
- This recipe uses pantry staples and is easy to double without extra effort.
- Melt chocolate carefully in the microwave, and use nuts as substitutes for peanuts.
- You can shape haystacks with a spoon; they will set naturally on lined paper.
- These haystacks are perfect for holidays and quickly disappear, making them a repeat recipe.
Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks
These haystacks come together quickly. The key is to work quickly once everything is mixed, before the chocolate begins to cool.
A lined counter or tray makes cleanup easier and helps them set up neatly.
We like this recipe because it uses pantry staples and takes very little time. It is also easy to make a double batch without extra work.
If you like this recipe, you’ll like this easy Crockpot Candy.
Here are a few tips on How to Melt Chocolate.

How to
Time needed: 45 minutes
Recipe Steps for Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks
- Prep
Line a baking sheet or large tray with parchment paper or wax paper. Set it aside so it is ready when the mixture is done.
- Melt Chocolate
Add the dark chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time, until fully melted and smooth. You can also melt the chocolate slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often.
- Combine
Once the chocolate is melted, add the shoestring potatoes and the nuts to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is well coated with chocolate. Take your time so the potatoes do not break too much.
- Drop
Use a spoon to drop small mounds of the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one so they can set without sticking together.
- Set and store
Let the haystacks sit at room temperature until firm. This usually takes about 30 minutes. You can place them in the refrigerator to speed things up if needed. Once set, remove them from the paper and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Cooking tips and substitutions
Shoestring potato chips are usually found in the chips aisle of the grocery store. Specifically, at my store, they are right beside canned chips like Pringles.
If you can’t find shoestring potatoes, you can use rippled potato chips. Break them up slightly to make them easier to manage.
Instead of peanuts, you can use any nut.
Melt in the microwave for less mess and easier cleanup. Melt in 30-second increments, stirring carefully to avoid scorching. Seized chocolate can’t be fixed.
Stir gently to avoid crushing the chips.
If you want smaller haystacks, use a teaspoon instead of a spoon. For firmer stacks, let them set at room temperature rather than in the fridge.

Why you’ll ❤️ Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks.
🍫🧂Sweet and salty balance
🍳No baking required
⚡Quick to make
🎉Great for holidays and parties
🎁Easy to store and share

Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks FAQ
They usually firm up in about 30 minutes at room temperature. But it really depends on the temperature and humidity.
Keep them in an airtight container on the counter for a few days.
Chocolatiers do not recommend ever freezing chocolate.
The beauty is that haystacks shape themselves. Drop spoonfuls onto lined paper and let them set without pressing. You could spread into a solid layer and cut into bars, but I prefer to drop them to set.
Conclusion
Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks work for busy days and special occasions alike. Once you make them, they tend to become a repeat recipe.
Here are a few more to enjoy!

Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dark chocolate
- 3 cups shoestring potato chips
- 2 cups peanuts or almonds, cashews, any nut
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet or large tray with parchment paper or wax paper. Set it aside so it is ready when the mixture is done.
- Add the dark chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well each time, until fully melted and smooth. (You can also melt the chocolate slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often.)12 ounces dark chocolate
- Once the chocolate is melted, add the shoestring potatoes and the nuts to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is well coated with chocolate. Take your time so the potatoes do not break too much.3 cups shoestring potato chips, 2 cups peanuts
- Use a spoon to drop small mounds of the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one so they can set without sticking together.
- Let the haystacks sit at room temperature until firm. This usually takes about 30 minutes. You can place them in the refrigerator to speed things up if needed.
- Once set, remove them from the paper and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Nutrition

