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

Close-up of chocolate-covered haystack candies made with shoestring potato chips and peanuts on a white surface.

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.

Clusters of chocolate-covered snack sticks and peanuts are arranged on parchment paper, with a few yellow snack sticks and a blurred green garnish in the background.

How to

Time needed: 45 minutes

Recipe Steps for Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Clusters of chocolate-covered pretzel sticks and nuts are arranged on a white surface.

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.

Clusters of Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks are arranged on parchment paper, with a sprig of mint in the background.

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

Clusters of chocolate-covered potato sticks, peanuts, and sea salt are arranged on a white surface with scattered peanuts, potato sticks, and mint leaves. Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks

Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks FAQ

How long do they take to set?

They usually firm up in about 30 minutes at room temperature. But it really depends on the temperature and humidity.

How do I store them?

Keep them in an airtight container on the counter for a few days.

Can they be frozen?

Chocolatiers do not recommend ever freezing chocolate.

What is the best way to shape potato chip haystacks?

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!

Clusters of chocolate-covered pretzel sticks and nuts are arranged on a white surface.

Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks

Enjoy the sweet-and-salty delight of Shoestring Potato Chip Haystacks. A quick treat that's simple to make and always a hit.
Author: Paula
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
cooling: 30 minutes
Servings: 36 servings

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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

Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.3mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 213mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 2mg
Chocolate-covered shoestring potato chip haystacks with peanuts are arranged on parchment paper.

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