Baked Sweet Potato Chips

You may be wondering why you haven’t seen any new posts on Red Lab 27.  With the summer being so busy, I decided to take it off and truly enjoy it.   After today, however, I plan to post more frequently, so please continue to visit and check for new recipes! 

To start back up, I thought I’d share an easy recipe with you.  Baked sweet potato chips.  I LOVE chips.  They’re crunchy, salty, and addictive.  Sure they’re not healthy, especially if you eat more than the recommended serving (and I almost always do).  With that said, I typically buy Baked Lay’s potato chips to stock our kitchen cabinet.  At least they’re somewhat healthier.  Baked Lay’s are good, but have you ever tried homemade potato chips?   If you haven’t, then you are missing out!

A mandoline will create thin slices that are consistent in size

Homemade chips taste better than any packaged ones you’ll find at the grocery store.  There are so many options for seasonings.  Experiment with different spices, or if you prefer a more traditional taste, stick to using salt.  The best part about these potato chips is that they’re warm when you eat them!  Think of chocolate chip cookies.  Aren’t they a million times better when served fresh out of the oven?  The same is true for chips.  Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of these chips!

The slices will shrink in size when cooked

These can be made at home by simply using an old fashioned knife to slice all the potatoes.  However, to cut the potatoes very thin and have a consistent thickness (1/8 inch), I would recommend purchasing a mandoline.  A mandoline is a cooking utensil that quickly allows you to slice fruits or vegetables by running them over a sharp blade.   Not only does it slice extremely thin (much better than I could by hand), but it can also julienne.  They even come with a safety guard to protect your fingers.  I have never owned a mandoline until recently, and I must say that it makes cutting that much easier.  If you’re looking for an affordable mandoline, I suggest the Progressive International HGT-11 Folding Mandoline Slicerthat I recently purchased.

Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Adapted from Simple Comfort Food

Serves: 4 people

Prep Time: 10 mins.

Total Time: 30 mins.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sized sweet potatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)

Supreme Seasoning (optional):

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F. 
2. Wash potatoes and slice to 1/8 inch thick.  The skin can be left on or if preferred, peeled and removed.
3. Place potato slices in a large bowl.  Add olive oil and toss, making sure to evenly coat all slices. 
4. If making the supreme seasoning (optional), combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. 
5. Arrange potato slices in a single layer on metal baking sheets.  Lightly sprinkle one side with sea salt or the supreme seasoning.  Bake for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and turn the slices over to the other side.  Lightly sprinkle with the remaining sea salt or supreme seasoning. 
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the centers are soft (and slightly golden brown) and the edges are crisp.  Transfer to a bowl and serve while warm.