Savory Potato Chip Rice Krispie Treats
This childhood favorite just got a major upgrade! Potato chip rice krispie treats add kettle-cooked potato chips to the classic gooey cereal treat for a sweet, salty, and crunchy indulgence.

Is there a better after-school snack than a big, gooey rice krispie treat?
We’re deep into the back-to-school season for my oldest, and I love having some special treats waiting for her when she comes home from school during that first couple of weeks. Getting back into the school routine can be tough, so we might as well enjoy some fun snacks to make it a little easier.
I absolutely adore classic rice krispie treats, and so do my kids. We’ve tried various delicious variations, from brown butter rice krispie treats to chocolate rice krispie treats. Recently, I experimented by adding potato chips to my classic rice krispie treats recipe, and I don’t think I’ll ever look back.
What are potato chip rice krispie treats?
A few weeks ago, a friend shared an Instagram post where Joshua Weissman was making rice krispie treats with potato chips. I couldn’t believe we hadn’t thought of that before!
The very next day, I rushed out to purchase ingredients and immediately fell in love with these potato chip rice krispie treats. This recipe combines everything you love about classic treats—the gooey sweetness—with the delightful crunch and salty flavor of kettle-cooked potato chips.
If you enjoy the sweet and salty combination in treats like salted caramel pretzel cookies or salted caramel pecan blondies, you’re bound to become a fan of these potato chip rice krispie treats.
How to make potato chip rice krispie treats
One of the best things about these potato chip rice krispie treats is that they taste like a bakery-style treat, yet they are incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients you’ll need
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 (10-ounce) bags mini-marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (8-ounce) bag salted kettle chips, crushed into small pieces
Using salted butter helps balance the sweetness of the marshmallows. I prefer mini marshmallows for this recipe, but you could also use homemade ones, just ensure they’re cut into small pieces. A splash of vanilla is crucial for perfect rice krispie treats—do not skip this step! And for the key ingredient: kettle-cooked potato chips! They maintain their crunchiness even after mingling with the gooey marshmallows, adding a fantastic texture to these treats.
Making this recipe
Once you begin, the process moves quickly, so prepare your pan first. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment or foil and grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. While it melts, measure out 2 cups of marshmallows and set them aside.

Once the butter is melted, add the remaining marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Gradually incorporate the rice krispies and potato chips until everything is well combined. The mixture will become challenging to stir; keep going until fully combined and fold in the reserved marshmallows.

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Spritz a spatula or your hands with nonstick spray and gently press the mixture into the pan. Remember, avoid packing them too tightly to keep that delightful gooeyness alive.
Recipe Tip
Don’t pack these potato chip rice krispie treats into the pan too firmly; you want them to remain nice and gooey post-cooling, so use a gentle hand when pressing the mixture into the pan.
Let the treats cool completely before slicing and indulging.
Storage
These potato chip rice krispie treats will remain fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Because we were careful not to pack the mixture too tightly, they’ll remain soft for several days.
FAQs
Can you freeze these potato chip rice krispie treats?
Yes, but I don’t generally recommend it. Although you can wrap each cooled treat in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to a month, freezing them may make them hard and cause the potato chips to lose some of their delightful crunch.
I only have unsalted butter on hand. Can I still make these?
Absolutely! If you only have unsalted butter, just add ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt when melting the butter.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring, which is not gluten-free. For a gluten-free version, seek out certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. Be sure to check that the marshmallows and potato chips are also certified gluten-free if you are preparing this recipe for someone with severe gluten allergies or intolerances.