Homemade Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips Recipe

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Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips are the kind of treat that feels like a game-changer for snack enthusiasts. With their perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, it’s no wonder these lattice potato chips quickly became a fan favorite. Sadly, they sometimes vanish from Trader Joe’s shelves (why do snacks this good always seem to get a limited run?). But don’t worry—that’s where this recipe comes in!

How to make Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips

Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips (more fully: Ketchup Flavored Lattice Potato Chips) are a flavored potato chip product recently introduced by the U.S. grocery chain.

Ingredients

For the Chips:

• 2–3 large russet potatoes (thinly sliced, ideally using a mandoline for consistency)
• 3–4 cups vegetable oil or canola oil (for frying)
• Salt (for seasoning before adding the ketchup flavor)

For the Ketchup Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons ketchup powder (you can find this online or at specialty spice shops; optional: make your own by dehydrating ketchup and grinding it into powder)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (for the smoky depth Trader Joe’s chips have)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar powder (for tanginess; can also mix 1 teaspoon vinegar into powder ingredients before coating)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the tangy flavors with a slightly sweet kick)
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for that zesty undertone)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, if you’d like some heat)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Wash and peel the russet potatoes. Thinly slice them with a mandoline or sharp knife to achieve uniform chips.
2. Rinse the sliced potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up during frying.
3. Pat the potatoes dry completely using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moist potatoes will splatter in hot oil!

2. Make the Ketchup Seasoning:

1. In a small bowl, mix together all the seasoning ingredients (ketchup powder, vinegar powder, smoked paprika, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper). Adjust proportions to suit your personal flavor preferences.
2. Taste the seasoning before using it. If it feels too tangy, add a touch more sugar; if it’s too mild, add a bit more vinegar powder.

3. Fry the Chips:

1. Heat your vegetable or canola oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature to avoid burning or under-frying.
2. Carefully add small batches of potato slices to the oil. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy (about 2–4 minutes per batch).
3. Remove the chips with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with a little salt immediately while they’re still warm.

4. Season the Chips:

1. Once the chips cool slightly (but are still warm), transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add your homemade ketchup seasoning and toss to coat evenly. For the best results, coat in batches to ensure every chip gets a good amount of seasoning.

Tips for Success

• Use a mandoline slicer: Uniform slices ensure the chips cook evenly and consistently.
• Don’t skip rinsing: Removing excess starch is critical for achieving a crispy texture.
• Keep batches small when frying: Overcrowding the pot will drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy chips.
• Cool before seasoning: Warm chips adhere to the seasoning better, but don’t let them cool completely—seasoning sticks better on slightly warm surfaces.
• Storage: If you make a big batch, store your homemade ketchup chips in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.

What to serve with

Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips are bold, tangy, and packed with flavor, making them a fantastic snack. However, if you’re looking to pair them with other dishes to elevate your snack game or create a theme for your table, you’ve got plenty of options!

• Creamy Ranch Dip: The creamy, herby flavors of ranch balance the tangy sweetness of the Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips perfectly, making for a refreshing pairing.
• Cheddar Cheese Sauce: A warm cheese dip adds a gooey richness that pairs wonderfully with the chips’ smoky undertones.
• Garlic Aioli: Creamy garlic dip provides a robust savory note and contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the ketchup seasoning.
• Spicy Honey Mustard: The tangy vinegar and sweet flavor of the chips pair excellently with mustard, and a kick of honey ties the flavors together nicely.
• Avocado Dip/Guacamole: For a fresh and creamy option, guacamole works well. Its smooth texture complements the crispy Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips while the avocado’s natural creaminess balances the tangy seasoning.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips gives you the freedom to experiment with flavors and ingredients. If certain items aren’t readily available, you can substitute them while still maintaining that tangy, sweet, and savory flavor profile.

1. Potato Chips

For the base of your ketchup chips, we use fresh, homemade potato chips. However, if you prefer convenience or don’t have time to fry your own, here are some alternatives:

• Store-Bought Plain Potato Chips: Use plain, unsalted potato chips as your base. Simply sprinkle them with your ketchup seasoning. Wavy or ridge-cut chips work especially well since they hold onto seasoning better.
• Sweet Potato Chips: Sweet potatoes naturally have a slightly sweeter profile. If you’re looking for a twist on traditional ketchup chips, this is a great option.
• Baked Potato Chips or Kale Chips (Healthier Alternative): If you’re aiming for a lower-fat version, you can bake thin slices of potato or use kale chips as your crunchy base.

2. Ketchup Powder

The signature ketchup flavor comes from ketchup powder, but this ingredient can be tricky to find. Luckily, you have options:

• Homemade Ketchup Powder: You can dehydrate ketchup in an oven or dehydrator, then grind it into powder using a food processor or spice grinder. Spread a thin layer of ketchup on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bake at 200°F (93°C) for several hours, and then pulverize.
• Tomato Powder: Tomato powder (available at specialty spice shops or online) offers a similar tangy flavor. Mix it with sugar and vinegar to mimic ketchup powder.
• Ketchup or Tomato Paste: If you don’t have powder, toss the chips with a light spritz of diluted ketchup or tomato paste mixed with vinegar. Be careful not to add too much liquid or the chips will get soggy.

3. Vinegar Powder

Vinegar powder adds tanginess and zing to the seasoning blend, but it’s not always available in stores. Here’s how you can substitute:

• White Vinegar Spritz: Toss the chips lightly with a spritz of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar before coating them with dry seasoning. This mimics the tangy effect, though it may add slightly more moisture than powder.
• Lemon Juice Powder: If you can’t find vinegar powder, lemon juice powder adds a similar sharp tang to balance the sweetness of the seasoning.

4. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika is a key spice for the smoky depth in ketchup chips. If you don’t have it on hand, try these substitutions:

• Regular Paprika: Regular paprika can be used, but it won’t have the smoky note. You can add a drop of liquid smoke to the seasoning mix to replicate the smokiness.
• Chipotle Powder: Chipotle powder offers both smokiness and a bit of heat. It’s an excellent alternative, especially if you want a spicy twist.

5. Sugar

Sugar balances the tang from the vinegar and tomato flavors. If you’re out of granulated sugar, here are substitutes:

• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness with a hint of molasses, which can deepen the flavor profile.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: If you’re fine with a liquid sweetener, honey or maple syrup can work as a sugar substitute. However, you’ll need to mix it into the ketchup powder or spritz lightly onto the chips before seasoning.

6. Onion Powder & Garlic Powder

Onion and garlic powder provide savory depth. If these are unavailable, here are substitutes:

• Fresh Garlic or Onion: Finely mince fresh garlic or onion, sauté it until dry, and grind it into a coarse powder for seasoning.
• Shallot Powder or Fresh Shallots: Shallots are a close match to the flavor of onions and can be used similarly.

7. Mustard Powder

Mustard powder gives the seasoning a subtle zesty kick. If you don’t have mustard powder, try:

• Prepared Yellow Mustard: Mix a small amount of yellow mustard with the ketchup powder before sprinkling it on the chips. Adjust proportions carefully to avoid too much moisture.
• Turmeric or Horseradish Powder: Turmeric provides earthy notes and can add depth, while horseradish powder adds sharpness similar to mustard.

8. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne adds a little heat to the seasoning mix, which is optional but gives the chips an extra punch. If cayenne isn’t available, modify with:

• Red Chili Flakes: Grind them finely to mimic cayenne powder.
• Hot Sauce: Toss the chips lightly with hot sauce mixed with a little vinegar for a spicy tang.

9. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is commonly used for frying, but there are substitutes if you want to switch things up or lighten the dish:

• Canola Oil or Peanut Oil: Both have a high smoke point and work well for frying.
• Olive Oil: If you’re baking the chips instead of frying, olive oil provides a nice flavor and is a healthier option.
• Avocado Oil: Offers a neutral flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for frying or baking.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s Ketchup Chips are versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own or incorporated into creative pairings.

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Bourbon Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Cajun Alfredo Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Protein Pancakes Recipe