Growing up, chips were always a go-to comfort food, whether served with a Sunday roast or simply enjoyed as an afternoon snack. However, it wasn’t until I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s The Perfect Chips recipe that I truly understood what elevates this humble dish. His method transforms the simple act of making chips into something extraordinary. The crispy, golden exterior paired with a fluffy interior is simply unmatched.
The best part of Jamie’s approach is how easy it is to recreate the perfect chips in your own kitchen, without needing any fancy equipment. I remember trying this recipe for the first time on a lazy weekend. The aroma of the freshly fried chips filling my kitchen instantly made me feel like I was sitting in a cozy bistro in the heart of London. As someone who’s always loved perfecting classic recipes, Jamie’s twist on making chips has been a game-changer in my kitchen.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Perfect Chips?
Jamie Oliver’s The Perfect Chips recipe is a straightforward, yet delicious way to make crispy, golden chips from scratch. Unlike the typical fast food variety, this recipe focuses on creating the perfect texture, with an ideal balance of crispiness and fluffiness. What sets Jamie’s version apart is his careful approach to cooking temperature and technique, ensuring that the chips come out with the perfect crunch every time.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re tired of soggy, greasy chips that don’t quite hit the spot, this recipe is a must-try. The secret to Jamie’s perfect chips lies in his method of double frying, which ensures a crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy interior. Plus, it’s simple enough for anyone to replicate at home.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver The Perfect Chips
To make Jamie Oliver’s The Perfect Chips, you’ll need:
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4 large Maris Piper potatoes
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1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
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Sea salt (to taste)
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Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Note: Maris Piper potatoes are highly recommended for their floury texture, which helps achieve the perfect crispy coating.
Instruction to Make Jamie Oliver The Perfect Chips
Making The Perfect Chips is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get them just right:
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Peel and Cut Potatoes: Start by peeling your Maris Piper potatoes and cutting them into even-sized chips. You can make them as thick or thin as you prefer, but for the crispiest result, I like to go with medium-sized chips.
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Rinse and Soak: Place the cut chips into a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps the chips crisp up beautifully.
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Preheat the Oven and Frying Pan: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place a large frying pan over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
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First Fry: Once the chips have soaked, drain them and pat them dry with a towel. Place them carefully into the hot frying pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft but not fully golden.
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Transfer to the Oven: Transfer the partially cooked chips onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
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Second Fry (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can fry them again in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
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Season: Once cooked, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Jamie Oliver's Perfect Chips
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 large Maris Piper potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper optional
- Note: Maris Piper potatoes are highly recommended for their floury texture which helps achieve the perfect crispy coating.
Instructions
- Making The Perfect Chips is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get them just right:
- Peel and Cut Potatoes: Start by peeling your Maris Piper potatoes and cutting them into even-sized chips. You can make them as thick or thin as you prefer, but for the crispiest result, I like to go with medium-sized chips.
- Rinse and Soak: Place the cut chips into a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps the chips crisp up beautifully.
- Preheat the Oven and Frying Pan: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place a large frying pan over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
- First Fry: Once the chips have soaked, drain them and pat them dry with a towel. Place them carefully into the hot frying pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re soft but not fully golden.
- Transfer to the Oven: Transfer the partially cooked chips onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Second Fry (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can fry them again in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Season: Once cooked, season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use the right potato: Maris Piper potatoes are ideal for chips because of their fluffy texture.
- Don’t skip the soaking: Soaking the chips helps get rid of excess starch, which leads to a crispier result.
- Perfect temperature: When frying, make sure the oil is hot enough, but not smoking. This ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
- Double fry: If you want that extra crunch, try frying the chips twice — once to cook them through, and again for that golden crisp.
Nutritional Value
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for Jamie Oliver’s The Perfect Chips (per serving):- Calories: 230-250 kcal (depending on oil used)
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
What Goes Well with Jamie Oliver The Perfect Chips
Jamie Oliver’s Perfect Chips pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. I love serving them alongside:
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Classic fish and chips
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Grilled steak or roast chicken
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A simple salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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Spicy ketchup or aioli for dipping
The versatility of these chips makes them a great addition to almost any meal.
My Tips to Make the Best Jamie Oliver The Perfect Chips
If you want to make sure your chips turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my personal tips:
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Use the right potato: Maris Piper potatoes are ideal for chips because of their fluffy texture.
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Don’t skip the soaking: Soaking the chips helps get rid of excess starch, which leads to a crispier result.
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Perfect temperature: When frying, make sure the oil is hot enough, but not smoking. This ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
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Double fry: If you want that extra crunch, try frying the chips twice — once to cook them through, and again for that golden crisp.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver The Perfect Chips
While Jamie’s chips are already amazing on their own, here are some easy variations you can try:
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Garlic and Herb Chips: Add minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the oil before frying for an extra punch of flavor.
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Spicy Chips: Toss your chips in a bit of paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper before frying.
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Sweet Potato Chips: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, more vibrant version.
Best Way to Store Jamie Oliver The Perfect Chips
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store the chips in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, I recommend giving them a quick fry or placing them in the oven to bring back their crispiness. You can also freeze them after the first frying step and cook them later for a quicker meal.
Nutritional Value
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for Jamie Oliver’s The Perfect Chips (per serving):
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Calories: 230-250 kcal (depending on oil used)
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Protein: 3g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 4g
Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the type and amount of oil used.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these chips in advance?
A: While these chips are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or a pan for a few minutes.
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: While Maris Piper potatoes are recommended for their texture, you can also use Russet potatoes for a similar result.
Q: Can I make these chips in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and cook the chips for about 20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Conclusion
When I first tried Jamie Oliver’s The Perfect Chips, I never imagined how much of a difference the method would make. The end result was a crisp, golden chip that outshone any store-bought variety I’d ever had. Over time, I’ve made this recipe countless times for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just a casual movie night. There’s something so comforting about the simplicity and perfection of these chips.
What I love most about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted. Whether you prefer a more classic approach or want to get creative with flavors, Jamie’s Perfect Chips can be tailored to suit your tastes. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect side to any meal. And trust me, once you’ve tasted them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought chips again. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how easy it is to make the perfect chips at home.
