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Ranch Sweet Potato Crisps & Works of Art

  • Prep: 10 min
  • Total: 30 min
  • Cook: 20 min
  • Servings: 6
Ranch Sweet Potato Crisps & Works of Art

These come together quickly, make a great snack by themselves and pair perfectly with a roast chicken or a burger. Their sweetness compliments the tang of ranch seasoning and makes them irresistibly delicious. Plus, they’re a healthier option for french fries.

This recipe is perfect for teaching cooking skills and art lessons to kids. With its vivid color and unique shape, the sweet potato is a jumping off point for creative learning. We have five activities for kids from preschool to high school age that’ll inspire them to make both piece of artwork and dinner — two masterpieces!

Ingredients (3)

Steps (4)

Gather your ingredients and supplies.

  • 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

    Teachable Moment

    Teachable Moment

    Ovens vary a little bit in temperature – your oven may run a little hot or a little cool. You can do a test with an oven thermometer to find out if your oven is accurate. If it’s off a little that’s ok, just be sure to watch your food within the last few minutes of a recipe. Warmer ovens will finish a little earlier, cooler ovens will take a bit more time. Mini Activity

    Mini Activity

    All Kids: Wash the potatoes under cool running water, pat dry with a clean dish towel.

  • 2

    Combine olive oil and ranch seasoning mix in a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced sweet potatoes and toss to coat well.

     Teachable Moment

    Teachable Moment

    Do you know where your olive oil comes from? Spain is the leading country in olive oil production, followed by Italy. Next time you pick some up at the store, note where it comes from and see if you can taste any differences. If you have a few at home already, try pouring a few drops on a little plate and taste the range of flavors. Which do you like best? Mini Activity

    Mini Activity

    Little and Big Kids: Pour the olive oil in, toss the potato slices with your hands, evenly distribute the oil and seasoning. When done, wash hands for the next steps.

    Middle and High Schoolers:     With parent’s supervision, slice potatoes as evenly and thinly as possible.

  • 3

    Spread sweet potato slices into a single layer on the baking sheets, making sure not to overcrowd them. Bake about 10–12 minutes on each side, turning once, until golden. If you can't fit them all on the two trays with space, you may need to do another batch.

     Teachable Moment

    Teachable Moment

    Giving space to each potato on a parchment-lined sheet allows for them to caramelize. When things brown in the oven (get crispy), that gives more flavor to the food, no matter what you’re cooking. This is a good rule of thumb for sweet and savory foods in the oven. Careful not to overdo it though! Mini Activity

    Mini Activity

    All Kids: Spread the potatoes out on one pan, Mom or Dad does the other pan.

  • 4

    Remove from the oven and cool on racks for about 5–10 minutes until fully crisp and cool. If desired, serve with Hidden Valley® Original Ranch Salad Dressing for dipping.

     Teachable Moment

    Teachable Moment

    Plating food is the final step in the cooking process – it can really affect how you “taste” something. Make a smiley face with the circles, serve just a few on tiny plates for a tea party or swirl a bit of ranch dressing on a brightly colored plate and scatter a handful of crisps on top for a fancy restaurant feel. Mini Activity

    Mini Activity

    Little and Big Kids: Set the timer and get plates out for when 5 to 10 minutes goes by. Taste at the 5-minute mark – are they crispy enough? Allow to cool longer for more crispness.

    Middle and High Schoolers: Using oven mitts, take out the sheet pans and let them cool on a rack or heat-proof surface.

Downloadable Activities

Looking for more fun ways to learn art? We’ve put together hands-on activities for kids of every age.

  • Downloadable Activity Age
    3-4

    Sweet Potato Head Self Portrait

    Age Group: Preschool

    Project Goal: Project Goal: Everyone’s face is different and unique. What does your face look like? What does mommy’s face look like? Let’s draw it!
    Download PDF
  • Downloadable Activity Age
    11-13

    Sweet Potato Still Life 3 Ways

    Age Group: Middle School

    Project Goal: Project Goal: Make sweet potato art on paper, canvas, wood, cardboard boxes...whatever you have around and want to work on.
    Download PDF
  • Downloadable Activity Age
    5-7

    Sweet Potato Plant Drawing

    Age Group: Lower Elementary

    Project Goal: Project Goal: How do sweet potatoes grow? Hint – it’s both above and below ground. Let’s research the life cycle of sweet potatoes online.
    Download PDF
  • Downloadable Activity Age
    14-18

    Sweet Potato Stop Motion Video

    Age Group: High School

    Project Goal: Project Goal: Create a 15-second or longer stop animation video using sweet potatoes as one of your objects. The possibilities are endless!
    Download PDF
  • Downloadable Activity Age
    8-10

    Sweet Potato Shape Collage

    Age Group: Upper Elementary

    Project Goal: Project Goal: Make two mixed media pieces using your sweet potatoes. Make one piece in primary colors and the second with whatever you want!
    Download PDF

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