This savory Giada’s potato crisps with goat cheese and olives is prepared using potatoes, olive oil, goat cheese, pitted green olives, black pepper, kosher salt, and thyme. This appetizer recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 to 2 cups vegetable oil
• 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the Cheese

• ¼ cup fresh goat cheese, at room temperature
• ¼ cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon grated orange zest (from ½ orange)

For the Olive Spread

• ½ cup pitted Castelvetrano olives
• ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

How To Make Giada’s potato crisps with goat cheese and olives

Prepare the Potato Crisps

1. Slice the Potatoes: Slice the potatoes ⅛ inch thick using a mandoline.
2. Fry the Potatoes: When the oil reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer, add a small handful of sliced potatoes to the oil (you’ll need to cook them in batches, as overcrowding the pan will cause the chips to curl).
3. Drain and Season: Fry each batch about 4 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Using a wire skimmer or slotted spoon, remove the potatoes to a paper towel–lined tray and drain well. Season with a few grinds of black pepper.

Prepare the Cheese and Olive Spread

1. Blend the Olive Spread: Pulse to chop finely. Add the olive oil and blend until the mixture is very finely chopped; it should still have a little texture but be cohesive.

Recipe Tips

• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the goat cheese mixture for an unexpected kick, which will balance the richness of the potatoes and create a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Herby Flavor: Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme into the goat cheese mixture to add a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the earthy potatoes and briny olives.
• Crispy Variations: Experiment with different potato varieties, such as Yukon gold or sweet potatoes, to change the flavor and texture of the crisps, and try using olive oil instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Olive Options: Use a variety of olives, such as Kalamata, green, or black olives, to create a nuanced flavor profile, and be sure to pit them before chopping to avoid any bitterness and ensure an even distribution of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the goat cheese mixture and olive mixture separately up to a day in advance, then assemble the crisps just before baking to ensure the greatest flavor and texture, and consider freezing the unbaked crisps for up to a month for a quick snack.

Recipe FAQs

Try more recipes

• Giada Mushroom Toast
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Sorrentino
• Giada Lemon And Oregano Pounded Chicken