I’m back! Thanks for hanging in there while I was on a longer than expected hiatus — I’m glad to be back with you all. And guess what? I have something exciting to share.
It’s PopChips week! Yes, those PopChips. The insanely delicious, outrageously crunchy, super satisfying snack that’s healthy and all-natural. What’s not to like? I know I’m pretty much obsessed with them.
The lovely people at PopChips have been kind enough to hook me up, and now we want to hook you up, too. Not only will I be featuring an assortment of PopChips-related recipes on the blog all week, but you’ll also have a chance to win a PopChips variety pack! One winner will receive 12 snack-sized bags (two of each of the following flavors). That’s some serious snacking.
- Original potato
- Barbecue
- Sour cream and onion
- Cheddar
- Sea salt and vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Here’s how to win:
- Comment in this post (and/or subsequent posts this week)
- Follow me on Twitter @FreshandFoodie
- Follow PopChips on Twitter @PopChips or @PopChipsChicago
- Retweet or comment on this giveaway on Twitter and include the hashtag #FoodiePopChips
I’ll choose one winner out of all “entries” received next Monday (the 30th) using random.org. For shipping purposes, winner must be a residents of the continental United States. Good luck!
Now, on to today’s recipe. As if PopChips weren’t delicious enough on their own, they’re also fun to cook with. My gut instinct was to use one of the flavored varieties as a replacement for standard breadcrumbs, and for some reason the first thing that came to mind was meatballs. Must have been a craving that day, I guess. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the PopChips worked as a breadcrumb substitution, plus the extra flavor they added was a nice touch. The only problem is pulling yourself away from the PopChips long enough to use them in the recipe.
Sweet and Sour PopChips Meatballs
What you need:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup finely chopped red onion (about half of a small onion)
- 2 large garlic cloves, very finely minced
- 1 28-ounce can Italian-style crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces beef broth
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 snack sized bags (approximately 40 chips) of sour cream and onion PopChips, crushed into very small pieces and lightly toasted in a dry sautee pan over medium heat until lightly browned
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
How you do it:
- In a large, flat bottom skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat until hot. Add onion and cook for about 4 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute or two. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, brown sugar and lemon juice and stir to combine. Cover and bring sauce to a simmer while assembling the meatballs.
- In a large bowl, lightly combine ground turkey, crushed and toasted PopChips, salt, pepper and egg. Don’t be afraid to use your hands! Once well mixed, shape into approximately 1 to 1.5-inch balls (recipe should yield about 20 meatballs). Gently drop meatballs into simmering sauce, partially cover and let cook for an hour.
- I like the meatballs on their own with some chopped chives, but they would also be delicious as a sandwich on toasted Italian bread.
Fresh & Foodie 
What a creative use of pop chips! Can’t wait to make these meatballs!
I don’t think I’ve heard about these pop chips. Gotta try them. And always love meatballs.
I was just thinking, “Where’s Bobby… this hiatus is taking too long!” 🙂
I would have never thought to use up pop chips like this… brilliant!
I follow you on Twitter!
Just tweeted about the giveaway.
I have never heard of pop chips before, but I am loving all the different flavors and of course the meatballs! Yummy! 😀
Mmm…those look divine, Bobbi! I love the burnished color on them – so beautiful! 🙂 So glad to have you back! You’ve been missed.
Thanks. Love to try this recipe out.
I’ve always wanted to try those! An awesome chip alternative
How creative! These look delicious and will be soon making an appearance in my kitchen. Thanks for hosting this giveaway too!
I LOVE PopChips! And, I would love to win!
What a great giveaway, I’d love to try all of these flavors!
I am ashamed….I have never had them 😦
Well, it’s a good thing you entered then! 🙂
I never would have thought to use Pop Chips this way – how delicious!
I now follow you on Twitter!
Your meatballs look great.
Good luck to all of your giveaway entrants.
🙂 Mandy
What a great giveaway! I love the use of Popchips instead of bread crumbs in this recipe!
I LOVE POPCHIPS! They are so awesome!!
I would never have thought of using the chips in meatballs, what a genius idea!! Meatballs are popular with my family, especially the 14 year old son. These will be a hit!
What a great idea! I just love popchips and I’m sure cooking with them would just be absolutely fantastic!
I LOVE popchips! never thought to use them in entrees, how clever! mmmm
I’ve never had popchips (not even sure Ive seen them… >.> shamefully) but Ive yet to meet a chip I havent liked. These meatballs look awesome though!
I follow you on Twitter 😀
Those meatballs look AMAZING!!!
I have never heard of those chips, will have to look in the store soon!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
What a good idea to put popchips in the meatballs! These look delicious.
First of all thank you for the recipe. I am always looking for new recipes. 🙂 And popchips in the recipe is very unique. 🙂
I follow you on Twitter @kellyblackwell
I follow popchips and popchips Chicago on Twitter @kellyblackwell
I retweeted.
I’ve been really intrigued when I’ve seen popchips at the grocery store but I still haven’t tried them. I’m a huge fan of Popcorners, as you may already know. I should try these and compare!
Pingback: top 5 holiday appetizer recipes | what's poppin!