Pollo Campero is a popular Guatemalan fast food chicken restaurant chain that is known for its fried chicken and signature side dishes like Camperitos. Camperitos are a customer favorite appetizer item on the Pollo Campero menu. Keep reading to learn more about what exactly Camperitos are and what makes them so tasty.
What are Camperitos?
Camperitos are fried potato wedges that are a signature appetizer item at Pollo Campero restaurants. The wedges are made from fresh potatoes that are hand cut into wedges, seasoned, and then deep fried to golden perfection. They have a crispy outer crust and fluffy interior.
The Camperitos are known for being seasoned to perfection. They are coated in a special blend of spices before frying that gives them incredible flavor. The spice blend contains salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and other herbs and spices.
In addition to the fried original version, Pollo Campero also offers loaded Camperitos topped with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. The loaded version takes the crispy wedges and kicks them up a notch with melted cheese and smoky bacon.
Origins of Camperitos
Camperitos were created in 1971 along with the first Pollo Campero restaurant in Guatemala. The restaurant founder Roberto Bzuneck wanted to create signature sides to go along with his famous fried chicken. He worked to develop the special spice blend that makes Camperitos so addictively delicious.
The name Camperitos comes from the Spanish word for “little farmer” or “little camper.” This name references the humble, down-to-earth roots of the dish and restaurant. While Pollo Campero has grown into an international chain, the Camperitos are still made using that same original recipe from 1971.
What Makes Camperitos So Tasty?
There are a few key factors that make Camperitos such a tasty and crave-worthy appetizer:
- Crispy, crunchy exterior – The coating of spices combined with the hot oil frying gives them a perfectly crispy, crunchy crust.
- Fluffy, tender interior – The inside stays pillowy soft and fluffy thanks to the thick cut of the wedges.
- Seasoning – The proprietary spice blend has the perfect blend of paprika, garlic, pepper and other herbs and spices to give incredible flavor.
- Potato flavor – The fresh potato flavor really shines through since they are made from high-quality potatoes.
- Texture contrast – The crispy exterior combined with the soft interior provides delicious contrasting textures in each bite.
When all of these elements come together, it creates the irresistible flavor and texture that has made Camperitos a longstanding customer favorite on the Pollo Campero menu.
Serving Camperitos
At the restaurant, Camperitos are served in paper boats alongside the crispy fried chicken meals. A regular order provides 2-3 Camperitos depending on location. They can also be ordered a la carte as an appetizer to share.
Camperitos are best when served immediately after frying while the exterior is still ultra crispy. Their texture tends to soften as they sit. At Pollo Campero locations, they are cooked continuously in small batches to ensure each order is served fresh and hot.
The Camperitos pair perfectly with the fried chicken. Alternating bites of the crispy seasoned wedges with the hot juicy chicken is a heavenly flavor combination. The cool, creamy coleslaw or macaroni salad also balance beautifully with the spices and crunch of Camperitos.
Camperitos Calories and Nutrition
Since Camperitos are deep fried, they are fairly high in calories and fat compared to other side dishes. Per 2-3 Camperitos:
| Calories | 220 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
As you can see, a small serving of 2-3 Camperitos accounts for over 200 calories and 14 grams of fat. The calories are largely from the oil used to deep fry them. If you are looking for a lower calorie option, order the apple slices as a side instead.
That being said, Camperitos do provide some nutritional value too. The potato wedges supply vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber and potassium. They make a more filling, satisfying side compared to french fries. Enjoy them in moderation alongside a balanced meal.
Buying Frozen Camperitos
If you live near a Pollo Campero, you can purchase frozen Camperitos to prepare at home. They come in 2 lb frozen bags and can be baked or pan fried. Baking will give you a lower fat option than deep frying in oil. Be sure to flip halfway during cooking so they crisp up on both sides.
The frozen version makes it quick and easy to enjoy that same flavor of the restaurant Camperitos. Keep a bag on hand for serving at your next game day party or movie night.
Copycat Camperitos Recipe
You can also easily replicate the Camperitos at home with just a few simple ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 3 russet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cut potatoes into thick wedges and place in a bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and toss to coat.
- In a small bowl, combine seasonings – salt, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, cumin.
- Sprinkle seasoning mixture over the potatoes and toss again until coated evenly.
- Place wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes then flip and bake 15 more minutes until crisped and browned.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Follow this simple homemade recipe to enjoy tasty crispy seasoned Camperitos from your own kitchen. Adjust the quantity or spice blend to your taste preferences.
Where to Buy Camperitos
The only place to enjoy true authentic Camperitos is at Pollo Campero restaurant locations. Pollo Campero was founded in Guatemala and has expanded to over 350 locations worldwide across 14 countries including the United States. Popular cities include:
- Los Angeles, CA
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Chicago, IL
- Washington D.C.
- Miami, FL
- New York, NY
- Atlanta, GA
Check the Pollo Campero website to find a location near you. Then stop by and savor a fresh order of crispy, salty, spicy Camperitos alongside their world famous fried chicken.
Conclusion
Camperitos are a beloved signature side dish from Pollo Campero featuring crispy potato wedges coated in flavorful spices. Their crispy texture, tender interior, and addictive seasoning blend make them a customer favorite. While high in fat and calories, they can be enjoyed in moderation as a satisfying appetizer or side. Look for a Pollo Campero near you to try authentic Camperitos or use the copycat recipe to make your own at home. However you enjoy them, Camperitos are a crunchy, salty, comforting treat.