5 Ways to Get Away with Potato Chips at a Fancy Party
Potato chips are usually subjected to being served alongside sandwiches or eaten by the bagful at pool parties, but they actually can be one heck of a fancy snack to feature at your party — so much so that I guarantee guests will be raving about them. All the chips need are these five quick and easy upgrades.
1. Choose the right chip.
Not all potato chips are created equally. If you’re going to serve them as a party snack, go for chips that are sturdy and flavorful. I personally love kettle chips myself, but pick your favorite. Also, skip flavors like sour cream and onion and barbecue — those are more suited for backyard pool parties and when watching the game. Go for classic salted or try salt and pepper.
2. Top them with something fancy.
A potato chip has all the makings of being a base for something delicious. Pull out the best ones from the bag and top them with a little smoked salmon and a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream to transform them into something your guests will sure to be rave about.
Get a recipe: Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche Kettle Chips
3. Serve them with an upgraded dip.
If you upgrade the dip, you’ve just upgraded the status of the chips. A classic onion dip, for instance, can be great if you swap in rich, sweet caramelized onions and stir in tangy Greek yogurt.
Get a recipe: French Onion Dip with Caramelized Onions & Greek Yogurt
4. Warm them in the oven with spices.
Spread out a bag of plain potato chips on a baking sheet. Sprinkle them with your spice of choice, like smoked paprika or a spice blend like garam masala, then warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool for a minute or two and then let guests grab at these warm, extra-flavorful chips.
5. Set them out in little bowls.
Little cups of potato chips scattered around the room look more polished than a big bowl plopped down at the center of the coffee table. Serving them this way also allows your guests to pick at them whether they are sitting on the couch or standing over by the bar.
What’s your favorite way to serve potato chips at a party?