Recipe: Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche Kettle Chips

updated Feb 3, 2020
Top potato chips with smoked salmon and suddenly they're a classy cocktail snack. Add some bubbles and you have a fast and fancy party.

Serves6 to 8

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(Image credit: Michael Wiltbank)

Top a ho-hum potato chip with a little smoked salmon, crème fraîche, lemon zest, and chives, and suddenly it’s dressed to the nines, ready for one of those serious cocktail parties. These chips are so good, though, that it would be a shame to save them for such an event. Instead, invite a few friends over tonight, pop open a bottle of wine (we’ll tell you which!), and make this appetizer immediately.

One Classy App, Made Possible by Potato Chips

These one-bite cocktail snacks truly feel special and yet they couldn’t be faster to throw together. Pick out the best-looking kettle chips from the bag and garnish them with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, lemon zest, and chives. The tangy crème fraîche contrasts the salty chips and smoky fish, while the lemon zest and fresh herbs brighten up the bite.

Although these call for smoked salmon, which can sometimes be pricey, it really gets stretched here so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. Oh, and if you’d rather use sour cream then crème fraîche, don’t hesitate to make the swap — it will still be just as fancy and just as fast.

(Image credit: Michael Wiltbank)

Make It a Party! What Wine to Drink

Something so fast and fancy deserves to a drink that’s equally so. That’s why Cava fits the bill. It’s fast to open, and bubbles always feel fancy.

3 Great Bottles of Cava Under $15

  • Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, Spain, $8.99
  • Castellroig Cava Brut, Spain, $13.99
  • Bohigas Cava Brut Reserva, Spain, $14.99

Why Cava Pairs Well

There are a lot of great sparkling wines out there, and they’d all fit the bill here, but Cava wins for me because it barely breaks the bank. It’s dry, crisp, and has a good deal of bubbles, which help clear your mouth of the salty flavor of the chips and salmon, as well as the rich and creamy crème fraîche.

How to Throw a $20 Cocktail Party

There’s nothing better than a fun and festive cocktail party with your friends — but hosting one definitely doesn’t need to put a big dent in your wallet. This week, we’re showing off six appetizer recipes and the budget-friendly wines that pair best with them to inspire you to throw an “Appy Hour” any night of the week.

Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche Kettle Chips

Top potato chips with smoked salmon and suddenly they're a classy cocktail snack. Add some bubbles and you have a fast and fancy party.

Serves 6 to 8

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 24

    kettle-cooked salted potato chips

  • 1

    (4-ounce) package smoked salmon, cut into 24 pieces

  • 1/4 cup

    crème fraîche or sour cream

  • 1 tablespoon

    finely chopped fresh chives

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    finely grated lemon zest

Instructions

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  1. Arrange the potato chips in a single layer on a plate. Top each chip with a piece of smoked salmon, then 1/2 teaspoon of crème fraîche or sour cream. Sprinkle with the chives and lemon zest. Serve immediately, as the topped chips do not keep well.