Five Things to Put on a Bag of Chips When Friends Are Coming Over

There is a point in almost every gathering where people start hovering around the kitchen.

They’re too early for lunch, too hungry for nothing, and somehow always standing exactly where you’re trying to finish plating.

This is where the humble bag of chips comes in.

The best version of entertaining often sits somewhere between thoughtfully prepared and delightfully lazy. A bag of good salted chips can become the base for something surprisingly memorable with just a few ingredients from the fridge.

Here are five versions we’re currently making.

01. Crispy Chickpea, Mozzarella & Cornichon Chips

For those who love something salty, crunchy and a little unexpected.

Top a bag of salted chips with torn fresh mozzarella, crispy roasted chickpeas, finely chopped cornichons, lemon zest, flat-leaf parsley and a drizzle of hot honey.

The mozzarella softens into the chips while the chickpeas and cornichons keep everything crunchy and bright.

02. Burrata, Pistachio & Hot Honey Chips

A little more luxurious, but still incredibly simple.

Tear burrata over a pile of salted chips and finish with crushed pistachios, lemon zest, fresh mint and hot honey.

Serve immediately while the burrata is cool and creamy.

03. Whipped Feta & Pickled Cucumber Chips

Somewhere between a dip and a snack.

Spread whipped feta onto a serving platter, scatter chips over the top and finish with finely sliced pickled cucumber, dill, cracked pepper and olive oil.

Messy in the best possible way.

04. Caesar Chips

The one we accidentally created for lunch and immediately decided we’d make again.

Spread a bag of good salted chips onto a large platter, then scatter over crispy roasted chickpeas, chopped cornichons and plenty of freshly grated parmesan.

Finish with dollops of Caesar dressing, chopped chives and a little lemon zest.

It’s salty, crunchy, creamy and ridiculously moreish. Somewhere between loaded fries and a Caesar salad but with a packet of chips.

You’ll need

• 1 bag good salted chips
• 1 cup crispy roasted chickpeas
• 3-4 cornichons, finely chopped
• 40-50g parmesan, finely grated
• Caesar dressing
• Small handful fresh chives, finely chopped
• Zest of ½ lemon
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Assemble just before serving so everything stays crisp.

05. Classic Onion Dip Chips

The nostalgic one.

Spread a generous layer of Classic Kiwi onion dip onto a platter, pile chips on top and finish with chives and crispy shallots.

A slightly elevated version of a classic that never really needed improving.

A Note on Timing

These are best assembled just before serving.

Place them where you want people to gather, hand them a drink and let them dig in.

The whole point is that they’re not perfect.
They’re chips.
That’s what makes them fun.