Those bags of potato chips hiding in your pantry are more than just snacks – they’re secret weapons for creating incredible dishes. From crispy coatings to unexpected desserts, potato chips are stepping out of the snack bowl and into your recipe rotation. Here’s how to transform this humble snack into something extraordinary.
Make the ultimate crispy chicken coating
Skip the breadcrumbs – crushed potato chips create an unbeatable crunchy coating for chicken. The natural oils in the chips help achieve a golden-brown finish, while the salt adds perfect seasoning. Mix crushed chips with panko and Parmesan for an extra-crispy result.
Want to mix it up? BBQ chips add smokiness, while salt and vinegar chips create a tangy twist. Pro tip: crush the chips in their bag using a rolling pin for the perfect consistency – not too fine, not too chunky.
Transform casseroles with a crunchy topping
Crushed potato chips make the perfect topping for casseroles, adding crunch and salt in one go. Sprinkle them over mac and cheese in the last few minutes of baking. For green bean casserole, replace those canned fried onions with crushed sour cream and onion chips.
What if you layered different flavored chips for complexity? Ranch chips pair beautifully with chicken casserole, while jalapeño chips add kick to tuna noodle bake. Remember to add the chips at the end to maintain their crunch.
Create sweet and salty dessert combinations
The sweet-salty combo is irresistible. Mix crushed chips into cookie dough before baking for a surprising crunch. Press them into melted chocolate for an elevated bark, or sprinkle them over ice cream for instant texture contrast.
Potato chips can even become the star of no-bake treats. Mix crushed chips with melted chocolate and peanut butter, then drop by spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Once set, these clusters offer the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy.
Make sandwiches more interesting
Standard sandwiches become memorable with a layer of chips. Add them right before eating to maintain maximum crunch. Try salt and vinegar chips on tuna sandwiches, or BBQ chips with turkey and swiss.
Stack chips between layers of fillings rather than on top – this prevents them from falling out. For grilled sandwiches, add the chips after grilling to preserve their texture. This technique works particularly well with classic PB&J for an upgraded childhood favorite.
Upgrade soups and chowders
Instead of crackers, top creamy soups with crushed potato chips. They add both texture and seasoning. Sour cream and onion chips complement potato soup perfectly, while plain chips work well with tomato bisque.
Keep a stash of crushed chips in an airtight container for quick garnishing. Sprinkle them on just before serving to prevent sogginess. This simple swap transforms ordinary soup into something special.
Remember to store your cooking chips properly to maintain freshness. Roll the bag tightly and secure with a clip, or transfer crushed chips to an airtight container. With these techniques, potato chips become more than just a snack – they’re an essential ingredient in your cooking arsenal.
