Chips and dip are a pairing that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving creamy ranch dip for game day or setting out a platter of pickle dip for a late-summer gathering, chips and dip deserve a place on the menu.
But not every potato chip is built for dipping. The best options are sturdy enough to hold up to thick, creamy dips without breaking, while still delivering plenty of crunch and flavor. Shape matters, too—a wide, scoopable chip makes it easier to get the perfect bite every time.
To find the best go-to, we asked professional chefs which potato chips they reach for when serving creamy dips. These are the brands they recommend most.
The 6 Chefs I Asked
Alex Jackson, Chef and Owner of RUBYS in Seattle, Washington’s Pike Place Market
Abby Burk, Executive Chef at Eight North in Calistoga, California
The Best Potato Chips for the Sturdiest Scoop
When it comes to pairing chips with a thicker dip, structure and strength matter. The last thing you want is to scoop into a flavorful dip and have your chip break before it reaches your mouth.
According to Archibald, kettle potato chips are an excellent choice for dipping because they’re thicker than traditional potato chips, so they have a longer-lasting crispness. “These chips also tend to have the most structural integrity,” he says. “I love the combination of crunch and potato-forward flavor.”
Chefs Reyes and Jackson also agree that kettle chips are a top choice. Reyes gravitates toward kettle chips for the thick, sturdy crunch they offer, which holds up well with heavier dips. He says he loves to pair Honey Mustard Kettle Brand chips with creamy classics like ranch or onion dip because they add another layer of flavor instead of just serving as a neutral base. Jackson loves to pair plain kettle chips with bean dip thanks to their excellent structure.
Credit: Simply Recipes / Getty Images
The Best Chips for More Texture
Not making quite as thick of a dip? Bautista says the ridges on Ruffles make a difference. While these chips may not be quite as strong as kettle chips, they offer extra texture and deliver dip in every bite. “Those ridges hold onto the dip,” Bautista notes. “A great chip gives you crunch, carries the dip, and lets the flavors do the talking.”
McLaurin agrees, saying that he loves a higher dip-to-chip ratio, and the ridges on Ruffles can hold plenty of dip. McLaurin loves to combine sour cream, cottage cheese, and plenty of chopped chives or scallions to make the ultimate dip to pair with Ruffles. The dip is simply seasoned with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. “If you’re bringing this to a party, make extra. It’ll be a crowd favorite!” he says.
For Burk, Ruffles deliver on bold, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch—all qualities she loves in a potato chip to pair with dip. They’re the ultimate choice when you want that classic crunch to pair with a lighter, creamier dip and enjoy the contrast of textures.
Read the original article on Simply Recipes
