Crunch Perfection: What Makes a Great Crisp and the Best Pairings for Every Bite.
A great crisp (or potato chip, depending on where you’re from) is a combination of texture, flavour, and freshness.
We are never short of crisp selections on the market as well as being adorned with a growing list of exquisite flavour combinations.
Our friends at Made For Drink have released two new crisp flavours for seasoned, fine snacking enthusiasts. Both luxuriously lavish new flavours, Pickled Onion and Chilli & Lemon have both been tried and tested and we give them the big ‘Thumbs Up’
Women Talking looks at what makes a crisp truly exceptional:
Texture
- Crunchiness: A great crisp should have a satisfying crunch that is neither too hard nor too soft. The ideal texture comes from proper frying or baking, which creates air pockets within the potato slices.
- Thickness: The thickness of the crisp affects the crunch and how it holds up to dips. Thin crisps are light and delicate, while thicker crisps have a heartier bite.
Flavour
- Seasoning: The flavour of the crisps should be well-balanced. Classic salted crisps are timeless, but flavoured varieties should have a well-rounded seasoning that isn’t too overpowering.
- Quality of Ingredients: The quality of the potatoes and oil used plays a significant role. High-quality ingredients make for a better-tasting crisp.
Freshness
- Crispness: Fresh crisps have a distinctive snap when you bite into them. They should never be stale or soggy.
- Aroma: Fresh crisps have a pleasant aroma, whether it’s a simple potato smell or a more complex flavour like barbecue or sour cream and onion.
Pairing Crisps with Foods and Drinks
Crisps can be paired with a variety of foods and drinks to enhance the snacking experience:
Dips:
Sour Cream and Onion Dip: Pairs well with plain salted crisps.
Guacamole: A thicker dip that goes well with thicker, sturdier crisps.
Cheese Dip: Rich and creamy cheese dips complement spicy or barbecue-flavoured crisps.
Hummus: Provides a savoury, healthy option that pairs nicely with salted or herb-flavoured crisps.
Sandwiches:
Classic BLT: Crisps add a satisfying crunch when eaten alongside or inside a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich.
Grilled Cheese: Pair with tomato-flavoured crisps for a comfort-food experience.
Club Sandwich: Salted or lightly flavoured crisps are a perfect match.
Beverages:
Beer: Crisps and beer are a classic combination. Light lagers pair well with salted or lightly flavoured crisps, while richer ales or stouts go well with barbecue or cheddar-flavoured crisps.
Wine:
White Wine: Crisp, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc pair nicely with plain salted or herb-flavoured crisps. Made For Drinks Pickled Onion flavour crisps can be perfectly paired with Brancott Classic Sauvignon Blanc. This is a retro classic; the acidity of the pickling spices and onions perfectly balances out the acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc, allowing the classic herbaceous and passionfruit characteristic to really shine through, whilst enhancing the aromatic flavours.
The Chilli & Lemon flavour crisps pairs well with Flight Sauvignon Blanc. Here you have the fresh lemon in the crisps complements the citrusy aromas of Brancott Estate’s lower ABV (9%) Sauvignon Blanc, without obscuring the tropical ripe fruit flavours. The lighter alcohol content of Brancott Estate Flight allows the spice to be dialled up with a pleasant hint of bird’s eye chilli.
Red Wine: Full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to the intense flavours of barbecue or spicy crisps.
Soft Drinks: A cold cola or soda pairs well with the saltiness of crisps, providing a refreshing contrast.
Cheese and Charcuterie
- Crisps can be a great addition to a cheese and charcuterie board, offering a different texture to pair with soft cheeses like Brie or harder cheeses like Cheddar.
- Salami and Prosciutto: The saltiness of these meats complements crisps, especially those with a bit of a peppery or savoury flavour.
Creative Pairings
- Ice Cream: For a sweet and salty combination, try pairing crisps with vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The crunch of the crisps contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the ice cream.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate and plain salted crisps create a sophisticated and indulgent treat.
These elements combined create a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that elevates the simple potato crisp into a gourmet snack.
Poppy Watt