What to Consider Before Pairing Snacks with Different Dips

Whether you’re making a spread for a party or whipping up a quick appetizer, there’s no doubt that dips are a crowd-pleasing choice. If you’re making a cold dip like hummus, caramelized onion dip or even salsa or a hot dip like spinach artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip or queso, the chips or snack with Which you pair it with is just as important as the dip. himself. Instead of just reaching for the first bag of chips on the shelf or in your pantry, keep a few factors in mind.

Consider the texture of the dip you are serving. If you have a creamier dip made with sour cream or cream cheese, you’ll need a chip with a little more texture to provide contrast, like a tousled potato chip. But if you’re serving a salsa or dip that’s more solid than creamy, serve a smooth chip that can serve as a simple container for all the ingredients packed into the dip, like a classic tortilla chip.

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The strength of your snack matters

Have you ever excitedly grabbed a chip from the snack bowl only to see it break in half after a dip? If you’re planning on taking a big dip, you’ll need to think about how sturdy your chip is and whether it’s up to the task. Pita chips, for example, are a solid choice for more than just regular hummus. They can support a hearty dip like a hot homemade Buffalo chicken dip or a spinach and artichoke dip.

If you want to use tortilla chips for salsa and guacamole, avoid thin chips and look for tortilla chips that are a little heavy. Although thin tortilla chips are light and crispy, they are best for crumbling over a salad or bowl as a topping. They may break if you try to have a serving of chunky guacamole or pico de gallo. Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips are a great choice for thicker, stronger tortilla chips.

Alternatively, thin, delicate chips are OK for a light, creamy dip. Plus, the saltiness of chips often complements cream-based dips seasoned with garlic or onion perfectly. They’re just sturdy enough to withstand liquid-based dips.

Alternative snacks to pair with dips

Chips aren’t the be all and end all of dipping foods. Try to shake things up and go beyond the typical bullet point. Pretzels are a great alternative to chips that are still just as crunchy and salty. They can even go beyond savory dips: try dipping pretzels in sweet cream cheese dips or even nut butter dips as an easy dessert.

For your savory dips, you can always turn to the classic vegetable crudités platter. Crunchy carrots and celery are the perfect companion to creamy dips and are a great healthier alternative to chips. You can even make colorful veggie chips by cooking slices of root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets or carrots. If you’re traveling abroad and making dips from around the world, look at snacks and foods from that culture to help you decide what pairs best with those respective dips. From toasted baguettes to pita triangles, your dip possibilities are endless. Simply pair the snacks that make the best companions to your dips in terms of flavor and robustness, and your next dip platter will be unforgettable.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.