There’s something about snack boards that feels special, even when the ingredients are simple. One afternoon, I was setting up a board for a casual family movie night and realized I was out of crackers. In a pinch, I reached for a bag of thick-cut potato chips. That small substitution? It totally transformed our usual spread. Everyone loved the crunchy contrast, and just like that, charcuterie chips became a staple in my kitchen.
Hi, I’m Sarah. My love for cooking started in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. No fancy rules just instinct, heart, and whatever ingredients were on hand. That same spirit is what inspired me to make snack boards that feel indulgent but are actually affordable and easy. Charcuterie chips are exactly that crispy, salty, versatile, and budget-friendly.
Unlike traditional crackers, charcuterie chips bring a punch of flavor and crunch that pairs beautifully with soft cheeses, smoky meats, and dips. And they’re not limited to one type either think kettle-cooked potato chips, beet chips, parmesan crisps, or even pita chips toasted with herbs. They’re the kind of thing that makes a snack board go from “nice” to “can we do this every weekend?”
These days, charcuterie chips are showing up at picnics, holiday spreads, and even in fun takes like dessert boards. In this article, I’ll walk you through what charcuterie chips really are, how to make your own, what to pair them with, and why they might just be the most underrated part of your next snack spread. And along the way, we’ll also answer common questions like whether Aldi carries them, and what’s up with Hostess chips lately.
We’ll also pull in fun snack pairing ideas inspired by posts like my hot honey popcorn recipe and the unique twist of pickle lemonade both surprisingly great with crunchy chips on the side.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Are Charcuterie Chips & How To Make Them At Home
Understanding Charcuterie Chips: Ingredients & Variations
Charcuterie chips are exactly what they sound like chips that elevate a charcuterie board with crunch, flavor, and variety. But they’re not just any chips. They’re chosen (or made) with purpose, designed to hold up to cheeses, dips, meats, and more. Think kettle chips with a thick, sturdy base. Or parmesan crisps with that nutty, umami-rich profile that pairs beautifully with prosciutto or brie.
You can use a variety of chip styles for different flavor and texture combos:
- Kettle-cooked chips: Crisp, salty, and hold up to spreads.
- Pita chips: Great with hummus or tzatziki.
- Parmesan crisps: A savory, low-carb option that’s perfect with aged cheddar or salami.
- Beet, sweet potato, or plantain chips: These bring color and sweetness to the board.
The goal is to add texture without overpowering the other flavors. That’s what makes charcuterie chips a powerful and affordable addition to any board. They’re also the perfect DIY snack to serve with creative ideas like cottage cheese and peanut butter dip, which balances sweet, savory, and creamy.
Full Recipe: Homemade Charcuterie Chips, Step-by-Step
These quick and flavorful charcuterie chips combine crunchy kettle chips, melted parmesan, crispy shredded salami, and sweet fig jam—finished with a touch of thyme for a fresh, herby note. It’s an effortless upgrade to any snack board, ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) bag of kettle chips
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 4 oz shredded salami
- 2 oz fig jam
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the kettle chips evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the chips.
- Shred the salami (using a box grater or knife) and distribute it over the cheese-covered chips.
- Bake for 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges are crisp.
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with small dollops of fig jam.
- Garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Type | Best Pairing |
|---|---|
| Parmesan Crisps | Soft cheeses, cured meats |
| Kettle Chips | Bold dips, cheddar |
| Beet Chips | Goat cheese, honey |
| Sweet Potato Chips | Brie, fruit jams |
These homemade chips are the perfect base for layering texture into your board, especially if you’re building something seasonal, like a summer garden board with fresh fruit, or a fall version loaded with nuts and fig jam.
Serving Tips & Pairings for the Perfect Board
How To Style Charcuterie Chips with Cheese, Dips & Fruit
When it comes to creating a visually appealing and flavor-rich charcuterie board, balance is key. Charcuterie chips bring that crisp contrast you need against soft, creamy, or juicy components. But how you place them matters too. Start by fanning the chips in small clusters around the board they shouldn’t sit in one big pile or they’ll lose their crunch. Mix up textures, colors, and chip styles across the board to keep it interesting.
Pair kettle chips with bold cheeses like sharp cheddar or blue cheese, and add a drizzle of hot honey or pepper jelly for contrast. Parmesan crisps go perfectly with mild meats like turkey or soppressata and pair well with a soft cheese like brie or even a herbed goat cheese. For fruit, use grapes, strawberries, or apple slices—especially next to sweet potato or beet chips. You’re building a board that makes sense both visually and on the palate.
A trick I use often: put your dips in small ramekins right in the middle of each chip cluster. That way, guests know which chip to use with what. Hummus works great with pita chips, while a whipped feta pairs nicely with plantain or taro chips.
If you enjoyed this styling approach, you might also love how I combined sweet and savory in this mini rum cake recipe, a great companion for dessert boards that include chocolate-dipped chips or cinnamon crisps.
Tips for Choosing the Right Textures and Flavors
Your goal is contrast without chaos. Too many salty items? Add something sweet like dried figs or a swipe of fig jam. Too many soft textures? Add roasted nuts or yes extra crunchy chips. A good chip will hold up without getting soggy or breaking under a spread.
Stick to the 3-3-3 rule for charcuterie boards:
- 3 meats: think prosciutto, salami, turkey
- 3 cheeses: like gouda, brie, and blue
- 3 carbs: chips, crostini, crackers
Charcuterie chips count as one of the carbs, and they should shine! You can even flavor them lightly yourself by tossing store-bought chips with fresh rosemary or a tiny splash of truffle oil before serving.
Trends, Variations & Store-Bought Options
Popular Flavors & Seasonings for Charcuterie Chips
Charcuterie chips have grown far beyond plain salted varieties. Foodies and casual snackers alike are gravitating toward bold flavors that hold up well on a cheese board. Think black pepper and truffle, smoked paprika, rosemary and sea salt, or aged cheddar dusted chips. These bolder options aren’t just tasty they can elevate simple cheese or meat pairings.
There’s also been a rise in baked and dehydrated chips like sweet potato, beetroot, and zucchini. These not only add a rainbow of color to your board but also bring a health-forward vibe, especially when paired with yogurt dips or cottage cheese blends. For instance, I love beet chips with goat cheese and a drizzle of honey, while sweet potato chips pair beautifully with cinnamon cream cheese or fig jam.
Creative flavors also make their way into dessert-themed boards. You can find cinnamon-sugar pita chips, chocolate-dusted plantains, or even apple crisps. If that sounds intriguing, it pairs beautifully with something from my mini strawberry bundt cakes for a well-rounded treat board.
Where To Buy Them & How Aldi Fits In
Not everyone has time to slice and bake potatoes from scratch. Thankfully, several stores have hopped on the charcuterie chip trend, with options that fit every budget.
Aldi, for example, has a growing selection of chips perfect for charcuterie boards. Their specialty lines often include kettle chips with sea salt and vinegar, herb-seasoned root chips, or even parmesan crisps. Keep an eye on their rotating seasonal offerings, too you might catch flavored options that are perfect for holiday boards.
You can also check stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or your local market. Look for terms like “artisanal,” “kettle-cooked,” “baked crisps,” or “root veggie chips” on the label. Make sure they’re sturdy enough to scoop, dip, or stack with toppings.
Aldi’s appeal isn’t just price it’s variety. Their chips often rotate based on the season, so try pairing their rosemary kettle chips with creamy dips like a whipped goat cheese or even a dollop of cranberry chutney during fall.
And yes Hostess did once dabble in chips. While not part of their modern product line, nostalgic fans still ask what happened to Hostess brand chips. They were discontinued years ago, and what’s left are collector’s memories or regional brands using the name. Today’s charcuterie chip world is more gourmet, but there’s still room for a fun throwback bag of sour cream and onion if you find one.
Charcuterie chips are more than just a crunchy snack they’re a simple way to bring personality and texture to your snack boards without overcomplicating the process. Whether you make them from scratch or grab a gourmet bag from Aldi, they offer a satisfying base that pairs beautifully with meats, cheeses, fruits, and spreads.
What started as a quick solution during a family movie night has turned into one of my favorite snack board essentials. They’re easy, budget-friendly, and completely customizable. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So next time you’re planning a get-together or even just making a solo snack plate don’t forget the chips. They might just steal the show.
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Charcuterie Chips: Easy,Perfect for Snack Boards
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These quick and flavorful charcuterie chips combine crunchy kettle chips, melted parmesan, crispy shredded salami, and sweet fig jam finished with a touch of thyme. They’re a fast, affordable, and irresistible addition to any snack board.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) bag of kettle chips
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 4 oz shredded salami
- 2 oz fig jam
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Spread the kettle chips evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
- 3. Sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the chips.
- 4. Shred the salami and distribute it over the cheese-covered chips.
- 5. Bake for 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges are crisp.
- 6. Remove from the oven and immediately top with small dollops of fig jam.
- 7. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
- 8. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute fig jam with apricot preserves or hot honey for a spicier twist.
- Make sure to serve immediately to keep the chips from softening.
- Use thick-cut kettle chips for the best result.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of tray
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
FAQs About Charcuterie Chips
What are charcuterie chips?
Charcuterie chips are snackable, flavorful chips that complement meats, cheeses, and spreads on a charcuterie board. They’re thicker and sturdier than standard chips—perfect for scooping or layering. These include kettle-cooked potato chips, parmesan crisps, pita chips, and even veggie-based options like sweet potato or beet chips. They’re chosen to add crunch, color, and contrast to a board full of soft and savory items.
Does Aldi have charcuterie?
Yes, Aldi has become a go-to for budget-friendly charcuterie items. You’ll find cheeses, meats, and a surprising variety of chips that are perfect for snack boards. Aldi often rotates seasonal flavors like rosemary kettle chips or beet crisps. Their affordable pricing and specialty lines make it easy to build a board without spending a fortune.
What happened to Hostess brand chips?
Hostess brand chips were once popular in Canada and parts of the U.S., but they’ve been discontinued for years. Some flavors or variations have been absorbed by other brands over time. While you likely won’t find them in stores today, there are plenty of modern alternatives that bring similar nostalgic flavor with better crunch and updated ingredients.