A delicious new culinary trend is taking Australia by storm, elevating the humble potato chip into a gourmet snack sensation. Food enthusiasts across the country are starting with a large bag of crispy potato chips and loading them up with an array of premium toppings like cold cuts, artisanal cheeses, and a variety of flavourful sauces.
What Are Charcuterie Chips?
This innovative snack concept has been dubbed 'charcuterie chips' by some content creators, while others affectionately use the Aussie term 'chippy boys' to describe these loaded chip creations. The trend represents a fun and accessible way to enjoy charcuterie-style flavours without the need for traditional boards or elaborate setups.
Anna Simon's Sunrise Demonstration
On Sunday, renowned home cook, recipe developer, and television personality Anna Simon showcased how to create these easy, fun, and absolutely delicious snacks during an appearance on Sunrise. Simon demonstrated that with just a few quality ingredients and minimal preparation time, anyone can transform ordinary chips into extraordinary culinary creations.
Gourmet Chip Board Recipes
Extra Olive Oil & Whipped Ricotta Dip
Ingredients:
- 500g Ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (or slightly more) of good quality extra virgin olive oil
- Vine tomatoes for baking
Method:
- Begin by baking the vine tomatoes with salt, pepper, fresh thyme sprigs, garlic, and olive oil until they start to blister beautifully.
- Set the tomatoes aside to cool completely, reserving any delicious cooking juices.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil, blending until you achieve a perfectly smooth consistency.
- Season the mixture with salt to taste, then transfer it to a serving bowl.
- Top the whipped ricotta dip with the cooled tomatoes and their flavorful cooking juices, then finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
Smoked Salmon & Whipped Avocado Crème Chips Board
Ingredients:
- 250g crème fraîche
- 1 perfectly ripe avocado
- Juice of ½ fresh lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Thick-cut salted potato chips
- Smoked salmon slices
- Finely sliced Spanish onion
- Capers
- Fresh dill sprigs
Method:
- In a mixing bowl, whip together the crème fraîche, avocado flesh, lemon juice, and salt until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Arrange the thick-cut salted potato chips generously on a large serving board or platter.
- Tear the smoked salmon into attractive pieces and scatter them generously over the chips, being generous with your portions.
- Spoon and drizzle the whipped avocado crème fraîche mixture all over the chips as you would a luxurious dip or sauce.
- Complete the creation by topping with sliced Spanish onion, briny capers, and fresh dill sprigs for that perfect finishing touch.
Additional Chip Board Inspiration
For those looking to expand their loaded chip repertoire, consider these additional flavour combinations:
Italian Festa Chip Board: Feature premium prosciutto, sun-dried tomato strips, giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), Sicilian olives, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Sweet & Salty Chip Board: Combine melted chocolate (any variety works, though milk chocolate is particularly popular), warmed peanut butter, and chopped salted nuts for a dessert-inspired treat that perfectly balances sweet and savoury elements.
This trend demonstrates how Australians continue to innovate in the kitchen, taking everyday ingredients and transforming them into something special. Whether you call them charcuterie chips or chippy boys, these loaded creations offer endless possibilities for entertaining, casual snacking, or simply indulging in creative culinary expression.
