3 Easy Ways to Revamp the Go-to Chip and Dip

(BPT) – Savvy hosts and hostesses know that the keys to a successful holiday soiree are when the room is filled with laughter and guests leave satisfied from all the yummy treats served. If you’re hosting a holiday get together or special event with friends and family, impress and delight your guests with fresh, new takes on the classic foods everyone serves.

A chip buffet is a simple, delicious and perfect way to indulge during the holidays and into the New Year. Here are some ideas to help get started:

* Vary the chip choices. It’s hard to beat the classic potato chip at any snacking occasion. Make your snacks special by adding crispy kettle cooked chips to the mix. Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips are cooked in small batches to create extra crunch. They are delicious to enjoy on their own but also stand up well to dips. To make sure everyone leaves satisfied, serve a variety of Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips’ 11 flavors, from classic Original to a better-for-you Lightly Salted Olive Oil & Herbs or a spicy Jalapeno.

* Play with presentation. Bowls are a tried-and-true way to serve chips, but the holidays are a great opportunity to innovate your setup. A quick search can yield plenty of inspiring ideas like glass jars for guests to see all the delicious flavors, mini apple baskets with metal scoops for a rustic look or individual take-out boxes for your guests to quickly grab.

* Do it up with dip. Dips and spreads are a great way to dress up a potato chip and when you’re entertaining a crowd, the more the merrier! Serve the holiday classics like French onion, spinach and artichoke and baked brie, all of which are simple to prepare and can even be prepped a day ahead of time. To really impress your guests, mix in a few out-of-the-ordinary recipes such as a Jalapeño Pimento Cheese dip. Pair with classic Lay’s Kettle Cooked Original Chips, or 40% Less Fat Jalapeño Cheddar to get a kick out of this spicy dip!

Jalapeño Pimento Cheese

Ingredients:

1 bag Lay’s Kettle Cooked Chips

8 ounces jalapeño cheddar cheese, grated

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

4 ounce jar of pimentos, drained and chopped

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 cup pickled jalapeños, drained and chopped

1/8 teaspoon cayenne powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions:

Using a food processor or grater, shred cheddar cheese.

Add chopped pimentos, chopped jalapeños, cayenne powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mayo and 1/4 cup thick Greek yogurt.

Mix until combined. Depending on texture you want, add more Greek yogurt.

Stir in lemon juice.

Serve with Lay’s Kettle Cooked Original or 40% Less Fat Jalapeño Cheddar Chips.