When it comes to what kind of chip you should eat with spinach dip, there are a few key factors to consider. The texture of the chip, its flavor profile, and how well it can hold up when dunked into a thick, creamy spinach dip all play a role in determining the best pairings.
Crunchy Texture
One of the most important characteristics of a chip to eat with spinach dip is a crunchy texture. You want something sturdy that won’t immediately get soggy when dipped into the thick, cool spinach dip. A light crispiness or crunch provides a nice contrast to the ultra-creamy texture of the dip.
Chips that are thin or flimsy tend to lose their texture quite quickly once introduced to a dip, while a heartier, crunchy chip can stand up to the dip long enough to get the perfect mouthful of spinach dip and crisp chip in each bite.
Good Crunchy Options
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Kettle-style potato chips
- Bagel chips
Flavor Profile
Another key factor is finding a chip with a flavor profile that complements the flavors in the spinach dip. Many spinach dips have a rich, savory flavor profile with ingredients like sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, garlic, and onions. The chip should have a flavor that balances and enhances the dip rather than competes with it.
Flavor Compatibility Considerations
- A mild, neutral flavored chip works well as a canvas for the dip flavors
- A chip with some salty or savory notes pairs nicely with the rich dip
- Avoid chips with very strong flavors like barbecue or hot flavors that will overpower the spinach dip
Dip-ability
You also want a sturdy chip that is able to scoop up a good amount of dip without breaking or crumbling into the bowl. A chip with a slight curve or scoop to its shape tends to work better than a flat chip for this purpose.
Good Dip Scoopers
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Fritos
- Scoops or ruffles style potato chips
The Best Chips for Spinach Dip
Taking texture, flavor, and scoop-ability into account, here are some of the top chips to enjoy with spinach dip:
Tortilla Chips
A classic choice, corn tortilla chips have a crispy crunch and sturdy scoop-able shape perfect for scooping a generous amount of spinach dip. Their mild corn flavor lets the dip shine.
Pita Chips
Pita chips are a great choice for their hearty crunch and slight salty flavor. Sturdy triangles ideal for scooping.
Kettle-Style Potato Chips
Thicker than regular potato chips, kettle chips have an awesome crunch and slightly salty flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of spinach dip.
Bagel Chips
These crackers made from sliced bagels have a marvelous crunch and toasty, savory taste that complements spinach dip.
Fritos
The classic scoop-shaped corn chip has a killer crunch factor. The salty, corn flavor balances nicely with cool spinach dip.
Chips to Avoid with Spinach Dip
On the other hand, there are some chips that are less ideal pairings for creamy spinach dip:
Frail Potato Chips
Regular potato chips tend to be too thin and fragile to stand up to thick dip. They often become soggy quickly under the weight of the dip.
Flavored Tortilla Chips
While plain tortilla chips are great, those with very strong flavors like hot chili, lime, or barbecue overpower the spinach dip.
Crackers
Most crackers like Ritz crackers, oyster crackers, or club crackers tend to be too small and fragile for scooping hefty dip. They also have flavors that clash with the dip.
Pretzels
While the salty flavor of pretzels complements spinach dip, their smooth, hard texture isn’t the easiest for scooping.
Choosing the Perfect Chip and Dip Combo
When choosing the perfect chip to go with your spinach dip, consider these factors:
- Crunch – Opt for a sturdy, crispy chip
- Flavor – Pick a chip with a mild or slightly salty flavor
- Shape – Scoop-shaped chips make dipping easier
- Avoid – Thin, delicate chips or chips with overpowering flavors
By pairing your spinach dip with a chip that has the ideal texture, taste, and shape, you can maximize the snack eating enjoyment of this beloved combo.
Other Delicious Dip and Chip Pairings
While spinach dip and crispy chips is a top-tier pairing, there are lots of other delicious chip and dip combinations to consider:
| Dip | Recommended Chips |
|---|---|
| Guacamole | Tortilla chips, pita chips |
| Queso dip | Tortilla chips, corn chips |
| French onion dip | Potato chips, bagel chips |
| Artichoke dip | Pita chips, bagel chips |
| Buffalo chicken dip | Tortilla chips, crackers |
| Bacon cheese dip | Pretzels, potato chips |
| Crab dip | Pita chips, crackers |
There are so many tasty dip and chip pairings out there to try! Play around with different combinations of crunchy chips, creamy dips, and complementary flavors to find your favorites.
Spinach Dip Recipes
Whip up one of these easy, delicious spinach dip recipes to enjoy with your favorite crunchy chips:
Classic Spinach Dip
Ingredients:
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet dry vegetable soup mix
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the thawed and drained spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, dry soup mix, Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic until fully blended.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled with your favorite crunchy chips.
Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the thawed and drained spinach, artichoke hearts, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm with crunchy chips.
Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ingredients:
- 10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the spinach, artichokes, sour cream, mayo, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic and hot sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to baking dish and bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve hot with tortilla chips.
Tips for the Best Spinach Dip
Take your spinach dip from basic to awesome with these helpful tips:
- Make sure to thoroughly drain any excess liquid from thawed spinach.
- Let flavors meld by refrigerating dip at least 1 hour before serving.
- Grate Parmesan fresh rather than using pre-grated cheese which has anti-caking agents.
- Add unique mix-ins like sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, or caramelized onions.
- Season well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices.
- Serve dip chilled or warm it up for a hot appetizer.
- Top with extra shredded cheese or bacon bits for garnish.
Spinach Dip Storage
Properly stored, homemade spinach dip will keep for:
- Room Temperature – Up to 2 hours
- Refrigerated – 3 to 5 days
- Frozen – 2 to 3 months
Tips for storing spinach dip:
- Keep dip chilled until ready to serve
- Store in an airtight container
- Press plastic wrap on the surface before sealing to prevent discoloration
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container, allowing headspace for expansion
- Label container with date and contents
Spinach Dip Serving Tips
Serve up your tasty spinach dip in style with these tips:
- Arrange two to three types of chips in a basket for variety
- Keep dip chilled in a serving bowl nestled in an ice bath
- Garnish with chopped parsley, tomato, or bacon
- Offer spreads like hummus or baba ganoush for lighter options
- Pair with cut vegetables like carrots, peppers, or cucumbers
- Provide small plates and napkins for easy snacking
- Have reserved dip ingredients handy to refresh once the bowl empties
Conclusion
When making or serving spinach dip, paying attention to the chip pairing makes for the perfect snack or appetizer. Focus on chips with a crunchy texture, complementary flavor, and scoop-able shape. Avoid thin, delicate chips or those with overpowering seasonings. Pairing creamy spinach dip with the ideal crispy, crunchy chip takes this classic snack to the next level.