Loaded crisps, also known as basque nachos or soggy crisps, have taken social media by storm. Inspired by a dish from New York's Ernesto's restaurant and popularised on TikTok, this trend involves adding toppings directly into a bag of crisps. The concept is simple: no cooking required, just open a bag and drop in your favourite ingredients. But how do the most popular recipes stack up? We tested four variations to find out.
Topping the list is a deconstructed sandwich-style bag using Pipers crisps. Thickly cut and sturdy, they hold up well under cheese, cured meat, and pickles. Despite being messy to eat, the combination is delicious, earning a 4/5 rating. Close behind is a plant-based option with lentil crisps and hummus. The lighter base and manageable salt content make it less stodgy, though wet ingredients can cause sogginess over time. The curved crisps also make scooping easier, scoring another 4/5.
In third place, a charcuterie board-inspired bag using Walkers ready salted crisps. The sweet and salty mix is worth trying, but the greasy potato base is less effective than a salted cracker. Removing thyme stems improves the experience, but the overall rating is 3/5. Bringing up the rear is a truffle crisp bag with anchovies and olives. The excessive saltiness and oil residue create a soggy, overpowering mess that even salt lovers would struggle with, earning just 2/5.
While loaded crisps can be a fun party snack, the key is choosing the right crisp base and balancing flavours to avoid overwhelming saltiness or sogginess. For best results, opt for thick-cut crisps and fresh, complementary toppings.
