National Potato Chip Day (March 14)

Potato chips are one of those snacks that somehow always disappear faster than expected, and National Potato Chip Day on March 14 is the perfect excuse to enjoy them without guilt.

Whether you reach for classic salted chips, crunchy kettle-style, or bold flavored varieties, potato chips have become a staple at parties, movie nights, lunches, and road trips. They’re simple, satisfying, and oddly nostalgic for a lot of us.

This weird March holiday is a fun chance to learn a little about how potato chips became so popular, try some creative recipes, and, of course, snack along the way.

When is the Holiday?

This tasty holiday is celebrated annually on March 14th. It’s all about appreciating one of the world’s most loved crunchy snacks.

Who Invented Potato Chips?

The creation of the potato chip is often linked to a chef named George Crum, who worked at Moon’s Lake House in Saratoga Springs, New York.

According to the popular story, a customer once complained that his fried potatoes were too thick and soggy. In response, Crum sliced the potatoes extremely thin, fried them until crisp, and added salt, expecting the customer to dislike them. Instead, the crispy slices were a hit and became known as Saratoga Chips.

Whether the legend is completely true or not, it helped spark the snack we all know today.

A Little History of Potato Chips

After their early popularity in restaurants, potato chips slowly made their way into homes.

By the early 1900s, companies began producing chips in larger batches and selling them in tins and barrels. Packaging improved in the 1920s when wax paper bags were introduced to keep chips fresher longer. Over time, brands expanded across the country, flavored varieties appeared, and potato chips became a regular grocery store item.

Today, the potato chip industry is massive, with endless flavors and styles enjoyed around the world.

Fun Facts About Potato Chips

• The earliest potato chips weren’t sold in bags, they were stored in tins and barrels.
• Pringles aren’t technically traditional chips since they’re made from processed potato flakes and molded into shape.
• Flavored chips became popular in the 1950s, starting with barbecue seasoning.
• The average American eats several pounds of potato chips every year.
• Favorite flavors vary by country, with barbecue topping the list in the U.S. and cheese and onion popular in the U.K.

Coloring Page

After learning how potato chips became such a popular snack, kids can relax and enjoy this fun potato chip coloring page.

Activities to Celebrate

One of the simplest ways to celebrate is by turning it into a chip tasting night. Grab a mix of flavors and brands, compare crunch levels, and see which ones everyone likes best.

Making homemade potato chips is another fun option, especially if you use the oven or air fryer. Thin slices, a little oil, and your favorite seasonings can turn into surprisingly crispy snacks.

Potato chips also work well in recipes, adding crunch to casseroles, coatings for chicken, or even sweet-and-salty desserts. For something different, you can even create a family ranking list of the best chip flavors or use crushed chips as edible decorations for treats.

Best Recipes for the Holiday

1. Potato Chip Tuna Casserole – A comforting dish made with creamy tuna, noodles, and a crunchy potato chip topping.
2. Irish Nachos – Kettle chips loaded with melted cheese, bacon, tomatoes, and green onions for a pub-style appetizer.
3. Potato Chip Chocolate Bark – A quick and easy sweet and salty treat combining melted chocolate with crushed chips.
4. Crispy Air Fryer Potato Chips – A homemade alternative to store-bought chips with a fraction of the oil and salt.
5. Potato Chip Crusted Chicken Tenders – Juicy chicken coated in crushed chips for extra crunch, served with honey mustard dip.
6. Sweet and Salty Brownies – A decadent dessert that blends potato chips, pretzels, and dark chocolate into rich, fudgy brownies.
7. Loaded Chips with Blue Cheese and Bacon – A gourmet take on nachos with crispy kettle chips layered with blue cheese, bacon, and scallions.

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Links to Resources

• Potato Chip Slicer. A must-have kitchen gadget for effortlessly slicing potatoes to achieve uniform thickness for homemade chips.
• Air Fryer for Homemade Chips. A healthier alternative to deep frying, this air fryer allows you to make crispy, golden potato chips with minimal oil.
• Potato Chip Bag Closer. Keep your chips fresh longer with this handy bag sealer, perfect for maintaining crunch and preventing staleness.

Related Holidays

• National Tortilla Chip Day (February 24) – celebrates another crunchy favorite.
• National Oreo Cookie Day (March 6) – adds a sweet snack holiday to the month.
• National Cheddar Fries Day (April 20) – highlights another potato classic.
• National French Fries Day (July 13) – keeps the potato theme going all summer.
• National Junk Food Day (July 21) is perfect for snack lovers.
• National Potato Day (August 19) – celebrates the vegetable behind it all.

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