Utz Unveils Trio of Tempting Treats: Recipes and Pairings for the New Snacks

Utz, a name synonymous with crispy, crunchy snacking perfection, has just upped its game with the introduction of three exciting new additions to its already impressive lineup. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the Utz Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips, Utz Carolina Reaper Flavored Potato Chips, and Utz Salt & Vinegar Flavored Pretzel Rods. These aren’t your average snacks; they’re bold, flavorful experiences just waiting to be devoured. But why stop at simply opening the bag? Let’s explore some creative ways to incorporate these new Utz snacks into delicious recipes and exciting pairings, taking your snacking game to a whole new level.

## Utz Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips: Beyond the Bag

These chips pack a serious punch of dill pickle flavor, thanks to Utz’s collaboration with Grillo’s Pickles. The tangy, briny, and slightly sweet notes make them incredibly addictive on their own. But their unique flavor profile also makes them surprisingly versatile in the kitchen.

**Recipe 1: Dill Pickle Chip Crusted Chicken Tenders**

Forget breadcrumbs! These chicken tenders get a crispy, flavorful coating from crushed Utz Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips. The dill pickle flavor infuses the chicken with a tangy zest that will leave you wanting more.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
* 1 large bag (around 8 oz) Utz Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
* Vegetable oil, for frying

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. **Crush the Chips:** Place the Utz Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips in a large resealable bag. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush the chips into fine crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a shallow dish.
3. **Set Up the Breading Station:** In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and crushed potato chip crumbs.
4. **Bread the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with the crushed potato chip crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.
5. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
6. **Cook the Chicken:** Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken tenders to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, dill dip, or even a spicy mayo would complement the dill pickle flavor perfectly.

**Recipe 2: Dill Pickle Potato Chip Salad Topper**

Add a burst of flavor and crunch to your favorite salad with a handful of crushed Utz Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips. It’s an unexpected twist that will elevate your salad to a whole new level.

**Ingredients:**

* Your favorite salad greens (lettuce, spinach, mixed greens, etc.)
* Your favorite salad toppings (tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, red onion, etc.)
* Your favorite salad dressing
* 1/2 cup Utz Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips, crushed

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Salad:** Assemble your salad with your desired greens and toppings.
2. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle with your favorite salad dressing.
3. **Add the Crunch:** Sprinkle the crushed Utz Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle Flavored Potato Chips over the salad.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy the added flavor and texture.

**Pairing Suggestions:**

* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** The tanginess of the chips cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
* **Pulled Pork Sandwich:** The dill pickle flavor complements the savory and slightly sweet pulled pork.
* **Creamy Coleslaw:** Add crushed chips to your coleslaw for a tangy and crunchy twist.
* **Bloody Mary:** Use a chip as a garnish for an extra kick of flavor.

## Utz Carolina Reaper Flavored Potato Chips: Handle with Care (and Enjoy!)**

These chips are not for the faint of heart! Infused with the fiery heat of the Carolina Reaper pepper, the world’s hottest chili pepper, these chips deliver a serious kick. Proceed with caution, but if you’re a spice enthusiast, you’re in for a treat.

**Recipe 1: Spicy Reaper Mac and Cheese Topping**

Transform your mac and cheese into a fiery masterpiece with a crunchy topping made from crushed Utz Carolina Reaper Flavored Potato Chips. This recipe adds heat and texture to a classic comfort food.

**Ingredients:**

* Your favorite mac and cheese recipe (homemade or store-bought)
* 1/2 cup Utz Carolina Reaper Flavored Potato Chips, crushed
* 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Mac and Cheese:** Prepare your mac and cheese according to your recipe or package instructions.
2. **Crush the Chips:** Place the Utz Carolina Reaper Flavored Potato Chips in a resealable bag and crush them into coarse crumbs.
3. **Add the Topping:** Sprinkle the crushed chips evenly over the mac and cheese. Drizzle with melted butter for extra richness, if desired.
4. **Bake (Optional):** For a crispier topping, bake the mac and cheese in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy the fiery kick!

**Recipe 2: Carolina Reaper Chip Crusted Fish Tacos**

Add a fiery twist to your fish tacos with a crispy coating made from crushed Utz Carolina Reaper Flavored Potato Chips. This recipe is perfect for those who like their tacos with a kick.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or mahi-mahi)
* 1 bag (around 8 oz) Utz Carolina Reaper Flavored Potato Chips
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* Corn or flour tortillas
* Your favorite taco toppings (shredded cabbage, salsa, avocado, sour cream, etc.)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Fish:** Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Cut into smaller, taco-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin.
2. **Crush the Chips:** Place the Utz Carolina Reaper Flavored Potato Chips in a large resealable bag. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush the chips into fine crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a shallow dish.
3. **Set Up the Breading Station:** In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten egg, and crushed potato chip crumbs.
4. **Bread the Fish:** Dredge each fish piece in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the fish thoroughly with the crushed potato chip crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.
5. **Fry the Fish:** Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the fish pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
6. **Cook the Fish:** Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fish to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. **Assemble the Tacos:** Warm the tortillas according to package instructions. Fill each tortilla with the crispy fish and your favorite taco toppings.
8. **Serve:** Serve immediately and prepare for a fiery fiesta!

**Pairing Suggestions:**

* **Cooling Dips:** Pair with a creamy avocado dip, sour cream, or Greek yogurt to balance the heat.
* **Mexican Beer:** A light and refreshing Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo will help cool down your palate.
* **Sweet and Tangy Salsa:** A mango salsa or pineapple salsa will provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the heat.
* **Watermelon:** The sweetness and high water content of watermelon make it a perfect palate cleanser.

**Important Note:** Due to the extreme heat of the Carolina Reaper pepper, it’s recommended to start with a small amount and gradually increase it to your liking. Have a glass of milk or another dairy product on hand to help cool down your mouth if the heat becomes too intense. Also, wash your hands thoroughly after handling the chips to avoid accidental contact with your eyes or other sensitive areas.

## Utz Salt & Vinegar Flavored Pretzel Rods: A Twist on a Classic**

Salt and vinegar is a flavor combination that many snackers crave, and Utz has delivered a satisfying version with their new pretzel rods. The tangy vinegar flavor perfectly complements the salty pretzel, creating an addictive snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

**Recipe 1: Salt & Vinegar Pretzel Rod Crusted Chicken**

This recipe uses crushed Utz Salt & Vinegar Flavored Pretzel Rods to create a tangy and crunchy crust for chicken. It’s a simple yet flavorful twist on classic fried chicken.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
* 1 bag (around 8 oz) Utz Salt & Vinegar Flavored Pretzel Rods
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Vegetable oil, for frying

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. **Crush the Pretzel Rods:** Place the Utz Salt & Vinegar Flavored Pretzel Rods in a large resealable bag. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush the pretzel rods into fine crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a shallow dish.
3. **Set Up the Breading Station:** In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and crushed pretzel rod crumbs.
4. **Bread the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with the crushed pretzel rod crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.
5. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
6. **Cook the Chicken:** Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken tenders to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing or a honey mustard sauce would complement the salt and vinegar flavor nicely.

**Recipe 2: Salt & Vinegar Pretzel Rod Trail Mix**

Create a custom trail mix with a salty and tangy kick by adding broken Utz Salt & Vinegar Flavored Pretzel Rods to your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup Utz Salt & Vinegar Flavored Pretzel Rods, broken into bite-sized pieces
* 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc.)
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries
* 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
* Optional: chocolate chips, raisins, other dried fruits

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
2. **Mix Well:** Toss to combine evenly.
3. **Store:** Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
4. **Enjoy:** Grab a handful and enjoy a quick and satisfying snack.

**Pairing Suggestions:**

* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** The tanginess of the vinegar pairs perfectly with the sharp flavor of cheddar cheese.
* **Hummus:** The salt and vinegar flavor cuts through the richness of the hummus.
* **Avocado:** The creamy texture of avocado complements the crunchy pretzel rods.
* **Hard-boiled Eggs:** The salt and vinegar flavor adds a zing to hard-boiled eggs.

## Conclusion: Snack Time Just Got a Whole Lot More Exciting!

Utz has truly outdone itself with these three new snack additions. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast, a spice seeker, or a salt and vinegar aficionado, there’s something for everyone. So, grab a bag (or three!) of these new Utz snacks and get creative in the kitchen. These recipes and pairing suggestions are just a starting point. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to discover your own unique snacking masterpieces. Happy snacking!