Dried spicebush berries are a highly versatile spice that taste woody, floral, spicy, and fruity - kind of like allspice. This recipe uses their flavor to balance the heat and addicting tastes of classic potato chip seasonings. Think Old Bay, but less herby and more spicy. Make these when you want a quick party snack - or use the seasoning blend on popcorn or tater tots.
“Alright trying these immediately” -Emily, paid subscriber
Hear all about the making of this recipe on The Wild Grocery Podcast
Ingredients
1 tbsp ground spicebush berries*
OR 1 tbsp ground allspice
1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 8oz bag of kettle cooked potato chips*
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°. Fill a baking sheet with the entire bag of kettle cooked potato chips, and set aside.
While the oven preheats, combine the remaining ingredients to create the spice blend.
When the oven is hot, add the baking sheet of chips to the oven. Bake for 3-5 minutes, until the chips begin to shimmer and you hear a slight sizzle when you open the oven. Immediately transfer the chips to a large empty bowl, and toss with the spice blend, coating thoroughly.
Taste and adjust, adding cayenne to increase the heat, or salt to balance the saltiness of the chips. They should be pleasantly spicy, with the flavor of the spicebush still coming through with clarity.




*Recipe Notes
If you have whole dried spicebush berries: place the berries on a cutting board and crush them with the flat side of a kitchen knife. Give them a rough chop, then grind them to a powder using a mortar and pestle.
I tested this recipe with Cape Code Original Sea Salt chips, as well as with a generic brand kettle cooked potato chip. Both worked the same, but they had noticeably different levels. The recipe calls for 1/4 tsp kosher salt, but be sure to taste your chips and add more as needed.
What do you think of this recipe? I want to hear if you made it, if you didn’t, or if it inspired you to try something else! If I read your comment on an upcoming podcast episode, you’ll get a free annual subscription.