As we all know, Tik Tok rules the world of cool trends, from fashion to food. The latest creative entertaining trend? Casual caviar. In fact, for a luxury holiday, right now casual caviar is the party showstopper of choice. This whole tinned fish thing is still going strong. As you can imagine, here at Dandelion Chandelier, we’re always up for a good high-low pairing (it’s how we got our name!) And having attended a posh party last week where the star among all the fancy hors d’oeuvres was a tater tot topped with caviar, we can confirm that this is a fantastic trend that deserves a good long life. If you’re ready to embrace the casual caviar trend at your next luxury holiday party, we’ve got the details on the essentials you need, including affordable caviar brands, gourmet potato chips, serving dishes and the best champagne pairings.
forget the fuss, this year casual caviar is the holiday party trend
From butter boards and cloud bread to hot cocoa charcuterie, 2023 has proven to be the year of viral food trends. But before we look ahead to what’s going to be big in 2024, there’s one more fascinating flavor combo you’ve got to try – and just in time for the holidays: casual caviar.
Yup, that’s right. Forget the glitz and glamor, the once pretentious food, caviar is all about having fun. From restaurants offering naughty caviar bumps to serving up innovative dishes like caviar frites, caviar everything donuts, mozzarella sticks topped with caviar and even fried chicken topped with caviar. Caviar has gone casual.
And thanks to now viral TikTok the combination of caviar, potato chips and crème fraîche, the briny baubles are now filling people’s homes. Equal parts crunchy, creamy and savory, it’s a salty appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress your guests this holiday season.
So what exactly do you need? We’ve rounded up a few tips on how to serve (and enjoy) relaxed roe, including some brands to try, chips for scooping, serving dishes and even champagne to pair. Fancy pearl spoons optional.
essentials of the casual caviar trend for a holiday party this year
caviar brands to try
Don’t feel like you only need to offer Caspian sturgeon. Excellent caviar and caviar-like options are now available from all around the world and at a variety of price points. Ensure your guests get more than a sprinkle by putting out a variety so they feel free to indulge.
1. regalis platinum osetra caviar
Eye-catching, complex and buttery, the sustainably farmed Regalis Platinum Osetra Caviar ($399.95) from the Netherlands delivers on all the best parts of eating caviar. Its green-gold beads will pop satisfyingly in the mouth, giving way to firm bite and a briny, nutty taste.
BUY NOW: $399.95.
2. island creek oysters osetra
Famous for its oysters, Island Creek in North Carolina also puts the same rigorous seafood sourcing standards into its caviar. While imported caviars use sodium tetraborate to help with preservation, it’s not permitted in U.S. food production. Marshallberg Farm Oysters Osetra ($190) stands out for its small, firm texture, big brininess and roller coaster of flavors in every bite -something that sodium tetraborate can hinder.
BUY NOW: $190.00.
potato chips for casual caviar service
When mixing caviar with potato chips and crème fraîche, it’s best to use plain, smooth chips – not ruffled. The stacking should be uniform: Take a potato chip, add a small spoonful of crème fraîche, then a dollop of caviar.
3. goat brand original handcrafted potato chips
If you want to go gourmet, try Goat Eats Original Handcrafted Potato Chips ($34.99). Crafted in 2009 by chefs who noticed that the quality of the potato chips they were making far surpassed any they could find in the supermarket aisle. The brand uses only Idaho russet potatoes, and they have a precise chip-making process down to a science.
BUY NOW: $34.99.
4. kettle brand sea salt potato chips
Kettle Brand Sea Salt Potato Chips ($9.99) are a classic and extra crunchy. They aren’t too salty either, making them the ideal for caviar.
BUY NOW: $9.99.
spirits, sparkling wines and champagne for pairing
You can never go wrong with bubbles – especially ones with high acid to balance out the saltiness. Or go the traditional route with some vodka.
5. savart premier cru accomplie
Aged in a combination of steel and older oak Savart Premier Cru Accomplie ($109.99) features subtle notes of nuttiness, green apple and a touch of red cherry.
BUY NOW: $109.99.
6. barr hill vodka
Like wine and cheese, vodka and caviar complements one another. Served ice cold, vodka has a subtle flavor that permits the distinctive taste of caviar to prevail. Barr Hill Vodka ($55) is an artisanal, small-batch vodka from a Vermont distillery that uses raw honey and grain to create a creamy, smooth vodka.
BUY NOW: $56.99.
casual caviar serving dishes and utensils
While it’s important to keep caviar as cold as possible before serving, it should be close to room temperature when you eat it as the too cold dulls the taste. Pull out your caviar just before serving to allow it to warm up a little. Keep it in its tin and set it amongst fun layering options for your guests.
7. williams-sonoma caviar shell spoons
While not strictly necessary, these elegant Caviar Shell Spoons ($29.95) from Williams-Sonoma only add to the luxe dining experience.
BUY NOW: $29.95.
8. georg jensen bernadotte triple bowl set
You will need an array of serving bowls for not only your chips, but also your crème fraîche and placing your caviar. We like this Georg Jensen Bernadotte Triple Bowl Set ($179) for displaying all three food items together and welcoming guests to indulge heartily.
BUY NOW: $179.00.
everything you need for serving casual caviar at a holiday party this season
There you have it: exactly what you need to buy to create the ultimate version of the latest Tik Tok food trend: potato chips paired with caviar. Let the feasting season begin!