What are some make-ahead crunchy/crispy components that keep fairly well?
Prawn crackers, AKA shrimp crackers.
You just fry them up in a little oil, then sprinkle with salt.
They're made using either wheat flour or tapioca. I prefer the tapioca.
Available at most Chinese, Vietnamese, etc. food stores; for cheap.
I guess they come precooked too. Never tried those, but would be concerned about oil going rancid.