Crispy Perfection: How to Make Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips from Scratch

Are you ready to elevate your snack game? Step up your chips and salsa routine with irresistible homemade baked tortilla chips. If you’ve ever wondered how to make restaurant-quality tortilla chips right in your own kitchen, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will show you exactly how to transform simple tortillas into crispy, flavorful chips perfect for any occasion. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, offering a healthier alternative without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. You’ll love how incredibly simple these are to make, and the ability to control every ingredient means you can customize them to your heart’s content.

Baking Your Way to Perfect Tortilla Chips

You’re going to adore how incredibly easy and satisfying these homemade tortilla chips are to prepare. Forget store-bought bags filled with preservatives and excess oil; with this recipe, you get fresh, wholesome, and perfectly crispy chips every time. I often whip up a batch for my family, especially when I have extra tortillas in the fridge that need using. This recipe is your ultimate guide if you’ve been searching for the simplest method to make delicious chips from tortillas.

What truly sets this recipe apart is that the chips are *baked*, not deep-fried. This crucial difference makes them a significantly healthier snack option, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. They still achieve that coveted crispy texture and rich flavor, proving that you don’t need excessive oil to create a fantastic chip.

One of my all-time favorite snacks is a classic combination of chips and salsa. Making my own salsa, especially during the peak summer months, is a joy. These homemade chips pair beautifully with a variety of dips. For a classic experience, try them with a zesty Restaurant Style Salsa. If you’re looking for something with a creamy, tangy twist, my Avocado Tomatillo Salsa is an absolute winner (yes, it’s so good it’s worth mentioning twice!). And of course, no chip is complete without a generous scoop of Easy Guacamole – the perfect creamy complement to your crunchy chips.

Beyond dipping, these versatile homemade tortilla chips are fantastic in more elaborate dishes. They’re an essential component for authentic Chilaquiles Rojos, where their texture holds up beautifully against the sauce. They also make an excellent base for hearty nacho recipes, like these satisfying Beef Nachos, or as a sturdy dipper for a rich and flavorful Beef Taco Dip. The possibilities are truly endless!

Choosing the Best Tortillas for Your Chips

The type of tortilla you choose plays a significant role in the final texture and flavor of your homemade chips. For this recipe, I highly recommend using smaller corn tortillas, ideally around 6 inches in diameter. These produce perfectly sized, authentic-tasting chips that crisp up beautifully in the oven.

You can opt for either white or yellow corn tortillas; both will yield delicious results. Yellow corn tortillas often have a slightly richer corn flavor, while white corn tortillas tend to be a bit more neutral, allowing your seasonings to shine. Both offer that classic, firm crunch that makes a great tortilla chip.

While corn tortillas are my top choice for their traditional flavor and superior crispiness when baked, you *can* also use flour tortillas. However, be aware that flour tortillas will result in a different texture—they tend to be a bit chewier and less brittle than corn chips. If using flour tortillas, keep a close eye on them as their baking time may vary and they can brown more quickly due to their different composition.

Simple Steps to Homemade Tortilla Chips

Making tortilla chips from scratch is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy, flavorful chips every time:

STEP 1: Prepare Your Tortillas and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your chips are ready. While the oven heats, stack your tortillas neatly and use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut them into 6 or 8 even wedges, depending on your preferred chip size. Uniform cuts are key to ensuring all chips bake evenly and achieve the same level of crispiness. Aim for triangles that are not too thin or too thick.

STEP 2: Season Your Tortilla Wedges

In a large bowl, whisk together your choice of oil (avocado oil works beautifully for its high smoke point and neutral flavor), garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. This creates a flavorful coating that will crisp up beautifully. Add the corn tortilla wedges to the bowl and use your hands to very gently toss them, ensuring each piece is lightly and evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture. Be gentle to prevent the tortillas from tearing. The goal is a light, even layer of seasoning on every chip.

STEP 3: Arrange for Optimal Crispiness

Next, spread the seasoned tortilla wedges out on a large baking sheet. The key to achieving maximum crispiness is to arrange them in a single layer if possible. A little bit of overlap is acceptable if you’re short on space, but try to minimize it to ensure air circulates around each chip. If you have a large batch, it’s better to use two baking sheets rather than overcrowding one. This prevents steaming and guarantees a uniform, crunchy texture.

STEP 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the tortilla wedges in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and wonderfully crisp. This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes, but ovens can vary, so keep a close watch. Halfway through the baking time, be sure to rotate the baking sheets (if using multiple) and flip the chips with tongs. This ensures even cooking and prevents any hot spots from burning one side while the other remains soft. The chips should feel firm to the touch when ready. Once baked, remove them from the oven, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes (they’ll crisp up even more as they cool), and then serve with your favorite dip!

Storing Your Homemade Tortilla Chips

To keep your delicious homemade tortilla chips fresh and crispy for as long as possible, proper storage is crucial. If exposed to air, they will quickly go stale and lose their satisfying crunch. Always store your cooled chips in a tightly sealed, airtight container at room temperature. A large Ziploc bag or an airtight plastic container works perfectly. Stored correctly, your chips will remain delightfully crisp for up to 5 days. If they start to lose a bit of their crunch, a quick refresh in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes can often bring them back to life!

Creative Ways to Customize Your Baked Tortilla Chips

One of the many advantages of making chips from scratch is the freedom to experiment with flavors. Here are some fantastic ways to modify your homemade baked tortilla chips:

• SMOKY FLAVORS: If you, like me, adore a good smoky kick, infuse your chips with deep, complex flavors. Try adding smoked paprika alongside or instead of regular chili powder, a pinch of earthy cumin, or even a dash of ancho chili powder for a richer, milder smoke. For an extra bright finish, a tiny bit of lime zest can cut through the smokiness beautifully.
• SPICE RUB: Elevate your chip game by sprinkling them with your favorite dry spice rub. Many rubs typically used for meats – think BBQ rubs, fajita seasoning, or even a robust all-purpose seasoning – contain a fantastic blend of spices like paprika, cumin, onion powder, and various chilies that pair exceptionally well with corn. Just be mindful that many commercial rubs already contain salt, so you might want to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.
• SPICY KICK: For those who love a bit of heat, there are several ways to add a spicy punch. A sprinkle of cayenne pepper before baking delivers a direct, fiery heat. For a more gradual warmth and a subtle textural element, crushed red pepper flakes are an excellent choice. You could even experiment with a pinch of chipotle powder for a smoky-spicy combo.
• CITRUS ZING: The bright, zesty flavor of citrus is a wonderful complement to the savory notes of tortilla chips. While you can add a small amount of lime juice to the oil mixture, I recommend adding about 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice *after* the chips have baked and cooled. Lightly squeeze it over the finished chips. This preserves their crispiness, as too much liquid before baking can inhibit proper browning and crisping. Lemon juice can also offer a delightful tang if you prefer.

Beyond Dipping: Versatile Uses for Homemade Tortilla Chips

These homemade baked tortilla chips are truly the ultimate versatile ingredient. While they shine brightest as dippers, their crisp texture and satisfying flavor make them a fantastic addition to a myriad of dishes:

SOUPS & CHILI: Adding a handful of crunchy tortilla chips to a warm bowl of soup or chili creates a delightful textural contrast and enhances the overall eating experience. The chips act as a perfect vehicle to scoop up every last drop of flavorful broth or hearty chili. They add a satisfying crackle against the smooth or chunky consistency of the soup. Try them with a robust Instant Pot Turkey Chili, a comforting Instant Pot Pork Chili, a vibrant Vegetarian Chili, or a classic Beef Chili. You can also crumble them directly into your bowl as a flavorful topping for soups like Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup or a refreshing Mexican Vegetable Soup.

DIPS: Chips and dips are a match made in heaven. While salsa is the obvious and delicious choice, don’t limit yourself! These baked chips are sturdy enough to handle even thick, creamy dips. Branch out and try them with a savory Lebanese Hummus, offering a Mediterranean twist, or with a smoky Baba Ghanoush for an exotic flavor adventure. Their neutral-yet-savory base makes them suitable for almost any dip you can imagine.

NACHOS: Elevate your nacho experience by building them on a foundation of freshly made, homemade chips. The superior flavor and crisp texture of your baked chips will truly make your nachos stand out. They hold up incredibly well under layers of melted cheese, meats, and toppings. Use them to create impressive Southwestern Salmon Nachos or quick and satisfying Easy Chicken Nachos. The difference from store-bought chips is undeniable!

GUACAMOLE: The ultimate pairing for any tortilla chip is, without a doubt, guacamole. The creamy, rich texture of fresh guacamole, whether it’s a simple recipe or something more adventurous like this Pomegranate Guacamole, is perfectly complemented by the salty crunch of a homemade baked tortilla chip. Scoop, savor, and enjoy the pure delight of this classic combination.

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Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips

By
Julia Jolliff

Prep:
12 minutes mins

Cook:
18 minutes mins

Total:
30 minutes mins

Servings:
4 servings

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Step up your chips and salsa game with Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips. You can easily make your own chips at home and use them for dipping, nachos or on top of Mexican inspired soups.

Ingredients

• ▢
  
  2
  tablespoons
  avocado oil

• ▢
  
  1
  teaspoon
  garlic powder

• ▢
  
  3/4
  teaspoon
  chipotle chili powder

• ▢
  
  1/2
  teaspoon
  salt

• ▢
  
  8
  corn tortillas,
  each cut into 6 wedges

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Whisk together the oil, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl. Use your hands to very gently toss in the corn tortilla wedges to coat.
• Arrange the tortilla wedges on a large baking sheet (a little bit of overlap is ok, but try to spread them out in a single layer if possible).
• Bake until golden brown and crisp, rotating the baking sheets once, about 12 to 15 minutes. Serve.
• Cool and serve!

Notes

Store in a covered container for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcal,
Carbohydrates: 24g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 9g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g,
Sodium: 321mg,
Potassium: 113mg,
Fiber: 3g,
Sugar: 1g,
Vitamin A: 112IU,
Vitamin C: 0.01mg,
Calcium: 44mg,
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Other Delicious Snack Recipes You Might Enjoy:

If you loved making these homemade baked tortilla chips, you’re in for a treat with these other easy and flavorful snack ideas:

• AIR FRYER PITA CHIPS: Another fantastic baked alternative, these pita chips are incredibly versatile and perfect for hummus or other Mediterranean dips.
• MEDITERRANEAN QUICHE WONTONS: Bite-sized and bursting with savory flavors, these wontons are an elegant yet simple snack or appetizer.
• EASY DATE PROTEIN BALLS: For a healthier, no-bake option, these protein balls are packed with energy and natural sweetness.
• AIR FRYER CHICKPEAS: Crispy, seasoned chickpeas make a wonderful protein-rich snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
• SOUTHWESTERN HUMMUS BAKED WONTON CUPS: These individual wonton cups offer a flavorful and unique way to enjoy hummus, with a delightful crunch.

Making your own chips is a simple step towards fresher, healthier, and more delicious snacking. Enjoy the process and the incredible flavors you create!