Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips: Delicious & Easy

Making your own Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips is easier than you think! Forget those flimsy store-bought bags. These homemade chips offer a satisfying crunch and let you control the ingredients completely. It’s a fun project for the whole family, and the results are unbelievably delicious.

Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips are perfect for snacking, dipping in your favorite salsa, or even adding a crispy texture to salads and soups. They’re incredibly versatile, and you can customize the seasonings to match any mood or meal. For a truly unique flavor, try adding some of the spices from our ultimate chili recipe.

These chips are special because they’re made with love (and a few simple ingredients!). We use a special method that guarantees extra-crispy chips every time. Plus, nothing beats the fresh flavor of homemade snacks! My kids gobble them up faster than I can make them.

Choosing the Right Tortillas

Picking the perfect tortillas is key to making amazing Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips! The type of tortilla you choose will dramatically change the final taste and texture of your chips.

Types of Tortillas

Flour tortillas generally produce a softer, chewier chip, while corn tortillas create a crispier, more delicate chip. Whole wheat tortillas offer a heartier flavor and a slightly chewier texture than corn. For the crispiest chips, corn tortillas are the best choice.

Experiment with different types to find your favorite! You can even mix and match for a fun variety of textures and flavors in your batch of Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips.

Tortilla Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of your tortillas will affect how long they need to bake and how crispy they become. Smaller, thinner tortillas will crisp up faster than larger, thicker ones.

For even cooking and perfectly crispy Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips, I recommend using 6-inch tortillas that are relatively thin. You can adjust baking times for thicker tortillas, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

Preparing the Tortillas

Before you start seasoning and baking, there are a couple of steps to prep your tortillas for perfectly crispy Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips.

Cutting the Tortillas

First, you’ll need to cut your tortillas into smaller pieces. A sharp knife or pizza cutter works best. For classic tortilla chips, cut each tortilla into 6 or 8 wedges.

Cutting a corn tortilla into eight equal triangles to make homemade tortilla chips.

Feel free to get creative! You can also cut them into squares, strips, or even fun shapes using cookie cutters. Just make sure all the pieces are relatively the same size for even baking.

Optional Pre-Baking Step

For extra-crispy Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips, I recommend a quick pre-bake. Before adding any seasoning, arrange the tortilla pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

This step helps remove excess moisture from the tortillas, resulting in crispier chips. It’s optional, but I highly recommend it, especially for thicker tortillas. Let them cool completely before seasoning and baking again. These crispy chips pair perfectly with our 4-ingredient guacamole recipe!

Seasoning Options for Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips

Now for the fun part – choosing your seasonings! The possibilities are endless when it comes to flavoring your Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Classic Seasoning Blend

This simple blend is a crowd-pleaser. Combine 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder with ½ teaspoon of onion powder and salt to taste.

For a salt-free version, use a salt substitute or omit the salt entirely. If you’re not a fan of chili powder, paprika makes a great substitute for a milder flavor.

Spicy Seasoning Blend (Medium Heat)

Spice things up with this fiery mix! Combine 1 teaspoon each of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper with ½ teaspoon of cumin and salt to taste.

Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a milder spice level, reduce the cayenne pepper; for extra heat, add more!

Savory Seasoning Blend

This blend delivers a delicious savory flavor. Combine 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) with ½ teaspoon of salt.

Feel free to experiment with other herbs like parsley or thyme. For more protein-packed recipes, check out our guide on high-protein crock-pot recipes.

Customizable Seasoning

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Get creative with your Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips. Try adding different herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of your favorite cheese. Some other great options include: Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, or even just a simple sprinkle of sea salt. The possibilities are endless!

Baking the Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips

Now it’s time to bake your delicious Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips! Follow these steps for perfectly crispy results.

Oven Temperature and Baking Time

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the seasoned tortilla wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your tortillas.

It’s crucial to keep an eye on them! Start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark. For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through.

Baking Sheet Placement and Arrangement

Homemade baked tortilla chips arranged on a baking sheet, ready for baking. Get ready for a crunchy snack!

For optimal crispness, it’s essential to arrange your tortilla wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. Overcrowding will trap moisture and result in soggy chips.

Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is highly recommended, as this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Achieving Perfectly Crispy Chips

To achieve maximum crispiness, try lowering the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) during the last few minutes of baking. This helps prevent burning while ensuring they’re extra crispy.

After baking, let the chips cool completely on a wire rack. This allows air circulation and prevents them from becoming soft. For more baking inspiration, check out our banana bread recipe!

Freshly Baked Tortilla Chips

Troubleshooting

If your chips are unevenly browned, rotate the baking sheet more frequently. If they’re too soft, they likely weren’t baked long enough or the oven temperature was too low. Try pre-baking the tortillas or baking them for a longer time at a higher temperature. If they’re burning too quickly, lower the oven temperature.

Serving and Storage

Your Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips are ready to enjoy! Here’s how to serve and store them to keep them at their best.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy chips are incredibly versatile! Serve them with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, French onion dip, or even a simple sour cream.

They also make a great addition to salads, tacos, chili, or soups, adding a delightful crunch to any meal. For more delicious dip ideas, check out our amazing Knorr vegetable dip recipe.

Storage Tips

To maintain their crispness, store leftover Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips in an airtight container at room temperature.

For extra long-term storage (a week or more), consider placing a desiccant packet (those little silica gel packets you find in shoe boxes and other products) in the container to absorb excess moisture. For more information on food storage and safety, consult resources like FDA’s recommendations.

Make Ahead Tip

To save time, you can make the unseasoned tortilla chips ahead of time. Cut and pre-bake the tortillas as instructed (but skip the seasoning). Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, season and bake as directed, for the freshest, crispiest chips.

FAQ’s

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about making Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips.

Why are my homemade baked tortilla chips chewy?

Chewy tortilla chips usually result from one of three main causes: overcrowding on the baking sheet (trapping moisture), an oven temperature that’s too low, or insufficient baking time.
Make sure to arrange the tortilla pieces in a single layer, with space between them. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature (375°F or 190°C), and bake until golden brown and crispy—checking frequently to avoid burning.

How to make tortillas crispy in the oven?

The key to perfectly crispy oven-baked tortilla chips lies in three things: a single layer on the baking sheet (allowing for even heat distribution and preventing moisture build-up), a sufficiently high oven temperature (375°F or 190°C), and good air circulation (using a baking sheet that allows air to flow freely).
Consider the optional pre-baking step described earlier, to further reduce moisture before seasoning and final baking. For more expert baking advice, visit Serious Eats.

How to cook homemade chips in the oven?

For detailed instructions on baking your Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips, please refer to the “Baking the Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips” section above. This section includes specific instructions on oven temperature, baking time, and arrangement for best results.

Are baked tortilla chips better than fried?

Baked tortilla chips are generally considered a healthier alternative to fried chips. Baking significantly reduces the fat and calorie content compared to deep frying. However, fried tortilla chips might have a slightly different flavor and texture, which some people prefer. The choice is ultimately a matter of personal preference and dietary considerations.

Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips

Crispy, flavorful tortilla chips baked to perfection. Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 6-inch tortillas (flour, corn, or whole wheat)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut tortillas into wedges or desired shapes.
  • Optional: Lightly bake tortillas at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  • Combine seasonings and sprinkle evenly over tortilla wedges.
  • Arrange tortilla wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, rotating halfway through.
  • Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Conclusion

Making Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips is a fun and rewarding experience! As you’ve seen, it’s surprisingly easy to create these crispy, flavorful snacks from scratch. The best part? You can customize them endlessly with different seasonings to perfectly match your taste preferences.

These chips are perfect for casual get-togethers, movie nights, or even as a simple, satisfying snack. Their versatility makes them a great addition to any meal or occasion.

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