Tortilla Chips

Zea mays (corn) Snack/Grain Product

Tortilla Chips Snack/Grain Product

At a Glance

  • Category Snack/Grain Product

The Forktionary Angle

"The Humble Triangle: From Leftovers to Iconic Snack, The Story of Tortilla Chips"

Definition

Crisp, triangular pieces of corn tortilla, typically fried or baked, served as a snack or base for dishes like nachos.

Global Consumption Billions of pounds annually
Nixtamalization Improves nutrient availability in corn
Shelf Life 2-3 weeks (unopened bag)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Tortilla Chips are:

Salty savory starchy corn-forward crunchy

Chef’s Secret

To revive stale tortilla chips, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes until crisp again.

Best Substitutes

Corn Chips

Fritos, , different shape
Ratio 1:1

Pita Chips

different flavor/texture
Ratio 1:1

Vegetable Sticks

for dipping
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for chips made with real corn and minimal artificial ingredients. Consider thickness for dipping strength; thinner chips are better for delicate toppings.

Recipes Using Tortilla Chips

American Time To Make Occasion Cuisine

Anita's Fabulous Southwestern Garden Salad

Spice up your life with Anita's Fabulous Southwestern Garden Salad! This vibrant and flavorful salad bursts with fresh garden vegetables, zesty lime dressing, and a touch of southwestern flair. Perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a stunning centerpiece for your next gathering. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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North American Preparation Vegetables Occasion

Bbq Nachos A La Famous Dave's

Craving Famous Dave's incredible BBQ nachos? This copycat recipe recreates the restaurant's legendary dish, bringing the smoky, cheesy goodness straight to your kitchen! A flavor explosion of tender BBQ meat, creamy beans, crisp veggies, and melted cheese all piled high on crunchy tortilla chips. This easy recipe is perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or impressing friends. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes!

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Spring Seasonal Cuisine Winter

8 Layer Fiesta Dip

Upgrade your party snacks with this incredible 8-Layer Fiesta Dip! A vibrant and flavorful twist on classic 7-layer dip, this recipe is bursting with fresh ingredients and bold Tex-Mex spices. Using a specific enchilada sauce brand (as mentioned by many users!) enhances the depth of flavor. This crowd-pleasing dip is always a hit, disappearing within minutes! Prepare to be amazed!

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To Go Course Mexican Potluck

7 Layer Bean Dip

Score a touchdown with this incredible 7-Layer Bean Dip! Perfect for Super Bowl parties, game day gatherings, or any celebration, this easy-to-make dip is bursting with flavor. Even better if you chill it overnight to let the flavors meld! Use store-bought guacamole if avocados aren't cooperating.

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60 Minutes Or Less Holiday Event Cuisine Ground Beef

Nachos Casserole

This irresistible Nachos Casserole, also known as the ultimate nacho dip or even nacho bake, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for game day, potlucks, or family dinners, this easy recipe features a flavorful ground beef and bean base topped with melty cheese and fresh green onions. Served with crunchy tortilla chips, it's a fun and delicious meal everyone will love, especially kids! Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this dish disappears – it's THAT good! Leftovers make fantastic burrito fillings. Easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.

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Appetizers Dietary Preparation Course

7 Layer Dip

This crowd-pleasing 7-Layer Dip is the ultimate game-day snack or party appetizer! Layers of creamy sour cream, zesty salsa, savory beans, and fresh toppings disappear in minutes. Easy to make ahead, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

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Occasion Inexpensive Brunch Technique

5 Layer Mexican Dip

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo or any day with this vibrant and delicious 5-Layer Mexican Dip! This easy recipe, inspired by Kraft Foods, is perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch. Creamy layers of refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and cheese combine for a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!

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15 Minutes Or Less Dips 15 Minutes Or Less Easy

7 Layer Sombrero Dip

This legendary 7 Layer Sombrero Dip recipe is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to disappear in minutes! A nostalgic throwback to classic Mexican flavors, this dip features creamy layers of refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, and more, all piled high on a platter and served with crispy tortilla chips. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight snack.

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Taste Mood Occasion 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

20 Minute Mini Meat Loaves

Craving comfort food without the hour-long cook time? These 20-Minute Mini Meat Loaves deliver big flavor in a flash! Our unique recipe swaps the traditional loaf for bite-sized portions bursting with zesty salsa, crunchy tortilla chips, and melty cheese. A fiesta in your mouth, ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun appetizer.

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Picnic Cuisine To Go Mexican

Best Mexican Cheese Corn Dip Ever

This incredibly easy Mexican street corn dip recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Perfect for parties, picnics, game day, or any get-together, this creamy, cheesy, and spicy dip will have everyone asking for the recipe. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to make this unbelievably delicious corn dip. Get ready for rave reviews!

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4 Hours Or Less Holiday Event 4 Hours Or Less Appetizers

Alabama Dip

Experience the taste of the South with this creamy, irresistible Alabama Dip! A crowd-pleasing queso-style dip with just the right touch of heat, perfect for your next gathering. This recipe, inspired by a beloved Alabama hostess, is easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with tortilla chips. Customize the spice level to your preference – add more picante sauce for extra kick! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Very Low Carbs Oven Time To Make

Baked Tex Mex Loin Chops

Juicy, crispy Tex-Mex loin chops ready in under an hour! This easy recipe uses minimal ingredients for maximum flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Eggs Dairy Preparation Cheese 60 Minutes Or Less

Beery Chorizo Queso Fundido

Spice up your next game night or party with this irresistible Beery Chorizo Queso Fundido! This Mexican-inspired fondue combines the savory richness of chorizo, the creamy melt of cheese, and the surprising tang of beer for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño seeds – choose mild, medium, or hot! Pair this warm, cheesy dip with tortilla chips for the ultimate comfort food experience. Recipe adapted from Treva Chadwell and the Cooking Channel.

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Vegetables Presentation Vegetables Spreads

Avocado Tortilla Chip Rounds

Create stunning and delicious Avocado Tortilla Chip Rounds in just 10 minutes! This vibrant appetizer features creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime-tabasco kick. Mrs. Dash® inspired, with a Bergy twist, this recipe is so easy, yet delivers maximum flavor and gorgeous color contrast. Learn the secret to keeping your avocados vibrant green!

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Spicy Main Ingredient Time To Make Easy

Bean Dip Nachos

Elevate your game day spread with these irresistible Bean Dip Nachos! Perfect for football parties, casual gatherings, or a satisfying weeknight meal. Crispy tortilla chips are generously topped with creamy bean dip, savory melted cheese, and fiery jalapeños. Customize your nachos by adding ground beef for extra protein (instructions included!). This recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for touchdown-worthy flavor!

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Chicken Chicken Time To Make One Dish Meal

Applebee's Tequila Lime Chicken

Savor the zesty flavors of Applebee's with this easy-to-make Tequila Lime Chicken recipe! Perfect as a quick weeknight meal for one or a vibrant appetizer for two, this dish bursts with the refreshing taste of lime and tequila-marinated chicken. Grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy salsa ranch dressing and melted cheddar jack cheese, it's a fiesta in every bite! Serve with pico de gallo and Spanish rice for a complete culinary experience.

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Spicy Scallops Free Of Something Easy

Alvarado Ceviche De Camarones

Dive into a taste of authentic Mexico with this refreshing Alvarado Shrimp Ceviche! This vibrant dish features succulent shrimp marinated in zesty lime and lemon juice, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables. Easily customizable to your spice preference, it's perfect as a light appetizer, a refreshing side for your Cinco de Mayo fiesta (pair it with our Mexican fruit salad and fish tacos!), or a satisfying vegetarian meal using faux crab meat. Inherited from my late mother-in-law and perfected for the whole family, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious!

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Course Chicken Breasts Spicy Mexican

A Different And Delicious Nacho Dip

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This addictive nacho dip fuses the best of chicken wing dip and classic nachos. It's incredibly easy to make ahead, perfect for parties, and customizable to your spice preference. Prepare to be amazed by this crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone will be raving about!

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