Skip the store-bought bag and make homemade tortilla chips instead! Here’s how we make traditional tortilla chips as well as baked tortilla chips in our own kitchen.
A tortilla chip is a snack food made from corn tortillas, which are cut into triangles and then fried or baked (alternatively they may be discs pressed out of corn masa then fried or baked). Corn tortillas are made of nixtamalized corn, vegetable oil, salt and water.
Making Homemade Tortilla Chips
For the best tortilla chips, fry them. We have shared details for both fried and baked tortilla chips. The baked chips are excellent, but they will never be as light or crispy as the traditionally fried chips.
What tortillas to use?
Start with homemade corn tortillas or use good quality store-bought tortillas. For the best flavor, look for tortillas that have been made using nixtamilized corn.
Nixtamal is dried corn that has been cooked and soaked in water with calcium hydroxide (also known as slaked lime or cal). This ancient process makes tortillas taste incredible and makes the outer walls of the corn more easily digestible for us (unlocking nutrients available in the corn). Not all store-bought tortillas use this method, which is why the flavor of corn tortillas can vary. Look for the words “nixtamel” or “nixtamalized” on the package. You can also look at the ingredients list on the package. It should be short and have the words “lime” or “cal” present.
TORTILLA CHIPS | How It’s Made
FAQ
Are tortilla chips actually made from tortillas?
How are tortilla chips made at Mexican restaurant?
Are tortilla chips corn or flour?
What are homemade tortilla chips?
Homemade Tortilla Chips are made with corn tortillas, vegetable oil and salt. Make a batch of these tortilla chips for your next homemade Mexican meal or to serve for game day and watch them disappear. These homemade corn tortilla chips are deliciously crispy and perfect to serve with salsa, guacamole, bean dip and more.
Can eating tortilla help with weight loss?
Tortilla can be a good option for weight loss as long as it contains whole grains. As compared to white flour, it has way less fat and calories. It is also important which foods are in the inside; you must prefer lean meats, such as poultry or fish, and use many vegetables.
What are tortilla chips made of?
Though usually made of yellow corn, they can also be made of white, blue, or red corn. Tortilla chips intended to be dipped are typically only lightly salted, while others may be seasoned with a variety of flavors. Tortilla chips may be served as a garnish for soups or dishes such as chili con carne .
Where do tortilla chips come from?
Although they are now available worldwide, the United States is one of the main markets for tortilla chips. Commercial brand names for tortilla chips include Phileas Fogg snacks, Tostitos, Doritos, and Don Tacos (in Japan). A more elaborate dish utilizing tortilla chips is nachos.