What To Make With Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a popular snack that pairs well with dips like salsa, guacamole, and queso. But there’s so much more you can do with tortilla chips than just dip them! From nachos to casseroles, tortilla chips are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you have leftover chips or just want to try something new, here are some creative and delicious ideas on what to make with tortilla chips.

1. Nachos: A Classic Crowd-Pleaser

One of the most well-known and loved dishes to make with tortilla chips is nachos. This crowd-pleasing snack can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a savory treat, nachos are a perfect option.

How to Make Nachos:

Start by spreading tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet.
Sprinkle with your choice of cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) and add toppings like cooked ground beef, chicken, beans, jalapeà±os, or diced tomatoes.
Bake in the oven at 375Â°F (190Â°C) for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve with sides of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping.

2. Tortilla Chip Casserole: A Comforting Meal

Tortilla chips can be used as a base for a comforting casserole. This dish combines layers of crunchy tortilla chips, seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and a savory sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.

How to Make Tortilla Chip Casserole:

Layer tortilla chips in the bottom of a baking dish.
Add a layer of cooked ground beef or chicken, followed by refried beans, cheese, and a can of diced tomatoes or salsa.
Repeat the layers until the dish is filled.
Top with a final layer of cheese and bake at 375Â°F (190Â°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with chopped cilantro or sour cream.

3. Tortilla Chip Crusted Chicken: A Crispy, Flavorful Dish

Tortilla chips make a fantastic crust for chicken, offering a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick dinner or as a fun twist on traditional fried chicken.

How to Make Tortilla Chip Crusted Chicken:

Crush tortilla chips in a food processor or place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Coat chicken breasts with a thin layer of flour, dip them in beaten egg, and then coat them with the crushed tortilla chips.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve with a side of rice or a salad for a complete meal.

4. Tortilla Chip Salad: A Crunchy, Fresh Dish

If you’re looking for a refreshing and crunchy salad, tortilla chips can be a great addition. The chips add texture and flavor to the salad, making it a fun twist on traditional greens.

How to Make a Tortilla Chip Salad:

Start by tossing together mixed greens, chopped tomatoes, black beans, corn, and red onion in a large bowl.
Crush tortilla chips and sprinkle them over the salad for crunch.
Add a dressing of your choice, such as a tangy lime vinaigrette or creamy ranch dressing.
For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans.
Serve immediately for a fresh and satisfying meal.

5. Chilaquiles: A Traditional Mexican Dish

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican dish that uses tortilla chips as a base. It’s typically served for breakfast and can be made with a variety of toppings like eggs, cheese, and salsa. Chilaquiles are a great way to use up leftover tortilla chips while enjoying a flavorful and filling meal.

How to Make Chilaquiles:

Heat salsa in a skillet and bring it to a simmer.
Add tortilla chips to the skillet and stir them into the salsa until the chips soften but still hold their shape.
Top with fried eggs, cheese, and avocado slices.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of beans or rice for a complete breakfast.

6. Tortilla Chip Soup: A Hearty and Flavorful Soup

Tortilla chips can also be used to make a hearty and flavorful soup. This dish combines crispy chips with a rich broth, seasoned meat, and fresh vegetables for a comforting meal.

How to Make Tortilla Chip Soup:

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and peppers in a pot until softened.
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and your choice of protein, such as chicken or beef.
Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Just before serving, crush tortilla chips and stir them into the soup to add crunch and thickness.
Top the soup with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

7. Tortilla Chip Crusted Fish Tacos: A Flavorful Twist on Tacos

Tortilla chips can be used to create a flavorful crust for fish tacos. This crunchy coating enhances the texture and adds a zesty kick to the fish. Serve the tacos with fresh toppings for a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Make Tortilla Chip Crusted Fish Tacos:

Crush tortilla chips and season them with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Dip pieces of white fish (like cod or tilapia) in beaten egg, then coat them in the crushed chips.
Fry the fish in oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
Serve the fish in soft tortillas with toppings like cabbage slaw, avocado, salsa, and a drizzle of lime crema.

8. Tortilla Chips and Queso Fundido: A Perfect Pairing

Queso fundido, or melted cheese, is the ultimate dip to pair with tortilla chips. This warm, gooey dip is made with melted cheese, chorizo, and spices for a rich and savory treat.

How to Make Queso Fundido:

In a skillet, cook chorizo until browned and crumbly.
Add a generous amount of shredded cheese (such as Oaxaca or Monterey Jack) and stir until melted and smooth.
Pour the queso into a serving dish and serve immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.
For extra flavor, you can also add sautéed onions, jalapeà±os, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

9. Tortilla Chip Nacho Supreme: A Loaded Nacho Creation

For those who love loaded nachos, tortilla chips can serve as the base for a supreme nacho creation. Pile on your favorite ingredients and get ready for a flavorful and indulgent treat.

How to Make Tortilla Chip Nacho Supreme:

Spread tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet.
Layer on toppings like ground beef, shredded cheese, black beans, jalapeà±os, and diced onions.
Bake in the oven at 375Â°F (190Â°C) for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy.
Top with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cilantro for a supreme nacho experience.

10. Make Tortilla Chip Stuffing

For a unique twist on traditional stuffing, you can use tortilla chips as the base. This is a fun variation that adds crunch and flavor to the stuffing, making it a great side dish for holiday meals or a casual dinner.

How to Make Tortilla Chip Stuffing:

Crush tortilla chips and combine them with sautéed onions, celery, garlic, and herbs.
Add vegetable or chicken broth to moisten the mixture and toss to combine.
Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake at 350Â°F (175Â°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
Serve alongside roasted meats or poultry for a flavorful addition to your meal.

Tortilla chips are more than just a snack for dippingâthey can be transformed into a variety of dishes that are sure to please. From nachos and casseroles to crispy crusts for chicken and fish, there are endless ways to incorporate tortilla chips into your meals. These recipes offer fun, creative ideas for using up your tortilla chips in tasty and satisfying ways. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for something new to try, tortilla chips are the perfect ingredient to create delicious meals that everyone will love.