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Recipes

Here’s How to Make Your Own Tortilla Chips in a Pinch

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at NCSU chapter.

We can all understand the feeling that you get when the waiter brings out your freshly made tortilla chips and queso—pure joy. Most college kids can’t afford to go out to a Mexican restaurant every night (I know I can’t), so why not make your own at home for under $4?

Sometimes, all a girl needs is a fried, crunchy, tortilla chip. Never mind the healthy, low calorie stuff, we want the real deal. Top off the chips with some mango salsa, cheesy queso, or savory guac to really satisfy your craving. 

Homemade Tortilla Chips

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 3 minutesTotal time: 8 minutesServings:5 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Olivia  Chadwick

    Gather your main ingredient, the corn tortillas.

  2. Olivia  Chadwick

    Pour about 1-2 cups of vegetable oil into the wok or pan. It should cover the bottom completely. Turn heat on oven to medium.

  3. Olivia  Chadwick

    Line up the corn tortillas on top of each other.

  4. Olivia  Chadwick

    Cut the corn tortillas in sixths. I have found this to be the best size to scoop up queso AND it fits in your mouth perfectly.

  5. Olivia  Chadwick

    Once the oil is hot, gently begin placing corn tortilla sixths into the pan.

  6. Olivia  Chadwick

    Fill up the pan with corn tortilla pieces. Isn’t it beautiful?

  7. Olivia  Chadwick

    After 1-2 minutes, gently flip each corn chip using tongs.

  8. Olivia  Chadwick

    The chips will appear a golden brown after another minute.

  9. Olivia  Chadwick

    Using tongs, remove each chip and place on paper towels to remove excess oil. I like to line a cookie sheet with paper towels to minimize the mess.

  10. Olivia  Chadwick

    Continue frying your tortilla chips until you have enough for seconds. Sprinkle with salt for extra flavor!

  11. Olivia  Chadwick

    Don’t forget the queso. You MUST have the queso.

Voila! You just made restaurant-style tortilla chips in under 10 minutes, with 3 ingredients, for under $4. Talk about a bargain

Looking to find some authentic Mexican recipes to make at home? This list will have you racing through the grocery store aisles for those savory and earthy flavors we all adore.

B.S. Applied Nutrition. I am a major foodie who lives off of avocados, chocolate, and queso.