Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chili Cheese Tortilla Chips are a bold and addictive snack combining crunchy tortilla chips with melted cheese and a spicy chili kick. Perfect for game day, parties, or casual snacking, these chips deliver satisfying flavor and heat in every bite. They’re easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
tortilla chips
shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
canned chili (with or without beans)
jalapeños (sliced, optional)
green onions (chopped, optional)
sour cream (for serving)
fresh cilantro (optional)
hot sauce (optional)
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
Spoon chili evenly over the chips.
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
Add sliced jalapeños if using.
Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.
Serve immediately with sour cream and hot sauce on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use ground beef chili or vegetarian chili for variety.
Top with diced tomatoes, olives, or avocado.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese.
Serve with guacamole or salsa instead of sour cream.
storage/reheating
Best served fresh and warm.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and cheese is melty.
Avoid microwaving to keep chips crisp.
FAQs
Can I use homemade tortilla chips?
Yes, homemade or store-bought chips both work well.
Is this recipe spicy?
Adjust jalapeños and chili type to control heat level.
Can I prepare ahead?
Assemble just before baking to keep chips from getting soggy.
Can I make this vegan?
Use vegan cheese and a bean-based chili.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Not recommended, as chips lose crispness.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar, Monterey jack, and pepper jack are great melting cheeses.
Can I add more toppings?
Yes! Sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, and green onions are popular additions.
Are these good for parties?
Definitely! Easy to share and customize for guests.
Can I use chili without beans?
Yes, both work well depending on your preference.
How do I keep chips from getting soggy?
Add toppings just before baking and serve immediately.
Conclusion
Chili Cheese Tortilla Chips are a crowd-pleasing, flavorful snack that’s simple to make and endlessly customizable. With melty cheese, spicy chili, and crunchy chips, they’re perfect for sharing or satisfying your snack cravings anytime.
PrintChili Cheese Tortilla Chips
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex‑Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy tortilla chips topped with savory chili and melted cheese—an easy and delicious appetizer or snack that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 8 oz tortilla chips (about half a standard bag)
- 1 cup cooked chili (homemade or canned)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- Sour cream, guacamole or salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
- Warm the chili if needed so it’s easier to spoon and spread.
- Spoon the chili evenly over the chips.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top of the chili-covered chips.
- Add diced tomatoes and sliced jalapeños, if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Remove from oven, top with sliced green onions, and let cool for 2 minutes.
- Serve immediately with sour cream, guacamole or salsa on the side.
Notes
- Use thick tortilla chips to prevent sogginess under the chili.
- Homemade vegetarian chili works great for a meat-free option.
- Customize toppings: black olives, pickled onions, or cilantro add great flavor.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be gently reheated in a 300°F oven to retain crispiness.