There are lots of delicious ways to spice up store bought tortilla chips and make them more exciting! Adding extra seasoning or toppings can transform boring chips into a flavorful snack or appetizer.
Seasonings
One easy way to spice up tortilla chips is by sprinkling on extra seasonings:
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat
- Garlic powder or onion powder for savory flavor
- Smoked paprika for smoky flavor
- Ground cumin or taco seasoning mix for taco flavor
- Grated Parmesan cheese for richness
You can flavor the chips right before eating, or do it in batches – store seasoned chips in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Season lightly so you can control the flavor level with each chip.
Salsas and Dips
Salsas, guacamole, and other dips are amazing tortilla chip toppers. Try:
- Tomato salsa – mild, medium or hot
- Mango salsa with lime and cilantro
- Avocado or guacamole
- Queso dip
- Black bean and corn salsa
- Pineapple salsa
Making your own fresh salsa or guacamole can be easy and fun. But quality store bought dips and salsas work great too. Let guests add their own toppings for a DIY chip bar.
Loaded Nachos
Transform chips into loaded nachos by topping with beans, cheese, meat, veggies and more. Some tasty ideas:
- Chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream
- Refried beans, Mexican cheese, avocado
- Shredded chicken, black beans, pico de gallo
- Taco meat, lettuce, tomato, olives
Bake or broil nachos until the toppings are warm and melted for extra flavor. Customize with your favorite taco bar toppings.
Sweet and Savory Chips
For a fresh take on chips, try sweet and savory toppings. A few to try:
- Whipped cream cheese and honey
- Nutella or melted chocolate
- Caramel or butterscotch sauce
- Sliced strawberries and whipped cream
- Mini chocolate chips
Drizzle on sauces or use a knife to spread on toppings. The sweet and salty combo takes chips up a notch.
Spicy and Herby Oils
Flavored oils are an effortless way to add big flavor fast. Toss tortilla chips with oils like:
- Garlic oil
- Chili oil
- Lemon oil
- Rosemary or oregano oil
- Truffle oil
Use just a few drizzles or teaspoons of oil to coat chips without getting them soggy. Infused olive oils are easy to find or make.
Crunchy Toppings
For fun textures, add crunchy toppings to tortilla chips:
- Diced tomatoes or pickles
- Chopped olives or jalapeños
- Crumbled bacon
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped nuts
- Diced bell peppers
Incorporate toppings with dips, or sprinkle them right over plain chips. The extra crunch makes chips more exciting.
Air Fried Chips
For light and crispy chips, air fry plain tortilla rounds. Just stack and cut corn or flour tortillas into wedges, then mist with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 2-5 minutes until crisped up. Toss air fried chips in any dry seasoning blend.
Bake Your Own
For fresh, hot tortilla chips, it’s easy to bake your own. Just brush corn or flour tortillas with oil, slice into wedges and bake at 400°F until crispy, 8-10 minutes. Season warm chips right out of the oven.
Conclusion
With countless quick and easy add-ons, it’s simple to make boring tortilla chips exciting again. Extra seasonings, fresh salsas, decadent drizzles and crunchy toppings all elevate the flavor and texture of chips. Experiment with different combinations to create your own signature snack. Spice it up!