Mexican hot chips, also known as totopo chileno, are a popular snack food and staple of Mexican cuisine. They are made by deep frying homemade corn tortillas until they become crispy and take on the shape of a chip or cracker. Hot chips are then doused with lime juice and chili powder, adding a tangy, spicy kick to the crunchy base.
What are the origins of Mexican hot chips?
Hot chips have their origins in traditional Mexican antojitos (little cravings). Antojitos are classic Mexican street foods that were originally cooked by indigenous peoples dating back to ancient Mesoamerican times. The Nahuatl word “totopochtle” referred to toasted tortillas, which was one early incarnation of hot chips.
During the colonial era, Spanish conquistadors brought wheat flour to Mexico, allowing locals to begin making corn tortillas. Indigenous peoples combined this new food staple with their existing culinary techniques of frying and spicing. This fusion led to the development of many popular antojitos still enjoyed today, including hot chips.
The concept of frying corn tortillas into crisp chips likely originated in the busy markets and street food stalls of Mexico City in the mid-19th century. Adding lime, chili, and salt enhanced the flavors of the freshly fried chips to create a satisfying, crunchy snack.
How are traditional Mexican hot chips prepared?
Authentic hot chips begin with fresh masa, or corn dough. Masa is made by soaking dried corn in limewater, which helps remove the hull and soften the kernels. The corn is then ground into a wet dough.
Small balls of masa are flattened into thin discs and cooked on a hot comal or griddle. The raw tortillas are allowed to puff up, then flipped and pressed firmly to create a flat tortilla.
Once cooled, the tortillas are cut into wedge shapes and deep fried in hot oil until crispy. Frying tortilla wedges gives them the iconic chip shape.
After draining excess grease, the hot chips are tossed with salt, lime juice, and a dried chili powder like ancho, chipotle, or cascabel. The lime adds tanginess, while the chili powder provides a fiery kick and flavorful, smoky aroma.
Traditional Ingredients
- Masa harina (corn flour)
- Water
- Salt
- Canola or vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh lime juice
- Chili powder
What varieties of hot chips are popular in Mexico?
There are many regional variations of Mexican hot chips across different states:
Salsa Chips
Topped with fresh tomato salsa. Popular in Jalisco.
Chamoy Chips
Dressed with chamoy sauce, a sticky mixture of chili powder, dried mango, lime, and salt. Popular in Mexico City.
Michelada Chips
Seasoned with a spicy-tangy michelada sauce made of tomato juice, chili, and beer. Popular in the Yucatan.
Guacamole Chips
Topped with creamy guacamole. Popular nationwide.
Queso Chips
Smothered with melted cheese. Popular in Monterrey and northern Mexico.
What spices and flavors are used?
The base of a traditional hot chip is simply lime and salt. However, many other spices and herbs are used regionally:
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano
- Ground cinnamon
- Cocoa powder
Some artisanal chips use unexpected flavors like pulverized crab, shrimp, habanero peppers, mango, and pineapple.
What are some popular dipping sauces for hot chips?
Mexicans have perfected many fantastic sauces and salsas for dipping their chips:
Guacamole
A rich, creamy dip of mashed avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime.
Salsa
A fresh tomato-based salsa is a classic dip, with many varieties available like salsa verde, salsa roja, pico de gallo, etc.
Frijoles Charros
Smooth refried beans, loaded with bacon and sausage.
Queso
Ooey, gooey melted cheese dip, spiked with spices.
Mole
Dark, complex chili-chocolate sauce with hints of cinnamon.
Crema
Tangy Mexican sour cream, served thinned with milk.
What drinks pair well with Mexican hot chips?
Here are some traditional Mexican beverages that perfectly complement hot chips:
Micheladas
A beer cocktail with tomato juice, lime, and chili. The saltiness pairs perfectly.
Margaritas
What better than salty chips and tart lime margaritas together?
Mexican Coke
Made with real cane sugar, it has a bolder, sweeter flavor than regular cola.
Horchata
A sweet and creamy rice milk drink to offset the heat.
Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea)
Tart hibiscus tea helps cleanse the palate between bites.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Warm, spicy chocolate drink with a hint of chili pepper and cinnamon.
Where can you find authentic Mexican hot chips?
Your best bet for finding real deal hot chips is in Mexico! However, some places to search in the United States include:
- Mexican grocery stores
- Taquerias and taco trucks
- Loncherias (Mexican snack shops)
- Mercados (local Latinx markets)
- Hole-in-the-wall bars and botanas bars known for snacks
- Mom and pop shops in Hispanic neighborhoods
When looking for authentic totopo chileno, check for bags labeled “totopos” or look for fresh, handmade chips. The ingredients should include just corn, lime, and salt. They will look irregularly cut compared to mass produced chips.
What brands produce good Mexican hot chips?
Some of the top Mexican and Mexican-American brands of hot chips include:
| Brand | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| El Milagro | Chicago, IL | Chips since 1939 using blue corn and prairie fire spice. |
| Xochitl | Los Angeles, CA | Handmade, non-GMO stoneground tortilla chips with all-natural ingredients. |
| On The Border | Dallas, TX | American brand making both yellow and white corn chips with lime. |
| Jarritos | Mexico City | Classic Mexican soda and chips brand. Chili lime and mango chili flavors. |
| Calo | Chicago, IL | Mexican family-owned brand since 1939, with no preservatives. |
Nutrition Facts of Mexican Hot Chips
Here is the basic nutritional value of a 1 ounce (28g) serving of Mexican hot chips:
| Calories | 152 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 188mg |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Protein | 3g |
Keep in mind that specific brands and flavor varieties may have slightly different nutrition values. Homemade hot chips fried in fresh oil will be lower in sodium and fat compared to store-bought chips. Spice blends also add negligible calories and sodium.
Key Nutrients
Hot chips provide these beneficial nutrients:
- Complex carbohydrates – The corn (maize) used to make tortillas and chips is an excellent source of energizing complex carbs.
- Vitamin C – Lime juice contains vitamin C, an essential antioxidant nutrient. Chili powder also contains some vitamin C.
- Iron – Corn provides a modest amount of iron, which aids in oxygen transport in the blood.
- Calcium – The limewater (calcium hydroxide) used to prepare masa contributes calcium for strong bones.
Are Mexican hot chips gluten free?
Authentic Mexican hot chips made from corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free. Corn does not contain gluten. However, some mass-produced chips may be made with flour or cross-contaminated with gluten ingredients. Check labels carefully if you need to avoid gluten.
Some key things to look for when selecting gluten-free hot chips include:
- Made with 100% corn – Ensure no wheat flour is added
- Prepared in a gluten-free facility
- No additional seasonings with gluten ingredients like soy sauce
- Labeled “gluten-free” by a certification program
Popular certified gluten-free Mexican chip brands include Que Pasa, Siete Foods, and Tostitos.
Are hot chips fried or baked?
Authentic Mexican hot chips are always fried in oil, not baked. Frying gives them an ultracrispy, bubbly texture that baked chips cannot replicate. Corn tortillas are too dense and tough to bake into crunchy chips without first frying.
However, some mass-produced Mexican-style chips use a baking process. Baking may create a lower-fat option, but the chips will not be as deliciously crispy and fresh tasting. Restaurant-style chips are also commonly fried for maximum crispness.
Why are Mexican chips better than American chips?
Here are some reasons why traditional Mexican totopo chips surpass American potato chips:
- Flavor – The lime and chili seasoning packs a flavor punch without the need for extraneous seasonings like barbecue or salt & vinegar.
- Freshness – Mexican chips are often homemade or locally produced, not mass manufactured and bagged.
- Complexity – The nixtamalized corn offers more intriguing, complex flavors compared to plain potato.
- Cooking method – Frying achieves the perfect texture which baking cannot replicate.
- Shape – The randomized, imperfect wedge shapes feel artisanal compared to uniform potato chips.
- Authenticity – Mexican chips are a centuries-old traditional food, not a modern snack food invention.
Of course, personal taste preferences may differ. But Mexican hot chips offer a nostalgic, comforting crunch that can’t be beat!
How to make homemade Mexican hot chips
Making crispy hot chips at home is easy and fun with just a few ingredients:
Ingredients
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Stack the tortillas and cut into sixths, creating wedges.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy bottomed pan. Fry wedges in batches for 1-2 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain chips on a paper towel lined plate.
- Toss fried chips with the juice of 1 lime, chili powder, and salt.
- Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch and flavor!
Tips
- Use fresh, handmade corn tortillas from a local tortilleria if possible.
- Let oil return to temperature between batches to ensure even frying.
- Experiment with spice blends like cumin, smoked paprika, or cayenne.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, beans, cheese, or other dips.
Where to buy Mexican hot chips online
Can’t find authentic hot chips locally? Here are some places to order online:
MexGrocer.com
Huge selection of Mexican brands like El Milagro, Jarritos, Calo, and more.
Amazon.com
Search for Mexican chip brands to find a variety of options.
IGourmet.com
Gourmet retailer with brands like Xochitl and Que Pasa.
Mexmarket.com
Mexican grocery delivery site, ships many hot chip brands.
Walmart.com
Carries mainstream brands like On The Border, Tostitos, etc.
5 Fun ways to serve Mexican hot chips
Looking for creative ways to enjoy Mexican hot chips? Try these fun recipes and serving ideas:
1. Nachos
Layer hot chips with melted cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños.
2. Tostilocos
Top with cueritos (pickled pigskin), peanuts, cucumber, chili powder, and chamoy.
3. Totopos Botana Platter
Arrange hot chips around guacamole, queso, chorizo sausage, and other appetizers.
4. Chipotle Chicken Salad
Crunch up chips and mix into a salad with chicken, veggies, avocado, and chipotle dressing.
5. Chile con Queso Dip
Stir chopped hot chips into warm chile con queso for a crunchy twist.
Mexican Hot Chip Recipes
Addictive Lime-Chile Hot Chips
These chips are dripping with lime juice and chili spice.
Ingredients:
- 12 small corn tortillas, cut into wedges
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- Juice of 3 limes
- 2 Tbsp ancho chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a heavy skillet over medium heat, heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry tortilla wedges in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain chips on a paper towel lined plate.
- Put chips in a bowl. Pour over lime juice and toss to coat evenly.
- Add ancho chili powder and salt. Toss again until chips are evenly seasoned.
- Serve chips immediately while still warm and enjoy!
Baja Fish Taco Chips
All the flavors of a classic Baja fish taco turned into a hot chip.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white corn tortilla chips
- 1 lb cod, diced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1⁄2 tsp cumin
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, sauté cod in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and lime juice.
- Place tortilla chips on a platter. Top with cod chunks and drizzle with mayo and cilantro.
- Serve while cod is still warm. The chips will soak up the flavors for a tasty bite!
Sweet & Smoky Chipotle Hot Chips
The chipotle chili and touch of brown sugar give these chips a unique sweet heat.
Ingredients:
- 12 small corn tortillas, cut into wedges
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp chipotle chili powder
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Heat oil to 350°F in a skillet. Fry tortilla wedges until crispy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Mix brown sugar, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl.
- Toss fried chips with chipotle spice blend until evenly coated.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over chips and enjoy!
Conclusion
Mexican hot chips are a beloved street food snack with a satisfying crunch and fiery kick of spice. Authentic totopo chileno start with fresh masa dough, are hand cut and fried to order, then doused in lime and chili powder. Regional variations exist across Mexico, from salsa chips to chamoy and michelada-flavored chips. Dip these crispy chips into salsas, guacamole, beans, cheese sauces, and more for an explosion of traditional flavors. With a homemade recipe, you can fry up crave-worthy Mexican hot chips right in your own kitchen.