Baking Corn Tortillas For Nachos: A Step-By-Step Guide

Corn tortilla chips are a great snack and are even better when made at home. They are perfect for homemade nachos and can be seasoned to your taste. You can bake corn tortillas in the oven to make tortilla chips, and this method is healthier than frying. To make corn tortilla chips in the oven, cut corn tortillas into triangles and toss them with olive oil and seasoning. Then, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy.

Choosing the right tortillas

When it comes to choosing the right tortillas for baking corn tortilla chips for nachos, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use corn tortillas over flour tortillas as they are gluten-free, higher in fibre, and have a better flavour.

Tortilla Ingredients

For the best flavour, look for tortillas made with nixtamalized corn. Nixtamal is dried corn cooked and soaked in water with calcium hydroxide (slaked lime or cal). This traditional process gives corn tortillas their distinctive flavour and texture. To identify tortillas made with nixtamalized corn, look for the words "nixtamal" or "nixtamalized" on the package. You can also check the ingredients list, which should be short and include the words "lime" or "cal".

Tortilla Freshness

When making tortilla chips, slightly stale or dried-out tortillas are best. If your tortillas are fresh, you can leave them out overnight to dry out, or dry them in the oven or microwave. To dry them in the oven, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes or 200°F for 10 minutes. In the microwave, place them in a single layer on a paper towel and heat for 20 to 60 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave.

Tortilla Size

The size of the tortillas you choose will depend on the size of your baking sheet or casserole dish. For a standard-sized baking sheet, 6-inch corn tortillas are a good option. However, if you are making a large batch of nachos, you may want to use larger tortillas.

Preparing the tortillas

Firstly, choose the right tortillas. Corn tortillas are the best option for nachos, and you can use either white, yellow, or blue corn varieties. Look for tortillas made with nixtamalized corn, as this traditional process improves the flavour and texture. You can identify these by checking the ingredients list for words like "nixtamal", "nixtamalized", "lime", or "cal".

Next, prepare your tortillas for baking. Start by cutting the tortillas into triangles or wedges. You can do this quickly by stacking the tortillas and using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. You should aim for about six to eight wedges per tortilla, depending on the size.

Once your tortillas are cut, it's time to add some flavour. Place the wedges into a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil, vegetable oil, or another oil of your choice. Make sure the wedges are evenly coated. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for a kick. Toss the wedges well to ensure an even coating of oil and spices.

Now it's time to bake your tortillas. Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C to 180°C). Line two baking sheets with foil or parchment paper. Spread the tortilla wedges out on the baking sheets in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This is important to prevent steaming and ensure your tortillas get nice and crispy.

Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your oven. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn. You may need to rotate the sheets or switch the racks halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Once your tortillas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Enjoy your freshly baked tortilla chips with your favourite nacho toppings!

Adding flavour

Ingredients

• Corn tortillas
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil)
• Salt (fine sea salt or kosher salt)
• Lime zest
• Spices (cumin, smoked paprika, ancho chilli powder, cayenne, garlic powder, or garlic salt)

Method

Before baking your tortillas, you can add flavour by sprinkling them with salt and/or a variety of spices. For example, you could use cumin and smoked paprika, or garlic salt. If you want to make lime-flavoured chips, mix some lime zest in with the salt before sprinkling it over the tortillas.

You can also add flavour by using a specific type of corn tortilla. For the best flavour, look for tortillas made using nixtamalized corn. Nixtamal is dried corn cooked and soaked in water with calcium hydroxide (slaked lime or cal). Not all store-bought tortillas use this method, which is why the flavour of corn tortillas can vary. Look for "nixtamal" or "nixtamalized" on the package. You can also look at the list of ingredients (it should be short and include the words "lime" or "cal").

Baking the tortillas

Baking corn tortillas is a healthier alternative to frying them, and they still taste delicious. The baking process is simple and only requires a few ingredients and a bit of time. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy, golden, baked corn tortilla chips:

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas (preferably stale or slightly dried out)
• Olive oil, avocado oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil
• Salt (preferably fine sea salt or kosher salt)
• Lime zest (optional)
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C or 190°F).
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats. You can also use foil instead of parchment paper.
• Cut each corn tortilla into wedges or triangles. You can stack the tortillas and use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut them quickly.
• Place the cut tortillas in a bowl and drizzle or spray them with a small amount of oil. Toss the tortillas to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also brush both sides of the tortillas with oil before cutting them.
• Add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss again to coat the tortillas. You can use salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne for a kick. Don't be afraid to use your hands to ensure even coating.
• Spread the tortillas in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they are not overlapping.
• Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake until the tortillas are crisp and golden brown. This usually takes around 10 to 20 minutes, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Rotate the baking sheets or pans once during baking to ensure even cooking.
• Check the tortillas frequently, especially if you are baking a large batch. If some tortillas are browning faster than others, you can remove them from the oven early or rotate the pans to encourage even baking.
• Once the tortillas are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
• Sprinkle salt over the chips, or use other seasonings of your choice. You can also mix the salt with lime zest for a tangy flavour.
• Serve the baked tortilla chips with your favourite dips, salsas, or use them to make nachos.

Tips:

• For the best flavour, look for tortillas made with nixtamalized corn. Check the ingredients list for words like "lime" or "cal."
• If you want extra crispy tortillas, use tortillas that are slightly dried out or stale.
• Ensure that the tortillas are laid out in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and promote crispness.
• Store any leftover tortilla chips in an airtight container. They should stay fresh for a few days but are best eaten on the same day.

Serving the nachos

Once you've baked your corn tortillas, it's time to serve them as nachos. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you serve delicious nachos:

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Start by preparing the refried beans. You can either make them from scratch or use a canned version. If you're short on time, the canned option is a convenient choice. For a more authentic flavour, consider making your own refried beans by mashing and cooking pinto or black beans with spices and seasonings.

Step 2: Assemble the Nachos

Take an ovenproof dish or a large shallow casserole dish. Spread half of your freshly baked corn tortilla chips in an even layer. On top of the chips, add spoonfuls of the warmed refried beans. You can also use other types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, if you prefer.

Step 3: Add the Chiles

For a spicy kick, add some diced poblano chiles and sliced pickled jalapeno chiles. If you like your nachos extra hot, feel free to increase the amount of chiles. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavour, you can reduce the amount or omit them altogether.

Step 4: Sprinkle Cheese

Monterey Jack cheese is a great choice for nachos as it melts beautifully and has a mild, creamy flavour. Sprinkle a generous amount of finely shredded cheese over the beans and chiles. You can also use other types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Bake in the Oven

Place the assembled nachos in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 5 minutes. This step will ensure that all the ingredients are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the nachos to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Toppings and Garnishes

Once your nachos are out of the oven, it's time to add some final touches. You can add dollops of sour cream, fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), or even guacamole to enhance the flavour and presentation. Be creative with your toppings and choose the ones that suit your taste buds.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, serve your freshly baked corn tortilla nachos while they're still warm and crispy. Nachos are best enjoyed straight out of the oven, so gather your friends and family, and dig in! Don't forget to offer a variety of dips and salsas on the side for an even more indulgent experience.

Frequently asked questions