Crispy Cheesy Pizza Chips

Pizza Chips offer all the fun of pizza without the effort of making dough. When you want a crunchy cheesy bite that satisfies those pizza cravings with minimal fuss these baked tortilla chips deliver big flavor in just minutes. I love making them for last minute parties or when my kids want something special for movie night since everyone can pick toppings and they are always a hit.

The first time I made pizza chips was on a busy Friday night when I wanted pizza but had no time for dough. Now we make them almost every week with whatever toppings are left in the fridge and it never gets old.

Ingredients

• Flour tortillas: These make the base of your chip Choose soft flexible tortillas and the thinnest you can find for extra crunch
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts evenly to make cheesy strings like classic pizza Buy block mozzarella and grate it yourself for the best melt and flavor
• Pizza sauce: A little goes a long way Adds tangy tomato depth Use high quality jarred sauce or a thick homemade version
• Sliced pepperoni: A classic finishing touch If using cured pepperoni pick a variety with real spices or swap in diced veggies or sausage
• Dried oregano: Gives that signature pizza shop aroma Choose vibrant green leaves for best flavor
• Garlic powder: Adds savory complexity Look for fine fresh powder without clumps
• Olive oil spray: Prevents the chips from sticking and helps the cheese and toppings turn golden
• Salt: Helps all the flavors shine Use a pinch of fine sea salt for even seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet to keep any melted cheese from sticking and cut down on cleanup

Prepare the Tortillas:

Arrange the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface If you only have small tortillas use more to make a full batch

Spread the Sauce:

Using a spoon carefully spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each tortilla Do not go all the way to the edge A thin smear means the chips crisp up instead of getting soggy

Add Cheese and Toppings:

Evenly sprinkle mozzarella over the entire sauce layer For toppings scatter pepperoni slices or your choices evenly but avoid heavy piles as too much topping keeps the chips from crisping

Season the Chips:

Dust each tortilla generously with dried oregano a light sprinkle of garlic powder and a pinch of salt Overlapping flavors are what make these taste like real pizza

Slice Into Triangles:

With a sharp knife or pizza cutter cut each tortilla into six to eight wedges like pizza slices Try to keep the pieces as even as possible for consistent baking

Arrange and Spray:

Lay the tortilla triangles in an even single layer on your parchment lined baking sheet Use your olive oil spray to evenly mist the tops for a beautiful golden edge

Bake Until Crisp:

Place the pan in your hot oven Bake for 10 to 12 minutes watching carefully at the end Look for bubbling cheese and deep golden edges which means they are extra crunchy

Cool and Serve:

Let the chips cool on the pan They will crisp up even more as they rest Serve warm right off the tray or later as a snack

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My secret favorite topping is a mix of black olives and bell peppers It turns each chip into a mini supreme pizza and takes me back to childhood pizza nights when we would build our own slices at the table laughing at who piled on the most toppings

Storage Tips

Let pizza chips cool fully before storing Put them in an airtight container or zip bag at room temperature for up to two days They will soften after a day so to restore crunch pop them back on a baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for about five minutes or toast them in an air fryer briefly

Ingredient Substitutions

Use corn tortillas for a nuttier crunch and gluten free version Fresh mozzarella can be swapped for cheddar provolone or a cheese blend Try barbecue sauce or pesto for a new flavor twist Skip pepperoni for turkey slices cooked sausage roasted veggies or whatever suits your mood

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Serving Suggestions

Pile pizza chips in a big bowl and put out little cups of sauce or ranch for dipping For parties pair them with antipasto bites or bruschetta to make a playful Italian snack spread For a lunchbox treat wrap them in foil and add sliced apple or carrot sticks for balance For grown ups finish hot chips with fresh basil or chili flakes for extra kick

Cultural Context

Pizza chips are a modern mashup inspired by classic Italian pizza and the snack food culture of quick easy appetizers They take the best part of pizza the toppings and cheese and combine it with the convenience of chips for sharing at casual gatherings Not traditional but always welcome at my table

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas work well and offer an extra crunch with a unique, nutty undertone.

→ How do I make them gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas and confirm your toppings are free from gluten for a safe snack.

→ What cheese melts best for these chips?

Freshly shredded mozzarella creates the ideal gooey, stretchy texture, but cheddar or provolone are tasty alternatives.

→ How can I keep the chips crisp?

Apply a light layer of sauce, avoid too many toppings, and bake until edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly.

→ Can these be made ahead?

Prepare the topped tortillas in advance, refrigerate, then slice and bake right before serving for best results.

→ What toppings work well?

Classic options like pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, or olives work, but feel free to get creative.