Easy Festive Tortilla Chips Recipe – Perfect for Christmas and Holiday Parties
Add a festive touch to your holiday snack table with these easy Christmas tortilla chips! Made with just two ingredients, these no-bake chips are perfect for dipping into salsa, guacamole, or queso. Fun, kid-friendly, and quick to make, they’re the ultimate holiday appetizer for parties or cozy family nights.
Every holiday season, I love finding easy ways to add a little festive cheer to our meals without overcomplicating things. While I adore baking, sometimes I just don’t have the time (or energy) to whip up cookies or cakes. That’s when these Christmas-themed tortilla chips come to the rescue. They’re cute, crunchy, and perfect for dipping into all your favorite holiday flavors!
This is also a great recipe if you’re looking for something simple to do with the kids. They can have fun picking out cookie cutter shapes (I went with Christmas trees and gingerbread men, but the options are endless), and you’ll love how quickly this comes together. Whether you’re making these for a party, a snack, or just because, it’s such a fun and low-effort way to make the holidays feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
01. Quick and Easy
I don’t think anything is easier than these homemade tortilla chips. They are made with corn tortillas and cookie cutters, so they come together in no time. Perfect for dipping or adding to salads, nachos, or charcuterie boards.
02. Customizable
Because they are made using cookie cutters, you can get very creative with shapes! You don’t have to stick to just one; Think Christmas trees, snowmen, stars, or gingerbread men. Use whatever cookie cutters you have to make this recipe unique.
03. Kid-Friendly
This recipe doubles as a fun activity for kids. They’ll love cutting out the shapes, and you’ll love how quick and mess-free it is. It’s also a great advent calendar project! You can pair the day + a new cookie cutter and ingredients to make it super fun.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a festive snack to enjoy at home, these tortilla chips are a crowd-pleaser. Pair them with your favorite dips, like guacamole or salsa, for a simple yet impressive addition to any Christmas spread.
How to Make Festive Tortilla Chips
Ingredients:
Corn tortillas ( I like to use a 15 ct package)
Neutral oil for frying; Avocado oil, vegetable or canola oil works well.
Salt to taste. Lime juice (optional)
Instructions:
Use your favorite holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut shapes from corn tortillas. Don’t throw out the scraps – you can still use them for salad toppings, etc.
In a deep pan, heat a few inches of neutral oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it sizzles after testing with a small piece of tortilla. Carefully place your tortilla cutouts into the hot oil. Fry for about 90 seconds, or until they turn a light golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Remove the chips with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While they’re still warm, season with salt. For an extra zing, squeeze a bit of lime juice over the chips. Transfer your festive tortilla chips to a serving bowl. Pair with your favorite dip—salsa, guacamole, or queso are all great options!
Recipe Tips for the Perfect Tortilla Chips
Cookie Cutter Options: Get creative with your shapes! Snowflakes, reindeer, or ornaments would be festive additions.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Fry the chips a day in advance and store them in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
Healthier Option: If you prefer a lighter version, bake the tortilla cutouts at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Festive Tortilla Chips – Perfect for Christmas Holiday Season
Ingredients
- 1 15 ct pkg corn tortillas (16 oz)
- High Heat, Neutral oil for frying e.g., avocado, vegetable or canola oil
- Salt to taste
- lime juice optional
Instructions
Cut the Tortillas:
- Use cookie cutters to cut festive shapes (e.g., Christmas trees, gingerbread men) from the tortillas. Save the scraps for making tortilla strips or crunchy toppings later.
Heat the Oil:
- In a deep pan, heat 2-3 inches of neutral oil over medium-high heat. Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of tortilla—it should sizzle immediately.
Fry the Tortillas:
- Fry the tortilla shapes in batches for about 90 seconds, or until golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
Drain and Season:
- Remove the chips with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt while warm. Add a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
- Transfer the chips to a bowl and serve with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or queso.
Notes
Why This Recipe Works for the Holidays
Not everyone loves baking, and that’s okay! These festive tortilla chips are quick, easy, and fun to make. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning an advent activity, or just looking for a simple snack, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, these festive tortilla chips are an easy way to bring holiday cheer without turning on the oven.
Let your creativity shine this holiday season—grab some cookie cutters, fry up these festive chips, and enjoy a merry (and tasty) snack!
Creative Ways to Use Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips aren’t just for snacking straight out of the bag (though, let’s be honest, we all do it).
- Use them as crunchy toppings for holiday soups or salads.
- Crush them to coat chicken tenders or baked fish for extra crunch.
- Pair them with a salsa bar for a festive, build-your-own snack station.
FAQs About Homemade Tortilla Chips
Can I bake the tortilla chips instead of frying? I normally fry them out of habit, but yes! The oven works great and guess what – a bit healthier too. Bake them at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
How can I store leftover tortilla chips? If you have any leftover, (they are seriously so good!) store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.a ziplock back would work as well; just keep it sealed.
What other ways can I use Homemade Tortilla Chips? If you’re team nachos (and who isn’t?), there’s a game-changing tip to make your tortilla chips the star of the show: layer with intention. Pro-tip to prevent sad, bare chips at the bottom of the pile. Start with a single layer of chips, add an even sprinkle of cheese, beans, or your favorite toppings, and repeat. That way, every chip gets its moment to shine. Pop them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the edges of the chips.
Why Homemade Tortilla Chips Are Worth It
If you’ve never made tortilla chips at home, let me convince you in one sentence: warm, freshly fried tortilla chips with a pinch of salt will ruin the bagged kind forever. All you need are some leftover tortillas, oil, and salt – that’s it. Cut your tortillas into wedges, fry them up until golden, and sprinkle with salt while they’re still warm. You can even experiment with flavors like lime zest, chili powder, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan. Homemade chips are crispier, fresher, and 100% customizable. Plus, it’s a fun kitchen project that your kids will love to help with (or at least eat the results).
You should definitely give these a try this holiday season. And if you do – Save me some when you make it!
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