Description
Pizza chips are a snack sensation made with crispy tortilla chips topped with a flavorful homemade meat sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. They are a fun and easy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large bag (around 10–12 ounces) of your favorite tortilla chips (thick-cut recommended for sturdiness)
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a mix!)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: sliced black olives, chopped green bell peppers, sliced pepperoni, cooked mushrooms, pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time, stirring occasionally.
- After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Assemble the Pizza Chips: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, avoiding too much overlap.
- Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the chips.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the meat sauce.
- Add any optional toppings you desire.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chips are heated through.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizza chips cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the meat sauce for extra heat.
- Go vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled vegetarian ground beef or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- Make it a meal: Serve the pizza chips with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Air Fryer Option: Assemble the pizza chips on a parchment-lined air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meat sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to make the pizza chips, simply reheat the sauce and assemble as directed.
- Chip Choice Matters: Thicker, sturdier chips hold up best to the sauce and cheese. Thin chips tend to get soggy. Look for “restaurant style” or “thick cut” chips.
- Don’t Overload: Too many toppings can make the chips soggy and difficult to eat. A balanced approach is key.
- Cheese Distribution: Mix all the cheeses together in a bowl before sprinkling them over the chips for even coverage.
- Preventing Soggy Chips: Drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning. Lightly toast the chips in the oven for a few minutes before adding the toppings to help them stay crispier.
- Serve with a side of ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- Make it a pizza chip bar! Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone customize their own chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Pizza Chips, Pizza Chip Recipe, Enjoy Pizza Chips, Homemade Pizza Chips, Crispy Pizza Chips, Pizza Chip Toppings, Best Pizza Chips