Introduction

Get ready to add a festive and fun snack to your holiday table! This guide shows you exactly how to make crunchy Christmas tree tortilla chips. They are a simple, kid-friendly project perfect for holiday parties. For another delicious tortilla-based treat, try this Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe.

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together to create delightfully crispy and savory Christmas tree tortilla chips, perfect for adding a festive crunch to your holiday table.

• 6 flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt to taste

Timing

Context: This method is about 20% faster than similar recipes for shaped tortilla chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

To begin making your Crunchy Christmas Tree Tortilla chips, assemble the following: large flour or corn tortillas, cooking spray or olive oil, coarse salt, and your favorite seasonings like chili powder or garlic powder. You will also need a Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter, a baking sheet, and parchment paper.

Having everything ready before you start streamlines the process and ensures your chips bake evenly. A sharp cookie cutter is essential for clean edges on your tree shapes.

Step 2 — Cut the Tortillas into Tree Shapes

Lay a tortilla flat on a clean cutting board. Firmly press your Christmas tree cookie cutter into the tortilla to create the shapes. Try to cut as many trees as possible from each tortilla to minimize waste.

For the crispiest results, use tortillas that are a day old, as they are slightly drier and will cut more cleanly than very fresh, soft ones.

Step 3 — Season the Tortilla Trees

Arrange the cut tortilla trees in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or brush with a thin layer of olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving a golden, crunchy texture.

Immediately sprinkle your chosen seasonings and a pinch of coarse salt over the trees. For even coverage, you can toss the trees in a bowl with oil and seasoning before placing them on the sheet.

Step 4 — Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This high heat is key to making the chips crispy without burning them. While the oven heats, ensure the tortilla trees are not overlapping on the baking sheet.

Proper air circulation is vital for even cooking. If needed, use two baking sheets or bake in batches to avoid crowding.

Step 5 — Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Keep a close watch after the 5-minute mark, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.

The chips are done when the edges are lightly browned and crisp. They will continue to crisp up slightly as they cool on the pan.

Step 6 — Cool Completely Before Serving

Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Christmas Tree Tortilla chips cool directly on the sheet for at least 5 minutes. This allows them to become fully crunchy.

Transferring them to a wire rack can help them cool faster and prevent any sogginess from steam. Serve your festive, crunchy chips with salsa, guacamole, or a cheese dip.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

While the classic recipe is delicious, you can easily customize your Crunchy Christmas Tree Tortilla Chips with these simple, healthy swaps.

• Use Whole-Wheat or Almond Flour Tortillas — For a fiber boost and a nuttier flavor, swap regular tortillas for whole-wheat or gluten-free almond flour versions.
• Opt for Low-Carb Tortillas — To significantly reduce the carbohydrate content, use specially formulated low-carb tortillas, which are perfect for keto diets.
• Try Chickpea or Lentil Tortillas — For a higher-protein alternative with an earthy taste, use tortillas made from chickpea or lentil flour.
• Use an Avocado Oil or Olive Oil Spray — Instead of brushing with vegetable oil, lightly spray with avocado or olive oil for healthier fats and a lighter crisp.
• Season with Nutritional Yeast — For a cheesy, savory flavor without dairy, sprinkle nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Make a Low-Sodium Seasoning Blend — Create your own spice mix using garlic powder, paprika, and herbs to control salt intake while maintaining great flavor.
• Incorporate Seed Toppings — Before baking, sprinkle with sesame or chia seeds for added crunch, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Use Coconut Aminos for Glaze — For a gluten-free and lower-sodium alternative to a soy-based glaze, a light brush of coconut aminos adds a subtle sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Create a festive holiday dip trio, pairing your Crunchy Christmas Tree Tortilla chips with a creamy spinach-artichoke dip, a zesty salsa verde, and a rich queso fundido.
• Serve as an edible garnish on top of hearty soups or chili for a fun, crunchy texture that adds a holiday touch to a warm meal.
• Arrange the chips in a tree-like pattern on a large platter, using a bowl of guacamole or red pepper hummus as the “tree trunk” for a stunning centerpiece.
• Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a delightful and tasty homemade holiday party favor or gift.
• Offer them alongside a cheese board, where their unique shape and saltiness complement a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and fruits.
• Perfect for a holiday movie night; serve with a variety of dips and salsas for a fun, interactive snack that both kids and adults will love.

These Crunchy Christmas Tree Tortilla chips are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect festive snack for any holiday gathering, from casual family get-togethers to elegant cocktail parties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using stale or soft tortillas, which won’t crisp up properly. Fix: Always start with fresh, room-temperature tortillas for maximum crunch.
• Mistake: Cutting the Christmas tree shapes too small, causing them to burn easily. Fix: Use a medium-to-large cookie cutter to ensure the chips have enough surface area to bake evenly.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking sheet, which leads to steaming instead of baking. Fix: Arrange the tortilla trees in a single layer with space between them for optimal air circulation.
• Mistake: Skipping the light coating of oil, resulting in a dry, tough texture. Fix: Gently brush or spray both sides of each tree with a neutral oil like avocado or canola.
• Mistake: Baking at the wrong temperature; too low makes them chewy, too high burns them. Fix: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), the sweet spot for golden, crunchy chips.
• Mistake: Not seasoning immediately after baking, so the salt and spices don’t stick. Fix: Sprinkle your desired seasonings onto the hot chips right out of the oven.
• Mistake: Using a dull knife or cutter, which can tear the tortilla instead of cutting cleanly. Fix: Ensure your Christmas tree cutter or knife is sharp for clean, defined edges.
• Mistake: Forgetting to pat the tortillas dry if they feel damp, which inhibits crisping. Fix: Lightly dab tortillas with a paper towel before cutting and baking to remove excess moisture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Crunchy Christmas Tree Tortilla chips in an airtight container or a large resealable bag. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3 days at refrigerator temperatures.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chips in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month without significant loss of texture.
• Reheat: To restore maximum crispiness, reheat the chips in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crunchy. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) if they contain any cheese or toppings for food safety.

Always allow the chips to cool completely to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

Conclusion

These festive Crunchy Christmas Tree Tortilla chips are a simple and fun way to add holiday cheer to your table. They’re perfect for dipping and guaranteed to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Christmas Tree Tortilla Chips

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Festive and crunchy Christmas tree shaped tortilla chips perfect for holiday gatherings, easy to make and great for dipping or snacking.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Appetizer/Snack
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 flour tortillas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Stack the tortillas and cut each into 8 pieces by halving, then halving again twice to form triangle shapes.
3. Use kitchen scissors to cut a small 'trunk' at the base of each triangle to create a Christmas tree shape.
4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, red chili flakes, dried rosemary, and salt.
5. Brush each tortilla tree with the seasoned olive oil mixture on both sides.
6. Place the shaped tortilla chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the chips are crispy and lightly browned.
8. Remove from oven and let cool before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can omit chili flakes or add other herbs like thyme. Using spinach tortillas adds a festive green color. Serve with your favorite dips or as a crunchy snack on a holiday cheese board.

Nutrition

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

FAQs

Can I make these Christmas Tree Tortilla chips ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shaped chips a few hours in advance. Keep them in a single layer on a baking sheet at room temperature before baking. For the best crunch, bake them just before serving.