How to make Green Chili Cheese Crisp
Ingredients
One large, burrito-size (13-inch diameter or larger) flour tortilla
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 or 2 roasted green chiles, peeled, seeded, cut into strips (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F, with a rack in the middle.
Butter a flour tortilla all the way to the edges:
Place the flour tortilla on a large baking sheet (a dark baking sheet or cookie sheet will work best.)
Spread the butter all over the top of the tortilla, all the way to the edges.
The butter is important for the flavor of a cheese crisp, so don’t leave it out!
Bake the tortilla until lightly toasted:
Bake the plain buttered tortilla for about 6 minutes or until it begins to get lightly toasted. (Check on the timing for your particular oven.)
Sprinkle with cheese, add green chile strips, return to oven:
Remove the tortilla from the oven and sprinkle with the cheddar cheese, leaving about 1/2-inch from the edges.
Add strips of green chiles in a star pattern if you want.
Return the tortilla to the oven and cook for 2 more minutes, or until all of the cheese has melted.
Remove from oven and enjoy!
My mother will use her oven’s convection setting when she makes these cheese crisps. For convection, she’ll put the buttered tortilla into a cold oven and heat on convection at 375°F for 7 to 10 minutes. Then she’ll sprinkle the cheese and return the quesadilla to the oven for a couple more minutes.
Nutrition Information:
SERVING SIZE: 1 large flour tortilla
Calories: 270 kcal | Total Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 450mg | Total Carbohydrates: 18g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 1g | Protein: 10g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of tortilla for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a different type of tortilla, but for the best results, it is recommended to use a large burrito-size flour tortilla as specified in the recipe.
Smaller tortillas may not give the same crispy texture, and corn tortillas might have a different taste and texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for grated cheddar cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Each type of cheese will bring its unique flavor to the dish.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, if you enjoy spicy food, you can add more roasted green chiles to the cheese crisp to increase the heat level. You can also leave the seeds in the chiles for an extra kick.
However, if you prefer a milder version, using only one roasted green chile or omitting them altogether is an option.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the Green Chili Cheese Crisp is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prepare the tortilla, butter, and cheese in advance and store them separately.
Assemble the crisp just before baking to ensure it maintains its crispy texture.
Can I add other toppings to the Green Chili Cheese Crisp?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using roasted green chiles, you can get creative with additional toppings to suit your taste.
Some delicious options include diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, or even cooked and crumbled bacon.
Can I use a different size of flour tortilla for this recipe?
While the recipe suggests using a large, burrito-size (13-inch diameter or larger) flour tortilla, you can use smaller tortillas if needed.
However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, and smaller tortillas may result in a different texture.
Is there a substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use butter, you can use an alternative like olive oil, coconut oil, or cooking spray to brush on the tortilla.
However, the butter contributes to the flavor of the cheese crisp, so the taste may be slightly different.
How spicy will the Green Chili Cheese Crisp be with one or two roasted green chiles?
The spiciness of the cheese crisp depends on the heat level of the roasted green chiles you use and the number of chiles added.
If you prefer a milder taste, start with one roasted green chile, and if you like it spicier, use two or more.
You can also remove the seeds from the chiles for a milder heat.
Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it later?
While the Green Chili Cheese Crisp is best served fresh from the oven for optimal crispiness, you can prepare the tortilla with butter and toppings in advance.
Store the prepared tortilla and toppings separately in airtight containers and assemble just before baking to maintain the desired texture.