Tortilla Strips
Published Oct 08, 2019•Updated Oct 29, 2025
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Warning: once you learn to make these, you’ll make them over and over again. Every time I have a few tortillas left in the pantry, I make a batch of Tortilla Strips. These are a great crunchy topping for soups and salads.
There are few soups or salads that wouldn’t benefit from some crunchy tortilla strips on top. Example: Easy Taco Soup, Three Bean Soup, Tex Mex Salad, or Classic Chili. A batch of tortilla strips adds great texture and flavor to some of your favorite meals.
Best of all, these are so incredibly easy to make. Get the oven pre-heating to 350°F and read on for exactly how to make these.
Here’s how to do it in a few easy steps:
1. Slice Tortillas into Thin Strips
Set tortillas on a cutting board and slice into thin strips. The strips will not shrink as they cook, so be sure to slice them to the size you’ll want them in soups or salads. You can use as many tortillas as you want. (Be sure to give yourself some wiggle room because you’ll want to snack on a few as soon as they come out of the oven!)
2. Spread out on a Sheet Pan
Transfer the tortillas to a sheet pan. They should easily fit in a single layer, with plenty of open space. Leaving open space on the pan will help the tortillas to brown and crisp up. Use a second pan if needed.
3. Toss with Oil
Drizzle tortilla strips with oil. I prefer a neutral oil like avocado or grape seed. Extra virgin olive oil works too. There is no need to be precise about the measurement of oil here, but I use about 1 tsp for each tortilla. Just drizzle the oil over top of the tortillas so that each strip has been touched by oil. Use your hands to toss the tortilla strips so that the oil evenly coats them.
4. Bake for 10 Minutes
Bake the tortilla strips at 350°F until deep golden brown and crisp, stirring every few minutes. This should take 10 to 12 minutes, but don’t be afraid to let them go a bit longer until they are very crunchy.
5. Store in an Airtight Container
Let the tortilla strips cool completely and then store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Corn or Flour Tortillas
You can make these tortilla strips using either corn or flour tortillas. The instructions are the same, but with either type, be sure to keep an eye on the tortilla strips as they cook. Depending on the thickness of the tortillas, the cook time may vary slightly.
Ways to Use Crispy Tortilla Strips
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Tortilla Strips
Equipment
- Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 4 Flour or Corn Tortillas, taco-sized
- 4 teaspoon Cooking Oil (I prefer avocado or grape seed oil for most things, including this recipe)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Slice tortillas into thin strips. (Note: The strips will not shrink as they cook, so be sure to slice them to the size you’ll want them in soups or salads.)
- Transfer tortilla strips to a sheet pan and spread out in a single layer (use a second sheet pan if you can’t easily fit them on the pan with some extra space).
- Drizzle oil over tortilla strips and then use your hands to toss them around to evenly coat in oil.
- Bake until tortilla strips are deep golden brown and crisp, stirring every few minutes. This should take 10 to 12 minutes, but continue cooking, if needed, until the tortilla strips are crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
It is faster, easier, and less messy to oil the tortilla strips by putting them and the oil in a plastic bag, (or a box with a lid), and shaking it, and then pouring out the strips onto the pan. You can add poppy or sesame seeds, too.
Great suggestions!
I made these yesterday. So crunchy on chicken tortilla soup. Can I freeze some for later?
Bev – you stumped me – I don’t actually know if these will freeze well. I’m afraid they might soften in the fridge, but I can’t be certain. If you try it, I’d love to know if it works.