Frederic Melton
A cheese crisp is a simple, quick, and easy dish to make. It is a popular snack in Tucson, Arizona, and is considered a staple in the Southwest. Essentially, it is an open-faced quesadilla made with a flour tortilla, butter, and cheese. The tortilla is baked until lightly toasted, then topped with cheese and baked again until melted. The cheese crisp can be served with various toppings, dips, and sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or green chiles, and can be made in the oven, microwave, or on a stovetop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, Snack |
| Cuisine | Southwestern, Mexican, Arizona, Tucson |
| Main Ingredients | Flour Tortilla, Butter, Cheese (cheddar), parmesan, mozzarella, colby jack, Roasted Green Chiles |
| Additional Toppings | Guacamole, Salsa, Sour Cream, Pepperoni, Jalapeno, Pesto |
| Cooking Method | Baking, Frying, Broiling, Microwaving |
| Cooking Time | 6-10 minutes |
| Baking Temperature | 350°F-400°F (176.6°C-204.4°C) |
| Nutrition (per crisp) | Calories: 91-439kcal, Carbohydrates: 1-20g, Protein: 5-17g, Fat: 7-33g, Sugar: 1-3g |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right tortilla
If you are frying your tortillas, you can use oil to achieve a golden, puffy, and light texture. However, if you are baking your tortillas, butter is essential for flavour and crispness. Spread the butter all the way to the edges of the tortilla before baking, and remember to use a dark baking sheet or cookie sheet for the best results.
When baking, place the buttered tortilla in the oven and heat at 350-375°F for 6-7 minutes, or until it begins to get lightly toasted. Check the timing for your particular oven, as you may need to adjust the temperature or baking time slightly.
Once toasted, remove the tortilla from the oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese, leaving about a 1/2-inch gap from the edges. At this point, you can also add toppings such as roasted green chiles, which are an Arizona classic.
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Buttering the tortilla
You can also use a nonstick skillet to make your cheese crisp. Heat the skillet over medium heat, then add the butter and spread it around the pan. Next, add your tortilla and cook until it is lightly toasted. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in the skillet first, then add the tortilla, allowing it to absorb the butter.
If you are making cheese crisps in the oven, you will need to preheat it to 350°F. Once the oven is preheated, place your buttered tortilla directly onto the oven rack. Bake the plain buttered tortilla for about 6 minutes, or until it begins to get lightly toasted. Check on the timing, as different ovens may vary. You can also place the buttered tortilla on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven.
For a more authentic Arizona-style cheese crisp, you can fry the tortilla in oil until it is golden, puffy, and light. This will give your cheese crisp a delicious crispy texture. After frying, add the cheese and place it under a broiler for a couple of minutes.
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Adding cheese
When preparing the cheese, it is typically shredded or grated to ensure even melting and distribution on the tortilla. Spread the cheese evenly across the surface of the tortilla, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. This border is important as it prevents the cheese from melting and spilling over the edges during baking.
If you're feeling creative, you can add some extra ingredients or toppings to your cheese layer. Some popular choices include green chiles, which are an Arizona classic, adding a spicy kick to your crisp. You can also try onions, jalapeño slices, or even pepperoni for a heartier snack. These additional ingredients not only enhance the flavour but also give your cheese crisp a unique personality.
The amount of cheese you use depends on your preference for cheesiness. A thinner layer of cheese will result in a crispier texture, while a thicker layer will create a more indulgent, gooey bite. Play around with the amount of cheese to find the perfect ratio that satisfies your taste buds.
Once you've added the cheese and any desired toppings, it's time to return the tortilla to the oven. Bake it until the cheese is melted and slightly browned, creating a delicious, crispy texture. The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the amount of cheese used, so keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.
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Adding toppings
Cheese crisps are a versatile dish that can be customised with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas and instructions for adding toppings to your cheese crisp:
Green Chiles
An Arizona classic, roasted green chiles are a popular choice for adding a bit of spice to your cheese crisp. You can arrange them in a star pattern on top of the cheese before baking, or chop them up and sprinkle them on top after baking.
Salsa and Guacamole
For a more substantial cheese crisp, consider serving it with salsa and guacamole on the side. You can also add a dollop of each on top of the cheese before serving for a messier, but still delicious, option.
Onions
Caramelised or raw onions can add a crunchy texture and a savoury flavour to your cheese crisp. Slice or chop the onions and add them on top of the cheese before baking, or sprinkle them on top after baking for a milder flavour.
Pepperoni
For a meatier cheese crisp, add some pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. You can bake the pepperoni with the cheese or add it after baking for a softer texture. If you're feeling creative, cut the pepperoni into fun shapes like stars before adding them to your cheese crisp.
Other Toppings
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Other options include jalapeño slices, pesto, different types of cheese, or any other ingredients that suit your taste. You can add the toppings before or after baking, depending on the desired texture and flavour.
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Baking the crisp
To make a cheese crisp, start by preheating your oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle. Place a flour tortilla on a large baking sheet—a dark baking sheet or cookie sheet works best. Then, spread butter all over the tortilla, right up to the edges. This step is important for flavour and texture.
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. Remove the tortilla from the oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese, leaving about 1/2 inch from the edges. You can also add strips of green chiles in a star pattern if you want.
Return the tortilla to the oven and cook for another 2 minutes, or until all of the cheese has melted. If you want to add pepperoni, wait until the cheese begins to bubble, then add a slice of pepperoni on top. Cook for another minute or so. Once the edges of the cheese start to brown and crisp, use a spatula to flip, then cook for another 30 seconds.
Remove the tortilla from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. You can eat it as is, or with dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or tomato sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese crisp is a crispy flour tortilla smothered in melted cheese. It is similar to an open-faced quesadilla. You can add toppings like roasted green chiles, salsa, guacamole, onions, or pepperoni.
Preheat your oven to 350-375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a flour tortilla on the baking sheet and spread butter all over it, going right up to the edges. Bake the plain buttered tortilla for about 6 minutes or until it begins to get lightly toasted. Remove the tortilla from the oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese, leaving about 1/2-inch from the edges. You can add other toppings like green chiles or pepperoni at this point. Return the tortilla to the oven and bake for another 2-6 minutes, or until all of the cheese has melted.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese in flat piles with a little room between them. Cook for about one minute. When the cheese starts to bubble, add your desired toppings. Cook for another minute or so, until the cheese begins to brown and get crispy on the edges. Use a spatula to flip each crisp, topping side down. Cook for around 30 seconds, then transfer to a plate and serve.
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