Cheese Crisps are my life. Literally. They probably make up about 50% of my body because they are pretty much all I ate until I turned 16. Growing up in Tucson, AZ (where the original cheese crisps is rumored to be invented) it’s pretty hard to stay away from these little treats. It’s pretty much an open faced flour tortilla, smeared with a little butter, toasted in the oven and then smothered with cheese, toasted again and voila – a cheese crisp!! I kid you not, these will change your life. If you’ve never had one before you need to run to the store immediately, pick up the ingredients and make them. Because they are a.w.e.s.o.m.e. And if you’re feeling jazzy – then you can sprinkle on a few of your favorite toppings like scallions, sauteed poblano peppers and some spicy chorizo. (drool)
Here are some plain cheese crisps. They are pretty much heaven. You could serve them just like this and people would be begging you to make them again.
Maybe you sprinkle on a few sliced scallions. Or some cilantro. Perhaps some chives. Whatever floats your boat.
As an Arizona girl, I had to add some peppers. It was only right.
And then I finished it off with some chorizo. Be still my heart. I literally couldn’t control myself when I made these. I just wanted to keep eating them. But then I remembered they were for a party and people were coming over in 20 minutes and I needed to stop stuffing my face and get myself cleaned up because there may or may not have been cheese and chorizo all over my clothes. Don’t judge. 
Promise me you’ll make these immediately. Okay, I’ll even wait 24 hours. But you’ve gotta do it. They will rock your world!
| Classic Cheese Crisps |
Tags: appetizers, Cheese, cheese crisp, cheese crisps, chorizo, classics, corn tortilla, crisps, cuisine of the southwestern united states, cuisine of the western united states, el charro cheese crisp recipe, flour tortilla, mexican cheeses, mexican cuisine, Peppers, poblano, poblano peppers, Quesadilla, scallions, Toast, tortilla
Gaby these look perfect!
In junior high I used to make tortilla shells + cheese in the microwave after school! this reminds me of that except prettier and I’m sure way crispier and more delish!
Beautiful photography!
i’ve actually never heard of cheese crisps done this way! looks delicious!
You just have no idea how much this post means to me. I L.O.V.E. cheese crisps. Growing up, my snack was always melted “cheeseonbread.” But you had to say it like that – “cheeseonbread.” Then, as I got older I transitioned into the tortilla, and all kinds of sexy hotness occurred. And NOW, as a 35-year old, I still make crispy torts with melted cheese and herbs on it, for snacks. And I’m OKAY with that. HAPPY in fact. GIDDY even.
yes, yes!
So simple but so delish! I want to make some for a snack!
Simplicity is always the best. I grew up making something similar on crostini!
I’m pretty sure that I could live off of those. You have made me hungry!
Fantastic!!! My hubby would love these… heck, we all would!
WOW! I know exactly what I’m making the next time I have friends over for blackberry mojitos. Those look deeelish and I love the addition of chorizo. MMM MMMM
If I have one vice (ok, who am I kidding – I have several), it would be cheese. I love cheese crisps and as a Phoenix (by way of Gilbert) girl, I never knew that crisps started in Tucson! What a fun tidbit of trivia. Thanks for sharing.
A Tucson favorite! Love them!
These look so good. Is it going too far to call them “gourmet nacho’s” ? delicious
Love cheese crisps…but put a slice of perfectly ripe avocado on mine, please!
OMG – love these things – reminds me of the walking elephants ears I had at Lydia Shire’s place Scampo in Boston – could they be Mexican Pizzas?!
Whoaaaa…. I need these! I’m not gonna lie, I might sub some bacon on there…
Love the cheese crisps. Really wish I could just live on these. With extra chorizo please.
Oh… yeah… I’ve had my fair share of these babies. Love them! You can cross me off the list, my world has been rocked.
Oooh, they’re like individual nacho snacks. Love it!
I forgot about cheese crisps! These are absolutely amazing!
I love this idea…in fact, I think I’m going to use this as my inspiration for lunch!
I have to work late…wonder if I could find someone to go make these for me and bring me some……think ….think…think….
These look flat-out amazing! I’m a sucker for any type of cheesy food so I can totally see how these can be addicting.
Yum- like a fancy nacho! Cheesy goodness!
The moment I finished reading this post, I went straight to the kitchen and made 4 of these for me and my two teenage sons. SO freaking delicious…..especially the crispy bits of cheese that fell onto the baking sheet. =)
These look great! Then again anything with cheese, chorizo and peppers does!
Cheese and chorizo?! Count me in!! Can’t wait to try these!
I’m going to have to agree with you here. These snacks probably make up 65 percent of my body’s chemistry. I think I ate a version of this every day for at least twenty years…so that’s saying a lot. I like these crisps A LOT. (just like you!)
On the list of “world’s perfect foods” this would easily make the top 5 !! This is, hands down, my son’s favorite after workout treat – yep, I am pretty much keeping the tortillaria in my neighborhood in business!!
Cheese Crisps! Aren’t they the best?! I had no idea that you were from Tucson… me too!
I’m so happy to see you remember authentic cheese crisps. They have become an endangered species around here, since quesadillas came along.
Thanks for the memory.
I love how simple this is! Yum!
I just made these. Something about melted cheese on tortillas spoke to me on a deep level. It’s been over 100 degrees in this state for a month and I haven’t turned my oven on. Except for cheese crisps. It’s how much I love cheese.
I got addicted to cheese crisps back in the seventies. The very best were served at a Mexican restaurant in Payson, smothered with green chile pork. Heaven on a plate. Thanks for the instructions.
I want to marry these!
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Hello from Australia! I discovered your amazing website via Pinterest. I just made these cheese crisps and they have as you stated, changed my life. Wow! I added a dollop of guacamole on top with a dash of salsa. I am hosting a Mexican dinner party next weekend and i am going to make teeny cheese crisps for canapes. Im going to try your pulled pork sliders on friday night, this blog is amazing.
Thanks again!
Where do you get small tortillas? Or do you cut larger ones? Thanks!