The Simple Hack To Make Stale Tortilla Chips Crunchy Again
Are you tired of your once-crunchy tortilla chips falling victim to staleness just a few days after opening the bag? Or do those takeout chips you ordered from your favorite Mexican restaurant look limp? There's a simple hack you need to bring them back to life. No, it doesn't involve some sort of secret ingredient — all you need is your microwave and a paper towel.
The key to reviving your stale tortilla chips is all in the heating method. By microwaving them for just a few seconds, you can help these crispy snacks bounce back from the dead and regain their crunchy, savory goodness. The microwave reheats the chips, causing the moisture to evaporate and the crunch to be restored. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, your tortilla chips will be reborn, ready to fulfill their destiny as the perfect accompaniment to your guacamole, salsa, or queso fundido (which is different from classic queso).
So, the next time you find yourself with a bag of sad, stale tortilla chips, don't throw them away just yet. Give this simple hack a try, and you'll be amazed at how easily you can revive them. What happens if they're too stale to resuscitate? There are a few tips for using stale tortilla chips in the kitchen for other delicious dishes.
The simplest ways to revive stale tortilla chips
Here's what you do with stale tortilla chips: Line a microwave-safe plate with a paper towel, arrange your chips on top, and heat them up for at least 15 seconds on high. If they're not perfectly crispy yet, simply repeat the process for another 10 to 15 seconds until they're back in tip-top shape.
You can also make stale or soggy chips crisp again by lightly baking them in the oven. Lay them out on a baking sheet and toast them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for three to five minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness (up to 10 minutes).
But why does this simple hack work? The answer lies in the moisture that makes your tortilla chips go stale in the first place. Chips start to lose their crispness as the moisture in the air seeps in. By microwaving or baking them, you're essentially drying them out and restoring their crunch.
To avoid ending up with stale, inedible chips, it's important to store your tortilla munchies the right way. Keep your chip stash in a cool, dry place, like a pantry or cupboard, and avoid storing them in areas that are prone to humidity or temperature fluctuations. This can help keep your chips crispy and fresh for your next snacking session.
How to use stale tortilla chips in other dishes
If you've tried the microwave reheating hack for stale tortilla chips and it just didn't cut it, don't toss those chips just yet. There are plenty of ways to repurpose them in the kitchen. For example, stale tortilla chips make for a stellar garnish on any soup that could use a bit of texture. Whether you're serving up a classic tortilla soup or something completely different, a handful of chips on top add the perfect crunch. They might not be as crunchy as they would be fresh, but they add some texture and a dash of salt.
And let's not forget about one of the ultimate ways to turn stale tortilla chips into something delicious: chilaquiles. The recipe calls for soaking the chips in salsa anyway, so they'd eventually get a bit soggy regardless. Mix them with your favorite salsa, then add fried eggs and avocado (plus cheese or roasted veggies to taste), and you've got a mouth-watering breakfast or dinner.
You can even try using stale tortilla chips as a substitute for bread crumbs in your favorite recipes. Pulse them in a food processor or crush them with a rolling pin and sprinkle them on top of gooey mac and cheese. Cheers to never having to throw away a bag of chips again!