Irresistible Keto Chips and Salsa Recipe You Can’t Miss for Guilt-Free Snacking!

Craving a crispy, salty snack while following a ketogenic diet? Look no further! These keto-friendly chips are incredibly easy to make with just a few foundational ingredients. Perfect for satisfying those 3 PM snack cravings, they can be seasoned to your liking and served with a variety of dips, from guacamole to keto-friendly hot chocolate.

What are Keto Tortilla Chips?

Keto tortilla chips are a low-carb, high-fat alternative to traditional tortilla chips, specifically designed for those adhering to a ketogenic diet. Instead of corn, these chips use a low-carb flour, such as almond flour, bound together with melted cheese. The mixture is then rolled out, cut into shape, and baked until crisp, offering the satisfying crunch of tortilla chips without the carb overload. They are an excellent choice for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or enjoying with your favorite keto-friendly dips.

Why Choose Keto Chips?

For those following a ketogenic diet, traditional tortilla chips are off-limits due to their high carbohydrate content. These keto chips provide a satisfying alternative, allowing you to enjoy the flavors and textures you love without compromising your dietary goals. They're also a great way to add healthy fats to your diet, thanks to the almond flour and cheese.

Ingredients for Keto Tortilla Chips

The key to making delicious keto tortilla chips lies in using the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

Mozzarella: 2 cups of shredded, low-moisture mozzarella cheese are essential for achieving the desired crisp texture. Avoid using fresh varieties like Buffalo mozzarella or burrata.
Almond Flour: 1 cup (100g) of blanched almond flour serves as the base ingredient, providing a low-carb, high-fat alternative to traditional flour. It also adds a subtle nutty flavor to the chips.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the chips and adds an enticing aroma. Powdered spices are preferred over fresh garlic because they blend more evenly into the dough without adding excess moisture.
Chili Powder: ½ teaspoon of chili powder adds a piquant edge, making the chips irresistible.
Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, plus more for seasoning after baking, is crucial for enhancing the overall flavor.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
Seasonings of choice: pepper, paprika, etc

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Keto Tortilla Chips

Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of crispy keto tortilla chips:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Step 1: Melt the Mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a microwave-safe medium bowl, microwave the mozzarella cheese in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until completely melted. This should take about 90 seconds, but microwave power may vary.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the almond flour, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, and black pepper to the melted mozzarella.
If the cheese is still very hot, allow it to cool slightly before proceeding.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Using your hands, knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper on a work surface.
Roll out the dough into a thin rectangle, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Thinner dough will result in crispier chips.

Step 5: Cut into Triangles

Gently peel away the top sheet of parchment paper.
Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough into triangle shapes.

Step 6: Bake the Chips

Divide the chips between two parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the chips begin to crisp.

Step 7: Cool and Season

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and immediately season the chips with additional salt.
Transfer the chips to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows air to circulate and prevents moisture from being trapped underneath, ensuring maximum crispness.

Tips for the Crunchiest Keto Tortilla Chips

Roll the Dough Thinly: Aim for an even 1/8-inch thickness when rolling out the dough. This is crucial for achieving optimal crispness.
Use a Wire Rack: After baking, transfer the chips to a wire rack to cool. This allows air to circulate around the chips, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Bake Long Enough: Ensure the chips are baked until golden brown around the edges and starting to crisp. If they are not baked long enough, they may be soft.
Flatten the Dough: Make sure the dough is rolled out thinly enough, as thicker chips may not crisp up properly.

Serving Suggestions

These keto tortilla chips are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of dips and toppings. Here are a few ideas:

Guacamole: A classic pairing! Serve with your favorite homemade or store-bought guacamole.
Salsa: Enjoy with a fresh, homemade keto salsa.
Buffalo Chicken Dip: A creamy, flavorful dip that's perfect for parties or game days.
Keto Hot Chocolate: For a sweet twist, sprinkle the chips with cinnamon-sugar before baking and dunk them in keto hot chocolate.
Keto Ice Cream: Use the cinnamon-sugar chips as a garnish for keto ice cream.
Nacho Toppings: Load up the chips with your favorite nacho toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos.

Keto Salsa Recipe

This keto salsa recipe is a true favorite, tasting fresh and excellent for topping eggs or low-carb Mexican dishes. It's similar to restaurant-style salsa and is incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 large tin (400g/14.1 oz) of unsweetened and peeled tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely diced
1 small red chili pepper (~1 tsp chopped)
2 jalapeño peppers, fresh or pickled (28 g/ 1 oz)
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp ghee or virgin coconut oil (30 ml)
Salt and pepper to taste
Additional jalapeno, salt, or lime to taste

Instructions:

Peel and finely dice the garlic and red chili pepper.
Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender.
Process until it’s as smooth or as chunky as you’d like.
Taste and add additional jalapeno, salt, or lime, as desired. Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeno used based on your preferences.

Storage Instructions

To maintain their crispness, store the keto tortilla chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dough for extra heat.
Cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chips before baking for a cheesy flavor.
Herb: Mix dried herbs like oregano, basil, or rosemary into the dough for an herbaceous twist.
Sweet: Sprinkle the chips with cinnamon and a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit before baking for a sweet treat.

Can I Make These in an Air Fryer?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the tortilla chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to make several batches). Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Troubleshooting

Chips are not crispy: Ensure you roll the dough thinly enough and bake the chips until golden brown and crisp around the edges. Cooling them on a wire rack is also crucial.
Chips are too soft: This usually indicates that the chips were not baked long enough or were not rolled out thinly enough.
Vegan Cheese: While possible, vegan cheese may not yield the best results in this recipe. It's often best to stick to the original recipe for the best texture and flavor.

The Versatility of Keto Tortilla Chips

The dough used in this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use it to make:

Tortillas: Follow the recipe for Keto & Paleo Tortillas, using half the amounts listed.
Tortilla Bowls: Shape the dough into bowls before baking for a fun and edible serving dish.
Taco Shells: Bake the dough in a taco shell shape for a low-carb taco night.
Pizza Crust: Roll out the dough and bake it as a pizza crust for a keto-friendly pizza.
Pretzels and Bread Sticks: Experiment with shaping the dough into pretzels or bread sticks for a different snacking experience.

A Healthier Way to Enjoy Chips and Salsa

Enjoying a snack of tortilla chips and salsa is a classic pleasure, but traditional options are often high in carbs. This keto recipe allows you to indulge in this beloved snack without derailing your dietary goals. The fresh salsa, packed with low-carb vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, and jalapenos, adds a burst of flavor and essential nutrients. The capsaicin in jalapenos may even help with weight loss.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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