Cheese Crispy Recipe
Crisp Deep-Fried Flour Tortilla Topped with Melted Cheese
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Ingredients
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Tortillas & Frying
Cheese & Topping
Method
Tortillas & Frying
- 1
Prepare oil and tortillas
Pour the oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1/2 inch (roughly 3–4 cups depending on pan). Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a small piece of tortilla sizzles immediately when dropped in. While the oil heats, lightly shake each flour tortilla to remove any excess flour and fold or stack as desired (serve whole or slightly folded for a smaller crisp).
- 2
Season tortillas lightly: sprinkle about 1/8 tsp salt on each side of every tortilla so they have a touch of seasoning before frying.
- 3
Fry the tortillas
Working in batches (do not overcrowd), carefully place one tortilla into the hot oil using tongs. Fry 30–45 seconds, then flip and fry another 30–45 seconds, or until golden-brown and crisp. If you want a curl or bowl shape, press gently with tongs while frying or drape over a wooden spoon handle to shape. Remove to a paper towel–lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- 4
While frying, monitor oil temperature and adjust heat to keep it around 325–350°F (160–175°C). If oil smokes, lower the heat and allow to come back to temperature before continuing.
Cheese & Topping
- 5
Preheat oven or broiler (optional)
If you prefer to melt cheese quickly and evenly, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or set the oven rack 6–8 inches below the broiler for broiling. A broiler will melt and brown the cheese faster; the oven will give more even melt.
- 6
Assemble: place the drained crispy tortillas on a baking sheet. Divide the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack/Oaxaca blend evenly among the tortillas (about 1/2 cup total cheese per tortilla for a generous topping).
- 7
Melt the cheese
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. If using the broiler, broil on high 45–90 seconds—watch carefully to avoid burning—until cheese is melted and edges are lightly browned.
- 8
Finish and garnish: remove from oven. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over each cheese-topped crisp and add pickled jalapeños if using. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating.