The humble Arizona cheese crisp is simple, yet delicious. A close cousin to the quesadilla, a large flour tortilla is covered with grated cheeses, then broiled open-faced until crispy. It’s sometimes topped with thin slices of roasted green chilis. a salsa of your choice is often served on the side for dipping. Looking for a crunchy snack? This regional appetizer is a satisfying option.

Arizona Cheese Crisp

A classic Arizona cheese crisp is very easy to make. Crisp tortillas with gooey melted cheese make for a wonderful appetizer or party food. Usually served along with salsa for dipping, cheese crisps are perfect with a topping of roasted Hatch chile strips, canned diced green chiles or pickled jalapenos. Other toppings can be used such as crawfish, shrimp, ground beef taco meat, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream…pretty much whatever your heart desires.

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Appetizer, Hand Food

Cuisine: American, American Southwest, Arizona

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 20

Servings: crisps

Author: My Hungry Traveler

Equipment

Baking pan

Ingredients

2 large White flour tortillas, 13-inch "Burrito" size (Sub: more smaller white tortillas)
2 tbsp Butter
1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (Sub: monterey jack)
1 small Can roasted Hatch chiles, diced or strips (Sub: pickled jalapenos)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425℉ (220℃). Place tortillas on a baking pan and butter the tops all the way to the edges.
2 large White flour tortillas, 13-inch "Burrito" size (Sub: more smaller white tortillas), 2 tbsp Butter
Bake the buttered tortillas until lightly toasted, about 6 minutes, more or less depending on your oven.
Remove baking pan from oven and sprinkle the cheese over the tops, leaving ½-inch from the edge. Top with chiles and any other toppings that aren't lettuce or tomatoes.
1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (Sub: monterey jack), 1 small Can roasted Hatch chiles, diced or strips (Sub: pickled jalapenos)
Return baking pan to oven and cook until cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes. Remove from oven and serve right away.