Homemade Tortilla Chips Recipe with Guacamole and Salsa Trio

By: Kelly Barlow

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly crunchy—these homemade tortilla chips are a step above store-bought!

Paired with a vibrant guacamole and a colorful salsa trio (classic tomato, mango, and roasted corn), this recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun night in.

Serve as an appetizer, snack, or a side to your favorite Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or burrito bowls.

Bowl of tortilla chips with guacamole and diced tomato salsa on top

Homemade Tortilla Chips with Guacamole and Salsa

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for parties, game nights, or just elevating a chill night in. Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or as a side with your favorite Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or burrito bowls.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or deep fryer ( baking as a healthier alternative
  • Large bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls for guacamole and salsas
  • Parchment paper if baking
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Blender or food processor optional for smoother salsas

Ingredients
  

For the Tortilla Chips:

  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or spray oil for baking
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp chili powder or smoked paprika optional for extra flavor

For the Guacamole:

  • 3 ripe avocados
  • 1 small tomato finely chopped
  • ¼ cup  red onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Classic Tomato Salsa:

  • 2 ripe tomatoes diced
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 1 small jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
  • Salt to taste

Mango Salsa:

  • 1 ripe mango diced
  • ¼ red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp red onion finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Pinch of salt

Roasted Corn Salsa:

  • 1 cup  corn kernels fresh or thawed frozen
  • ¼ cup  red onion diced
  • ½ red bell pepper diced
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Chips:
    Cut each corn tortilla into 6-12 wedges (like pizza slices). Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) if frying.
    Uncooked tortilla wedges arranged in a circle on a floured surface
  • Bake or Fry the Chips:
    To Bake: Arrange tortilla wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush lightly with oil, sprinkle with salt (and optional spices), and bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
    To Fry: Fry tortilla wedges in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
    Golden brown tortilla chips on parchment paper after baking
  • Make the Guacamole:
    Scoop avocado into a bowl and mash with a fork. Mix in tomato, onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
    Bowl of guacamole ingredients with chopped tomatoes, onions, avocado, and cilantro
  • Prepare the Salsas:
    Classic Tomato Salsa: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
    Mango Salsa: Combine all mango salsa ingredients in a small bowl.
    Roasted Corn Salsa: Lightly char corn in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Combine with other ingredients and mix well.
    Three glass bowls with tomato salsa, mango salsa, and corn salsa on a countertop
  • Serve:
    Arrange chips on a platter with guacamole and the three salsas in small bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
    Close-up of baked tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro

Video

Notes

Nutrient Amount per Serving (140g)
Calories 320 kcal
Carbohydrates 34 g
Protein 5 g
Fat 20 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4 g
Monounsaturated Fat 10 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 220 mg
Potassium 510 mg
Fiber 6 g
Sugar 6 g
Vitamin A 620 IU
Vitamin C 16 mg
Calcium 40 mg
Iron 1.5 mg
 
Cooking Tips:
  • Use day-old tortillas for better crisping, especially when baking.
  • For extra-crispy chips, ensure oil is hot enough before frying or fully preheat oven.
  • Let the salsas sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to enhance their flavors.
  • Add diced avocado to the mango salsa for a tropical twist.
  • Want spicier salsa? Leave the jalapeño seeds in, or add a splash of hot sauce.
Keyword Homemade, Mexican Cuisine, Vegeterian

Are These Alternative Ingredients You Can Use?

If you’re looking to mix things up or accommodate dietary needs, there are several great ingredient alternatives you can use in this recipe.

For the tortilla chips, while corn tortillas are the traditional choice, you can also use flour tortillas for a softer, slightly puffier chip, or even whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for a healthier or allergen-friendly option.

Instead of deep frying or baking in oil, try using an air fryer to cut down on added fats while still achieving a satisfying crunch.

For the guacamole and salsas, ingredient swaps can bring exciting new flavors. In guacamole, swap lime juice for lemon if needed or add roasted garlic for a deeper flavor. You can also add chopped green onions, diced jalapeños, or even pomegranate seeds for a unique twist.

For the salsa trio, if mango isn’t available, try pineapple or peach for a similar sweet-spicy flavor in the fruit salsa. Black beans or diced zucchini can be added to the roasted corn salsa for more texture and protein.

A bowl of tortilla chips with guacamole topped with diced tomatoes and herbs, set on a rustic wooden surface
Guacamole dates back to the Aztecs in the 1500s—they called it āhuacamōlli, meaning “avocado sauce”

The Bottom Line

Guacamole and salsa bring fresh, bold flavors to the table, and when paired with homemade tortilla chips, they create a snack that’s hard to beat.

Crisp chips made from simple ingredients offer a satisfying crunch, while each dip adds its flavor profile, from creamy avocado to tangy tomatoes and sweet mango.

Choosing different ingredients or adding small twists allows for creativity and personal taste to shine.

Fresh produce, bold spices, and a bit of experimentation can turn a simple snack into something truly memorable. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant mix of flavors with every bite.