Tortilla Cheese Bake
A cheesy, crispy layered casserole with tortilla chips, green onions, peppers, olives, and a flavorful soup and cheese mixture, perfect for casual family dinners or game day snacks.
Ingredients
- 10 to 16 oz. bag tortilla chips ⓘ
- 26 oz. can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 4 to 5 green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 can black olives, sliced and pitted ⓘ
- 8 oz. Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 8 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cilantro ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon mild green chilies ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, water, cilantro, cumin, and green chilies together.
- Line a baking pan with one layer of tortilla chips.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions, chopped green pepper, and sliced black olives over the chips.
- Add a layer of shredded Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese.
- Pour one-quarter of the soup mixture over the chips and toppings.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove cover for the last 15 minutes of baking to allow it to crisp.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or swapping in pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack or Mozzarella. If you prefer a healthier version, use baked tortilla chips and low-fat cheese. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the cream of chicken soup and use a vegetarian substitute or make your own from scratch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tortilla Cheese Bake with a side of fresh guacamole or salsa for added flavor. A simple green salad can complement the richness of the dish nicely. This recipe also pairs beautifully with Chicken Enchiladas Or Enchiladas De Pollo, making it a great option for a larger gathering or family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the tortilla chips.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla Cheese Bake contains roughly 506 calories, with 27g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (203% of the Daily Value), and calcium (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1542mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack and Cheddar are classics, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Gouda, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses can add unique flavors and textures to your Tortilla Cheese Bake.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free options, or you can make your own at home to control the ingredients.
How can I make this Tortilla Cheese Bake spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can add diced jalapeños, use spicy green chilies, or opt for pepper jack cheese instead of the milder varieties. Adjust the amount of ground cumin as well for an additional depth of flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).