Taco Ranch Bites
Taco Ranch Bites are a quick and easy snack bursting with bold taco spices, creamy ranch flavor, and gooey melted cheddar cheese atop sturdy tortilla chips. Perfect for last-minute appetizers, parties, or game days, these crunchy, cheesy bites satisfy every craving with their irresistible flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: About 24 bites
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Mexican Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free chips and seasonings)
Ingredients
Base
- Sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips (quantity as needed for serving)
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 to 1.5 cups)
- Sour cream (approximately 1/4 cup)
- Ranch dressing mix (1 packet or 2 tablespoons)
- Taco seasoning (1 tablespoon)
- Chopped jalapeños (optional, 1-2 tablespoons)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (about 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Base: Arrange sturdy tortilla chips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them out so each chip can hold toppings without tipping over.
- Mix the Flavorful Toppings: In a bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, taco seasoning, and optional chopped jalapeños or any additional ingredients you prefer. Stir well until everything is evenly blended.
- Load Up the Bites: Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy ranch mixture on top of each tortilla chip, ensuring each bite is covered with flavorful topping.
- Bake to Melt and Meld: Place the tray in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent over-browning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped green onions over the bites for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the best crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Choose thick, sturdy tortilla chips to support the toppings and avoid breakage.
- Don’t overload the chips with toppings to keep bites neat and easy to eat.
- Preheat the oven to ensure the cheese melts evenly and quickly.
- Try mixing cheddar with other cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Serve the bites fresh from the oven for maximum crispiness and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 bites
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Taco Ranch Bites, appetizer, snack, cheesy snack, party food, quick recipe, baked bites, gluten free, spicy snack
Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/taco-ranch-bites/
