Tuesday, January 29th is National Corn Chip Day–when corn chip enthusiasts all over the United States celebrate their love for the tasty goodness that is the corn chip. Baked or fried, the corn chip is a staple in many households. They are a main attraction at parties and a late night snack for midnight munchers. They go hand-in-hand with salsa and make a nice bed for loaded nachos. Other chips only wish they had the versatility the corn chip has. [photo via flickr]
In honor of this national holiday, we’ve compiled a list of some of the healthiest corn chips out there. The chips that made the list are not only healthy, but also loaded with flavor, so you don’t have to sacrifice good taste for good health. It’s the best of both worlds for this National Corn Chip Day! (And don’t forget our recent recipe for Tortilla Soup!)
Baked Tostitos are as healthy as you can get for a chip. These chips are gluten free, additive free, MSG free and onion free. They contain 0g Trans Fats, and at only 120 calories per serving, you can eat them without guilt. If a lightweight chip is what you’re after, this chip fits the bill. Some say it’s too lightweight to support any kind of thick dip, but when a chip tastes this good on its own, you don’t have to worry about dip.
If an “authentic” corn taste is what you’re looking for, the R.W. Garcia Stone Ground brand is sure to please. With a healthy 4g of fiber and only 40 mg sodium per serving, these corn chips are a great alternative to the typical chip. What makes these chips a tasty treat is the hint of lime.
Crunchy and corny, these organic chips are a hit with just about everyone that tries them. At only 120 calories per serving with 0g Trans Fat, you’ll be able to eat to your heart’s content. Add a little salsa and you’re in for a treat!
Santitas White Corn Triangles Tortilla Chips
These white corn tortilla chips are the real deal. Despite being healthy, they have a bold, flavorful, corny, crunchy taste. Gluten free, additive free, MSG Free and onion free, Santitas White Corn Triangles are the healthy way to go. Your taste buds will think you’re being naughty, but in reality, you’re just eating a tasty good-for-you corn chip.
All of these store-bought corn chips are great tasting and good for you, but if you really want to eat a healthy corn chip, you can make your own. This healthy Baked Corn Tortilla Chips Recipe bakes up snacks that are crispy, flavorful, and–best of all–contain only what you add to them.
Ingredients
5 corn tortillas
Salt or other spices to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Stack tortillas one on top of the other and use kitchen scissors to cut them into triangles.
Spread them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet, spacing them at least 1/4″ apart (they will be chewy instead of crispy if not spaced properly).
Shake salt and desired toppings over tortillas.
TOPPING OPTIONS (choose any combo): SPICES: paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder (sparingly), cayenne pepper (sparingly, will add heat!). CHEESES: grated parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, etc. or try SWEET: cinnamon & sugar.
Bake 8-12 minutes or until chips are starting to get crispy and slightly golden brown at the edges (check every 1-2 minutes after 8 minutes).
Remove from oven and let cool 5-10 minutes before serving in order to let them fully crisp. Extra Crispy: put back in turned off oven at least 10 minutes or until ready to serve for extra crispy and warm chips (watch them, you may need to leave oven door cracked to prevent over browning).
