Cheesy Corn Tortilla Cups

These loaded tortilla scoops combine cream cheese, mozzarella, corn, and green chiles in crispy chips. Perfect finger food that's ready in under 20 minutes.

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Updated on Thu, 02 Jan 2025 02:51:06 GMT
A close-up view of cheesy nachos topped with corn and garnished with fresh herbs, featuring a few baked eggs nestled among the chips.
A close-up view of cheesy nachos topped with corn and garnished with fresh herbs, featuring a few baked eggs nestled among the chips. Pin it
A close-up view of cheesy nachos topped with corn and garnished with fresh herbs, featuring a few baked eggs nestled among the chips. | quickierecipe.com

Everything You'll Need

  • The Base:
    • 1 large bag sturdy tortilla chips (scoop-shaped work best)
    • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • The Creamy Stuff:
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 cup sour cream for extra richness
  • The Mix-Ins:
    • 2 cups frozen corn, thawed and drained
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
    • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
    • 4 green onions, finely chopped
  • The Seasonings:
    • 1 packet ranch seasoning (my secret ingredient)
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Let's Make Some Magic

Start With The Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange those sturdy tortilla chips on a large baking sheet; they'll need to hold up to our creamy filling.
Mix It Up
In a large bowl, blend your softened cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream until smooth. Then fold in your corn, mozzarella, parmesan, green onions, and all those flavorful seasonings.
Assembly Time
Spoon a generous dollop of filling onto each chip. Don’t be shy! Then sprinkle with extra parmesan on top for that perfect golden finish.
Bake To Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until everything is hot and bubbly with those irresistible crispy edges.

Perfect For Any Party

These little bites are absolute party magic! I've made them for everything from Super Bowl gatherings to casual movie nights. Something about that warm, cheesy filling on crunchy chips just brings people together. The best part? They’re delicious straight from the oven when all that cheese is perfectly melty.

Make Them Your Own

Let me share some fun ways to switch these up! Sometimes I'll use pepper jack instead of mozzarella when I want extra kick. Adding diced jalapeños is amazing for spice lovers. My vegetarian friends love when I add black beans and bell peppers—it makes them even more substantial. The possibilities are endless with these little guys!

A plate of nacho chips topped with melted cheese, corn, and garnished with chopped herbs. Pin it
A plate of nacho chips topped with melted cheese, corn, and garnished with chopped herbs. | quickierecipe.com

Keeping Them Fresh

Want to save some for later? These beauties will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. Here’s my pro tip: reheat them in the oven, not the microwave. About 5-7 minutes at 350°F brings back that perfect crispy-melty combination. Trust me, the extra few minutes are worth it to avoid soggy chips!

Perfect Pairings

You want to know what makes these bites even better? Setting up a little dipping station! I love putting out bowls of ranch dressing and fresh salsa. When I’m hosting a bigger party, I’ll serve them alongside other crowd favorites like wings or sliders. And don’t forget the drinks—a cold beer or fizzy soda pairs perfectly with the cheesy, creamy goodness of these bites.

Right For Any Occasion

You know what I love most about these bites? How they fit in anywhere! They’re perfect for watching the big game but just as welcome at holiday parties or family movie nights. There’s something about their bite-sized nature that makes them disappear fast no matter where you serve them. Plus, they’re so easy to eat while mingling!

Smart Prep Tips

Here’s my favorite hosting trick: mix up that filling the day before your party. Store it in the fridge, and when guests are about to arrive, just scoop it onto the chips, add your parmesan, and bake. This way, you get to enjoy the party instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Plus, the flavors get even better after sitting overnight!

Making Them Party-Perfect

Want to know my secret for party success? I make these in batches rather than all at once. That way, I can keep hot, fresh ones coming out of the oven throughout the party. Nothing beats that moment when you bring out a fresh tray and watch everyone’s eyes light up! I’ll usually prep several trays ahead of time, keep them in the fridge, then pop them in the oven as needed.

Serving In Style

Let me share how I like to present these at parties. I arrange them on pretty platters lined with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro—it adds such nice color. Sometimes I’ll set up different dipping stations—casual on one end of the table, fancy on the other. A little bowl of extra green onions and some hot sauce on the side lets guests customize their bites.

A Crowd Favorite

You know what makes me smile? Watching first-time guests try these bites. There’s always that moment of “Oh wow, these are amazing!” followed by “Can I get the recipe?” They’re one of those snacks that look simple but deliver such big flavor. I’ve even had friends request them for their own parties—now that’s a compliment!

A close-up plate of cheesy nacho chips topped with melted cheese, corn, and fresh herbs. Pin it
A close-up plate of cheesy nacho chips topped with melted cheese, corn, and fresh herbs. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can mix the filling ahead, but fill and bake just before serving to keep the chips crispy. The filling keeps well in the fridge for a day.
→ What can I substitute for green chiles?
Diced jalapeños work well for more heat, or finely chopped bell peppers for a milder option. Adjust amount to taste.
→ Can I use different cheese?
Try Mexican blend or pepper jack for different flavors. Just keep the cream cheese base for the right texture.
→ How do I store leftovers?
They're best fresh, but can be reheated in the oven for 5 minutes. The chips may soften when stored.
→ Can I make these spicier?
Use hot green chiles instead of mild, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes before baking.

Loaded Tortilla Scoops

Crunchy tortilla scoops filled with a creamy mixture of cheese, sweet corn, and mild chiles. A quick appetizer that disappears fast.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Meryem


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 12 Servings (48 filled chips)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Tostitos scoops tortilla chips (10 ounces)
02 Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
03 Shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
04 Egg (1)
05 Sweet corn, drained (15 ounces)
06 Green chiles (4 ounces)
07 Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
08 Salt (1 teaspoon)
09 Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
10 Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 425°F and prep baking sheets with parchment or light grease

Step 02

Place tortilla scoops on sheets, cup side up

Step 03

Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, egg, corn, chiles, and seasonings

Step 04

Add about 1 tablespoon filling to each chip cup

Step 05

Sprinkle with parmesan and bake 13-15 minutes until bubbly and brown

Notes

  1. Best served warm
  2. Can adjust spice level with chile choice
  3. Fill just before baking for crispy chips

Tools You'll Need

  • 2 large baking sheets
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Corn

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 4 g