43 Tortilla Chip Alternatives for Nachos!

Sometimes we have all the making for nachos but we don’t have the chips…. Sometimes we just want yummy familiar flavors in a new way….

So, today we are thinking outside the regular tortilla chip bag, and talking about different ways to have all the yumminess of nachos with the standard chip!

What can I use instead of tortilla chips for nachos?

Keep an eye on for opportunities to use up leftovers as well on this list!

1.Pita Chips

Crunchy and sturdy, perfect for scooping up heavy nacho toppings like cheese, beans, and meat.

2.Sweet Potato Chips

Thinly sliced and baked or fried, offering a slightly sweet contrast to savory toppings.

3.Zucchini Rounds

Baked or air-fried, these low-carb slices are great for layering on lighter toppings like salsa and guacamole.

4. Bell Pepper Strips

Crisp, fresh, and low-carb, these add a satisfying crunch without any heaviness, making them ideal for cold toppings or melted cheese.

5. Waffle Fries

Their ridged texture is perfect for catching melted cheese and sauces, creating a hearty base for loaded nachos.

6. Cauliflower Florets

Roasted or air-fried, these florets offer a tender yet crisp texture, perfect for holding lighter toppings like queso or salsa.

7. Rice Cakes

Sturdy and crunchy, they provide a lighter alternative while still being able to carry heavier toppings.

8.Naan Bread

Toasted and cut into small pieces, naan brings a soft, chewy texture that pairs well with spiced meats and melty cheese.

9.Plantain Chips

Fried or baked, these add a crispy, tropical flavor and work well with spicy toppings or beans.

10.Pretzel Crisps

Thin, salty, and crunchy, these crisps bring a bold flavor that pairs well with savory toppings like melted cheese or dips.

11.Tater Tots

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, tater tots are great for holding hearty toppings like ground beef, cheese, and jalapeños.

12. Crispy Polenta Slices

Fried or baked, polenta provides a sturdy and slightly creamy base that pairs beautifully with rich toppings.

13. Mini Bagels

Toasted halves bring a chewy, dense base perfect for piling on cheese, meats, and veggies.

14. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These halved, crispy sprouts offer a nutritious and savory alternative, great for lighter, veggie-packed nachos.

15. Sliced Cucumbers

Cool, refreshing, and crisp, cucumber slices add a light base, perfect for cold toppings like guacamole or salsa.

16. Mashed Potato Pancakes

Fried small potato cakes create a dense, hearty base for nachos topped with cheese, bacon, and sour cream.

17. Wonton Wrappers

Baked until golden and crisp, these thin wrappers offer a light and crispy base perfect for layering lighter toppings like cheese and veggies.

18. French Bread Slices

Toasted rounds of French bread are sturdy enough to hold heavier toppings, making them ideal for cheese-loaded nachos.

19. Crispy Baked Eggplant Slices

Thinly sliced and baked until crisp, eggplant adds a healthy, veggie-forward base for nachos.

20. Crackers

Whole grain or wheat crackers provide a sturdy, crunchy base ideal for cheese, beans, and salsa.

21. Puff Pastry Squares

Flaky and buttery, puff pastry adds a luxurious texture to nachos, perfect for lighter, cheesy toppings.

22. Toasted Flatbread

Flatbreads like lavash or naan toasted until crispy offer a sturdier base for heavier, sauce-laden toppings.

23. Baguette Slices

Thinly sliced and toasted, baguettes offer a crispy yet chewy base that works well with rich toppings like melted cheese and ground meat.

24. Tostones

Twice-fried plantain slices offer a slightly sweet and crispy base that pairs well with spicy or savory toppings.

25. Cornbread

Soft and crumbly, toasted cornbread rounds provide a Southern twist to nachos, perfect for barbecue-style toppings.

26. Crispy Tortillas

Soft tortillas, cut and baked to a crisp, offer a homemade alternative to store-bought chips with a more authentic flavor.

27. Lettuce Cups

Crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves create a fresh, low-carb option for piling on light, refreshing toppings like salsa and grilled chicken.

28. Mini Waffles

Sweet or savory, these waffles add a fun and sturdy base for toppings like bacon, cheese, and jalapeños.

29. Fried Potato Slices

Thin, fried potato rounds offer a crunchy, hearty base perfect for loaded nachos with cheese, beef, and salsa.

30. Hashbrowns

Whether in patty form or shredded, crispy hashbrowns provide a robust base for heavier toppings like pulled pork or melted cheese.

31. Baked Potato Skins

Crispy and firm, potato skins are ideal for hearty, cheesy toppings like sour cream, salsa, and taco meat.

32. English Muffin Halves

Toasted and chewy, these halves are sturdy enough for loading on nacho toppings without becoming soggy.

33. Sweet Potato Rounds

Slightly sweet and crispy when baked, these rounds are perfect for contrasting savory toppings like melted cheese and salsa.

34. Fried Zucchini Slices

Thinly sliced and fried, these offer a crispy, low-carb base that pairs well with lighter toppings like salsa and sour cream.

35. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Meaty and hearty, these large grilled caps provide a satisfying base for vegetarian nachos or heavier toppings.

36. Pork Rinds

Crunchy and salty, pork rinds are a perfect low-carb option for holding heavy nacho toppings like cheese and beans.

37. Kettle-Style Potato Chips

Thick and crunchy, kettle chips offer a more robust texture that can hold up under heavy, saucy toppings.

38. Fritos

These crunchy corn chips add a distinct flavor and hold up well under melted cheese, beans, and salsa.

39. French Fries

Classic comfort food, fries offer a hearty base that can carry a lot of toppings, making for indulgent loaded nachos.

40. Cheese Crisps

Baked or store-bought cheese crisps offer a crunchy, cheesy base that pairs well with lighter toppings like veggies or guacamole.

41. Dorito-Style Chips

Flavored tortilla chips add an extra kick, making nachos more flavorful without additional seasoning.

42. Crispy Bacon Strips

For a decadent twist, use crispy bacon strips as a base for nachos, pairing beautifully with cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.

43. Bagel Chips

Thinly sliced and toasted bagel chips offer a crunchy, sturdy base that’s perfect for holding heavier nacho toppings like melted cheese, meats, and veggies.

New Ways to Have Nachos for Dinner

I hope our list of substitutions for tortilla chips has inspired you to not only think outside the bag but has also given you some new ideas for your next meal plan!