Method 1: Baking (Recommended)

This method yields the most consistently crispy results, especially around the edges, and allows you to make multiple crisps at once if you have large baking sheets.

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (optional, but highly recommended for easy cleanup and preventing sticking) or leave it unlined. If making two crisps, you might need two baking sheets or bake them in sequence.
2. Prepare the Tortilla: Place one large flour tortilla flat on the prepared baking sheet. If the tortilla doesn’t fit perfectly flat, that’s okay; slightly curled edges get extra crispy.
3. Apply Fat: Brush the top surface of the tortilla evenly with about 1 tablespoon of melted butter or oil. Ensure you get close to the edges – this is key for that lovely golden, crispy rim.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the buttered tortilla, extending it all the way to the edges. Don’t pile it too thickly in the center, as this can lead to a less crisp middle. Aim for a generous but relatively even layer. An offset spatula can help spread it neatly if needed.
5. Add Seasonings (Optional): If using, sprinkle your desired seasonings (salt, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano) evenly over the cheese layer.
6. Bake: Carefully place the baking sheet into the preheated oven on the center rack. Bake for 7 to 12 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on your oven, the thickness of the tortilla, and how much cheese you used.
7. Monitor Closely: Start checking around the 7-minute mark. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted, bubbly, and slightly browned in spots. The edges of the tortilla should be visibly golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn the edges – they cook faster than the center. If the center needs more time but the edges are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the edges with foil for the last couple of minutes.
8. Cool Slightly and Serve: Once perfectly golden and crisp, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts. Let the cheese crisp cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and the tortilla to fully crisp up as it cools. Slide it onto a cutting board, slice into wedges (a pizza cutter works brilliantly!), and serve immediately. Repeat with the second tortilla if desired.

Method 2: Pan-Frying

This method is faster for a single crisp but requires more attention. It results in a slightly softer center compared to baking but offers excellent crispiness on the bottom.

1. Prepare Tortilla and Cheese: Have your tortilla, shredded cheese, and optional seasonings ready. Melt the butter or have your oil handy.
2. Heat Skillet: Choose a large non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan that is at least as large as your tortilla. Place it over medium heat.
3. Add Fat: Once the skillet is hot (a drop of water should sizzle), add about 1 tablespoon of butter or oil. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly.
4. Place Tortilla: Carefully lay the tortilla flat in the hot skillet.
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Working quickly, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla, going all the way to the edges. Add any optional seasonings now.
6. Cook: Cook over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes. The bottom of the tortilla should become golden brown and crisp, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the heat; if the bottom is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce the heat slightly to medium-low.
7. Melt Cheese (If Needed): If the cheese isn’t melting evenly, you can cover the skillet loosely with a lid or a piece of foil for a minute or two to trap steam and encourage melting. Be cautious, as too much steam can make the top less crisp.
8. Check for Crispiness: Gently lift an edge with a spatula to check the bottom. It should be rigid and nicely browned.
9. Serve: Carefully slide the cheese crisp from the skillet onto a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute to firm up slightly. Slice into wedges and serve immediately.