How to Make Nachos

This loaded Nachos recipe is the ultimate guide to making restaurant-style nachos at home! The perfect crunchy nachos made with melted cheese and topped with beef or chicken, beans, avocado, tomato, jalapeño – made just the way you like it!

 

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Nachos are one of the most popular appetizer and snack recipes around! We absolutely LOVE sharing a good plate of nachos with our friends and enjoying a tray of loaded Nachos for dinner with family on a Friday night.

This Nachos recipe is the ultimate guide to making crispy restaurant-style nachos with all your favourite toppings. It can be made to suit your tastes and preferences – you can even make loaded Nachos based on whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. We’ll cover everything from what kind of tortilla chips to use, what kinds of cheese are best, how to keep your nachos from getting soggy, and SO much more!

Nachos are traditionally a Mexican or Tex-Mex dish made with tortilla chips, cheese and other toppings. A more modern take includes adding meat (beef, chicken or pork) along with beans, tomatoes, sweet corn, avocado, and onions and serving them with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Nachos are a favourite for game day parties and entertaining!

Nachos are so versatile! They are the BEST party food because they are so easy to make and easy to adapt to any tastes and preferences of a crowd. All you need are sturdy tortilla chips, cheese, meat (if you like), and veggies.

If you’re looking for some delicious recipes to serve alongside these nachos for your next Super Bowl Party or other event, here are some of our faves!

• Baked Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• French Onion Dip
• Pico de Gallo
• Whipped Feta Dip
• Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
• Baked Buffalo Chicken Ranch Dip
• French Bread Pizza

If you love hosting parties and gatherings with your friends and family and you’re looking for new and easier ways to make homemade party food, we’ve got you covered! We’ve created a FREE No Fail Guide to the Best Party Food that’s packed with all our favourite tips and tricks, secrets and recipes for quick and easy appetizers and snacks that will turn you into the host with the most – the easy way! Sign up for our FREE guide below:

Want to make the BEST loaded nachos!? Here are all our PRO tips!

A cast iron pan retains heat well to heat evenly and allows a crispy bottom layer. A cast iron pan makes the nachos look great! A sheet pan gives more surface area and is a great option for a larger batch, makes it easier to serve, and has less clean up, especially if you use parchment paper.

It’s important to choose tortilla chips that are thick and sturdy. Restaurant style corn tortilla chips are a great option. The thicker the chips are, the more toppings they can support without getting soggy.

The best cheese to use is a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The shredded cheddar adds sharpness and flavour and the mozzarella melts beautifully so the cheese is nice and stretchy. Feel free to use any cheese blend that incorporates either of these cheese variaties.

Layers are important. Make sure the chips are spaced out and then do a layer of cheese to help secure the chips before adding the remaining toppings and cheese. Cheese helps bind the chips together.

Make sure you distribute the veggies and meat evenly on the tortilla chips. If there are too many toppings during baking the chips will become soggy during baking and they won’t get crispy. Reserve any moist toppings for after baking.

Nachos are best enjoyed right after baking. Many toppings can be prepped a head of time but be sure to add them right before baking or serving.

Watery vegetables like tomatoes and avocado, sour cream and guacamole should only be added right before serving so the nachos don’t get soggy.

Soggy nachos are the worst! Here’s all our best advice for avoiding soggy nachos and keeping your nachos nice and crispy!

1. Use full fat cheese with a lower water content. A cheese that’s high in fat will release less water, keeping your nachos nice and crispy.
2. Don’t overload with water-heavy toppings. Save the moist toppings to add right before serving.
3. Bake, serve and enjoy immediately. Letting nachos sit almost always makes them soggy. Be sure to serve them right away for the crispiest texture.
4. Drain the meat before adding. If you’re adding ground beef or shredded chicken, be sure to remove any excess fat or moisture from the meat before adding. Drain the beef and pat it dry, and pat the chicken dry if it appears to be very moist.
5. Bake at high heat for a short amount of time. Baking nachos at 400 degrees Fahrenheit ensures they turn out nice and crispy and they won’t have to be in the oven for long!

Trouble in nacho land? Here are some common issues you might encounter when making homemade loaded nachos and how to fix them!

Avoid adding too many toppings to the chips and only add watery toppings right before serving. Use good quality, sturdy chips to keep the nachos from getting soggy.

Place the nacho pan in the middle of the oven and keep a very close eye on the nachos. They can go from perfect to burnt very quickly.

Low fat cheeses will be more watery and may not melt as easily. Some cheese doesn’t melt well and become greasy. It is important to use cheddar cheese, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, or any other cheese that won’t release too much moisture and melts well.

Make sure you spread the chips out evenly before adding the cheese and toppings. If one side is thicker than the other, that will impact which side melts quicker and which one might burn. Be aware of any hot spots in your oven and rotate the tray halfway through baking, if necessary.

Make sure to chop the toppings into smaller bite size pieces and spread the toppings evenly on all the chips. Make sure to add the cheese first on top of the chips and then again after you add the toppings to help bind the toppings onto the chips.

To make this loaded nacho recipe you’ll need these items on hand (paid links):

• large sheet pan or Cast iron pan
• knife
• Cutting Board
• Grater
• measuring cups and spoons

Tortilla chips are the base for every Nachos recipe and the tortilla chips you choose can make or break your homemade nachos. When choosing the right tortilla chips for nachos, there are a few important things to consider:

Corn or Wheat

• Corn is the traditional choice for tortilla chips and offers a distinct flavour that traditionally Mexican. Corn chips have a crunchy texture and the ability to hold up under layers of cheese and toppings without becoming soggy too quickly.
• Wheat tortilla chips are less common but can be a good alternative for those looking for a different taste or texture, or if corn tortilla chips aren’t available at your local grocery store. Wheat tortilla chips tend to be softer and might not hold up as well under heavy toppings, making them a better choice for lighter and less “loaded” nachos.

Salty or Low Salt

• Salty chips can enhance the flavours of your nachos, bringing out the deliciousness of the cheese and toppings. However, it’s important to balance the saltiness of your chips with your toppings to avoid overpowering the nachos.
• Low Salt options are available for people who prefer to control the sodium level in their nachos. Low salt chips let the natural flavours of the corn and the toppings shine through and they can always be paired with slightly saltier toppings or a pinch of sea salt, if needed.

Baked or Fried

• Baked tortilla chips offer a lighter option with less oil and a crisper texture. They’re an excellent choice for a healthier version of nachos, though they may not provide the same richness in flavour as fried chips. Baked chips also get soggy much faster than fried ones, so keep this in mind.
• Fried chips are the traditional choice, giving nachos their classic crunchy texture and depth of flavour thanks to the added fat. The frying process enhances the corn’s natural taste and allows the chips to hold up better under a heavy load of toppings.

Added Ingredients

• Plain, salted tortilla chips are most commonly used for nachos, providing a neutral base that allows the flavours of the toppings to stand out. When choosing plain chips, look for quality corn taste and a sturdy texture.
• Added ingredients in tortilla chips, such as lime, jalapeño, or other seasonings, can offer an additional flavour dimension to your nachos. These chips can complement your chosen toppings, but be mindful of how their flavours will blend with the rest of your ingredients.

The BEST thing about homemade Nachos is that the sky is the limit when it comes to toppings! Make your own homemade loaded nachos using this nachos recipe as a base and adding your favourite toppings, using this list for inspiration:

Cheeses for Nachos

• Cheddar (shredded)
• Monterey Jack
• Pepper Jack
• Queso fresco
• Mozzarella
• Nacho cheese sauce (add after baking)

Proteins for Nachos

• Cooked ground beef (seasoned with taco spices)
• Shredded chicken
• Pulled pork
• Chorizo
• Black beans
• Refried beans
• Pinto beans

Vegetables for Nachos

• Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Bell peppers (various colors)
• Onions (red, white, or green onions)
• Tomatoes (diced)
• Corn (fresh, canned, or roasted)
• Avocado or guacamole (add after baking)
• Shredded Lettuce (add after baking)
• Olives (black or green, sliced)

Sauces and Condiments for Serving with Nachos

Sauces and condiments should be served alongside the Nachos or added on top after baking.

• Salsa (pico de gallo, salsa verde, etc.)
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Lime (wedges for squeezing over top)

Extra Nacho Toppings

• Cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• Queso fresco or cotija cheese (crumbled)
• Green chiles
• Pineapple (for a sweet touch)
• Mango (diced, for a tropical twist)
• Bacon (crumbled)
• Mushrooms (sautéed)
• Truffle oil (a drizzle)

Other Gourmet Toppings

• Kimchi
• Sriracha sauce
• Blue cheese
• Pulled jackfruit (a vegan protein option)
• Pomegranate seeds (for a sweet and sour crunch)
• Arugula (for a peppery green addition)

Dessert Nachos Toppings (for a sweet version!)

• Chocolate chips
• Caramel or butterscotch chips
• Crushed candy bars
• Mini marshmallows
• Cinnamon sugar
• Sliced strawberries or bananas (add after baking)
• Caramel sauce (add after baking)
• Whipped cream (add after baking)

You will need these ingredients to make this loaded nachos recipe (paid links):

FOR THE BEEF NACHOS:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 12 ounces nacho chips
• 2 cups shredded cheese we like a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella
• 2 roma tomatoes
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños (or more, if you wish!)
• 1 small red onion chopped
• 1 avocado cubed
• 1 – 2 green onions
• 15 ounces canned black beans
• 15 ounces canned corn 
• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 4 tablespoons cilantro chopped
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• lime wedges optional

FOR THE CHICKEN NACHOS

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 12 ounces tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheese we like a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella
• 1/3 cup pickled red onions diced
• 1/2 cup canned corn or use frozen corn
• 2 green onions
• 2 fresh jalapeños optional
• 1 avocado cubed
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 3 – 4 tablespoons cilantro chopped

Try one of these different versions of loaded nachos!

1. BBQ Chicken: Instead of cooking the chicken with taco seasoning, use barbecue sauce. Layer chips with bbq chicken, red onion, cilantro and cheddar cheese.
2. Buffalo Chicken: Use blue cheese, buffalo chicken, shredded or cubed, diced celery and serve with ranch dressing.
3. Breakfast Nachos: Add scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, red pepper, onions and cheddar cheese. Serve with salsa and sour cream.
4. Greek Inspired: Use grilled chicken, red onion, feta cheese, then top with cucumbers and tomatoes after baking and serve with Tzatziki sauce.
5. Pulled Pork: Top the tortilla chips with pulled pork, black beans, corn and cheese. Serve with bbq sauce and sour cream.

• Chop cooked chicken into bite size pieces
• Place tortilla chips evenly on a pan
• Layer with shredded cheese
• Top with chicken and preferred veggies – leave the watery veggies to add after the nachos bake
• Sprinkle more cheese on top
• Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
• Serve with sour cream, guacamole and salsa

• Brown ground beef with taco seasoning and cumin
• Layer tortilla chips on a sheet pan
• Cover with shredded cheese
• Chop and sprinkle veggies over chips – add the watery chopped veggies after the nachos bake
• Add the beef to the chips
• Layer more cheese
• Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
• Serve with sour cream, guacamole and salsa

• Place tortilla chips on a sheet pan
• Sprinkle with shredded cheese
• Evenly distribute chopped veggies- leave the watery veggies until after the nachos bake
• Add more shredded cheese
• Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
• Serve with sour cream, guacamole and salsa

We hope you love making these delicious nachos as much as we do! Let us know in the comments below, what are YOUR favourite nacho toppings? We’d love to know!

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