11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (2024)

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Think outside the chip bag with these creative homemade nachos.

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11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (1)

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Updated on February 4, 2021

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11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (2)

If we could all eat nachos every day, the world might be a brighter, happier place. Really, though, beyond nutritional concerns, there's no real reason you can't eat nachos every day if you change up your nachos recipes enough—and with the right ingredients, you can even make nachos borderline healthy. (Or at least healthy enough to be counted among the healthy Super Bowl snacks.)

Homemade nachos can be just as tasty as the stadium or restaurant thing, and they can be healthier, too. Again, it's all in the topping choices, and with the right ones—think butternut squash—you can turn this indulgent Super Bowl food into a full meal for a crowd.

While Asian nachos offer a delicious spin on the classic chips-and-cheese base, there are plenty of other ways to change up your nachos dish. Best of all, you can set up a toppings bar, so even the pickiest eater can put exactly what they want on their plate. From chicken nachos to vegetarian nachos recipes, this list has it all—but before you look through all our recipes, check out our helpful guide to making nachos at home. You may just be inspired to put together your own nachos combo. If not, never fear—more recipes await.

How to make nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (3)

No-fail nachos recipes

01of 11

Cheesy Chicken Nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (4)

Get the recipe

Turn a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken into the nachos recipe of your dreams with this easy dish, which bakes in the oven and has plenty of opportunities for you to add or take away the ingredients of your choice.

02of 11

Not-So-Average Nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (5)

Get the recipe

For chicken nachos unlike anything you've tried before, turn to this take on the dish. You'll pre-melt the cheese—using 1 percent milk for a lighter topping—and pour them directly over your chips, no baking necessary. Your chips will stay fresh-from-the-bag crispy, and you'll have the same gooey, delicious mess of a dish you know and love.

03of 11

Barbecue Chicken Nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (6)

For a fun twist, change up your typical nacho toppings with shredded rotisserie chicken, barbecue sauce, and Cheddar.

04of 11

Green Chile Steak Nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (7)

The addition of seared skirt steak makes these nachos feel positively classy. With green chiles, radish, and red onion on top of the two-blend cheese, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

05of 11

Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (8)

For vegetarian nachos, this easy dish is just the thing—and it's plenty filling, too. Roasted, sliced sweet potatoes replace tortilla chips for a more veggie-focused meal. With black beans, toasted pumpkin seeds, and cotija cheese on top, it's an explosion of high-end ingredients—and flavors.

06of 11

Single-Serve Nacho Cups

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (9)

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Enjoy all the flavors of nachos without the mess with this recipe, which calls for baking your chips and ingredients in a muffin tin so it's all pre-portioned (and more sanitary to share).

07of 11

Spicy Corn and Chorizo Nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (10)

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Pickled jalapeño slices provide a spicy kick balanced out by sweet kernels of corn.

08of 11

Braised Pork and Squash Nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (11)

Surprise: Butternut squash is the nachos ingredient you never knew you needed. Paired with shredded pork for protein (and rich, tender flavor), this nachos recipe will raise a few eyebrows—and then have everyone coming back for seconds.

09of 11

Breakfast Nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (12)

While this dish is an unbeatable hangover cure, it's also a must-try for breakfast fans everywhere. Loaded with hash browns, breakfast sausage, and fried egg, it's got everything you want for breakfast (or breakfast for dinner) in every bite.

10of 11

Mango Chutney and Yogurt Nachos

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (13)

Give nachos a surprising Indian-inspired spin with mango chutney, yogurt, and cilantro—all with the necessary melted cheese, of course.

11of 11

Nachos With Fresh Corn Salsa

11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (14)

For a lighter nacho option, try adding a corn, red onion, and jalapeño blend on top of the essential cheese-over-chips. Sprinkle with avocado and sour cream for a snack that feels plenty filling without getting too heavy.

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11 Tasty Nachos Recipes That Will Completely Change the Way You Think About Chips and Cheese (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to making good nachos? ›

12 secrets to making the perfect nachos
  1. Pay great attention to the construction of the actual nacho. ...
  2. Melt in the oven. ...
  3. Fry your own chips. ...
  4. Don't settle for refried beans. ...
  5. Use Mexican meats. ...
  6. Drain the liquid from sauces. ...
  7. Don't be lazy and use a block of boring cheese. ...
  8. Get creative.
Mar 6, 2014

How do you keep chips from getting soggy when making nachos? ›

To achieve this, put one layer of chips on a baking sheet, then cover with cheese and toppings. Repeat until you've used everything up so that every bite is the same from beginning to end. Sprinkle on fresh toppings like cilantro, scallions, tomatoes, and pickled jalapenos on after the nachos come out of the oven.

What are good things to put on nachos? ›

Pico de gallo (store bought or fresh), guacamole, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced onions and tomatoes, and fresh cilantro are classic fresh nacho toppings to sprinkle over top.

What is the best order for nachos? ›

Start with a base of tortilla chips, cheese, salsa, jalapeño, and any warm fillings like meats and veggies. Once the cheese melts, remove from the oven, add another layer, and repeat. This extra step ensures your nachos are well-covered and evenly baked from top to bottom.

What makes nachos taste better? ›

Top tip: While buying pre-shredded works for nachos, I always recommend grating your cheese yourself. It's the key to getting the ultimate cheesy meltiness that I crave in a good nachos recipe. The beans: Both canned refried beans and black beans are the stars of these nachos.

Why are nachos the best? ›

There is nothing better than this simple mix of crispy chips and the oozing cheese that is simply irresistible and delicious for any occasion or mood. Nachos are a type of food that can be mixed up for any occasion because you can change up the toppings to meet the event.

How to get crispy nachos? ›

Limiting the number of ingredients baked with the chips is the key to crispiness. Top chips with no more than two or three toppings. Choose from items such as black beans, refried beans, chopped grilled chicken, seasoned ground beef (browned and drained), or chopped jalapenos.

How to make nachos crispy again? ›

Place them in a metal pan, whether you've layered them or made separate little nacho bites with round chips. Place them in a 300F oven to crisp up, keeping a careful eye on them so they don't burn. After they're hot all the way through, turn the heat up to 350F for about 5 minutes.

What cheese melts best for nachos? ›

Choose a combination of cheeses for both flavor and meltability. A Monterey Jack cheese will have the oozy-melty quality sought after in the best nachos, while a standard sharp cheddar will offer a little tang.

What goes on nachos first? ›

Spread out a layer of chips, followed by an even distribution of meat and beans, then lots--I mean lots--of cheese. Complete coverage guarantees you don't commit the cardinal sin of nacho making: the sad chip with no topping. Repeat until you have an impressive tray a few layers high, then bake.

Does salsa belong on nachos? ›

The modern form of nachos has several possible ingredients with the most common toppings being cheese, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños, olives, refried beans, ground beef, chicken, and sometimes lettuce. Lettuce is a less common topping, if added at all.

Are nachos a snack or a meal? ›

A highly versatile snack, nachos can easily be customized to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Choose from toppings like guacamole, salsa, jalapenos, sour cream, and more to make a custom nacho bar that customers will appreciate.

How to make nachos like a pro? ›

Here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade nachos:
  1. Cook and season the ground beef on the stove.
  2. Spread the tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
  3. Top the chips with cheese, beans, and beef.
  4. Broil until the cheese is melted.
  5. Top with olives, salsa, sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños.
Jan 31, 2024

Is nachos a main dish? ›

While nachos have always made a great appetizer, don't hesitate to turn them into a full meal! This recipe works perfectly for dinner, be it for a party of one or for the entire family.

What is the best melting cheese for nachos? ›

A: While you can technically use any type of cheese for nachos, some cheeses work better than others. The best options include Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, and Queso Blanco.

Do you put cheese or toppings first on nachos? ›

To make sure every chip is covered in cheese, lay down the cheese on the chips first. The cheese will serve as a blanket, protecting the chips from liquidy, sog-inducing toppings.

Should you use parchment paper when making nachos? ›

Be sure to add a layer of aluminum foil or parchment paper to the bottom of your baking sheet before assembling the nachos. This will make clean up easy and prevent the nachos from sticking.

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