Pin This My roommate in college used to make these every Friday night while we watched movies, and the whole apartment would smell like melted cheese and spices. We'd crowd around the baking sheet, everyone grabbing for the corners with the most cheese. Those nights taught me that great nachos are about layering flavors, not just piling toppings on chips.
Last summer I made a massive tray for my sister's birthday party. Her friends stood around the kitchen island, chips in hand, chatting and grabbing toppings. The platter was empty in ten minutes flat, and someone immediately asked if I could make another batch.
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Ingredients
- Tortilla chips: Sturdy chips that can hold up under layers of toppings without getting soggy too quickly
- Cheddar cheese: Provides that sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully over everything
- Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creaminess and helps create that irresistible cheese pull
- Black beans: Rinse them thoroughly so they don't make the chips underneath mushy
- Jalapeños: Fresh ones give a bright heat, while pickled ones add acidity
- Cherry tomatoes: These add moisture without making things soggy like larger tomatoes might
- Red onion: Finely chopped so you get bursts of sharp flavor in every bite
- Fresh coriander: Sprinkle this on after baking to keep its bright, herbal flavor intact
- Avocado: Adds creaminess that balances the spicy and salty elements
- Sour cream and salsa: Serve these on the side so everyone can add as much or as little as they want
- Ground beef: Season it well with chili powder and cumin for a savory, protein-packed layer
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Instructions
- Season the beef:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add ground beef, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat until it's browned and fragrant.
- Heat the oven:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F) so it's ready when you've finished assembling everything.
- Build the foundation:
- Spread tortilla chips in a single even layer on a large ovenproof platter or baking sheet.
- Add the layers:
- Scatter black beans over the chips, then sprinkle both cheeses evenly. Add the seasoned beef if you're using it.
- Top with heat:
- Scatter sliced jalapeños and half the chopped red onion across the cheese layer.
- Melt everything together:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and starting to turn golden brown at the edges.
- Freshen it up:
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, remaining onion, and fresh coriander.
- Serve while hot:
- Bring the platter to the table right away with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping.
Pin This My dad now requests these every time he visits, and we've turned it into a tradition. We stand at the counter assembling our own perfect bites, catching up on life between cheesy, spicy mouthfuls.
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Making Them Your Own
Skip the ground beef for a vegetarian version that's just as satisfying, or swap in grilled chicken strips. Chorizo works beautifully too, adding a smoky, spicy depth that pairs perfectly with melted cheese.
Getting the Texture Right
The key is arranging chips in a single layer so they all get evenly coated with cheese. Crowded chips end up soggy, while lonely chips stay bare and sad.
Serving Suggestions
A cold Mexican lager cuts through the richness perfectly, or go with a classic margarita for a festive feel. These nachos also shine alongside simple guacamole and extra hot sauce.
- Set up a toppings bar and let guests customize their own sections
- Keep extra chips handy for scraping up all that delicious cheese from the pan
- Make individual portions on smaller ovenproof dishes for a fun dinner party approach
Pin This Whether it's movie night, game day, or just a Tuesday, these nachos turn ordinary moments into something worth gathering around.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make nachos ahead of time?
Prepare all ingredients in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving. Pre-cut toppings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- → What's the best cheese for nachos?
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides excellent flavor and melting properties. Mexican cheese blends work well too.
- → How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?
Avoid watery toppings like salsa when baking. Add fresh toppings after baking and serve immediately while chips remain crisp.
- → Can I use a microwave instead?
Yes, but the oven yields superior crispy results. Microwave in 30-second intervals, watching closely to prevent overheating.
- → What can I substitute for jalapeños?
Use milder peppers like poblano strips for less heat, or habaneros for extra spice. Pickled jalapeños also work well.
- → How do I make vegan nachos?
Use plant-based cheese shreds and skip the meat. Load up with guacamole, salsa, and dairy-free sour cream alternatives.
