Randy Chandler
Chili cheese nachos are a delicious, easy-to-make snack that is perfect for game days, parties, or just a casual get-together with friends. The base of this dish consists of tortilla or corn chips, which are then layered with chili and cheese sauce. The type of cheese used can vary, but processed American cheese or cheddar are popular choices. To add some extra spice and flavour, jalapeños, salsa, or chili powder can be included. Once the nachos are baked and the cheese is melted, they can be topped with sour cream, scallions, cilantro, and ground beef for a hearty and satisfying meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| Calories | 971kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 98g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 53g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 81mg |
| Sodium | 1456mg |
| Potassium | 941mg |
| Fiber | 13g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Vitamin A | 1124IU |
| Vitamin C | 12mg |
| Calcium | 488mg |
| Iron | 7mg |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Queso, American |
| Toppings | Sour cream, red onion, scallions, cilantro, jalapenos, beef, chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip, soft pretzels, ground beef, tomatoes, salsa, guacamole, corn salsa, meatballs, sliders, pinwheels, lime wedges |
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What You'll Learn
- Nacho cheese sauce is made with pickled jalapeño juice and melted cheese
- Corn tortilla chips are a must for serving nacho cheese with chilli sauce
- For a healthier option, serve with vegetable sticks instead of tortilla chips
- For a full spread, serve with chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip, and soft pretzels
- Toppings include sour cream, red onion, scallions, cilantro, and beef chilli
Nacho cheese sauce is made with pickled jalapeño juice and melted cheese
A plate of nachos is a quintessential snack food, with crispy tortilla chips slathered with spicy, melty cheese, heaped with all your favourite toppings. The key to the best nachos is the cheese sauce, and the secret to the best nacho cheese sauce is pickled jalapeño juice.
While working at a movie theatre, a former employee shared that they would dump a big can of unflavoured processed American cheese into a nacho cheese warmer. To make the nacho cheese, they would swirl in pickled jalapeño juice, along with a healthy portion of pickled jalapeños, into the cheese and serve it up over corn tortillas. The jalapeño juice adds a tangy kick to the sauce, giving it dimension and brightness. It is not too spicy, as the heat is diluted by the volume of the sauce.
To make your own nacho cheese sauce, you will need cheese, butter, flour, milk, and pickled jalapeño juice. Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, stir in the flour and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to form a roux. Next, stir in the milk and allow it to simmer. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly add the cheese a bit at a time, stirring until it melts through. Finally, stir in the pickled jalapeño juice and keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. You can also add some of the pickled jalapeños, if desired. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or keep warm in a crockpot or fondue pot if serving at a party.
For a more indulgent nacho experience, try chilli cheese nachos. Pile tortilla chips high on a baking sheet, top with chilli and cheese sauce, and then add another layer of chips, chilli, and cheese. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then top with sour cream, red onion, and sliced jalapeños.
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Corn tortilla chips are a must for serving nacho cheese with chilli sauce
Corn tortilla chips are the perfect base for serving nacho cheese with chilli sauce. This combination is a classic for a reason—the crispy, salty tortilla chips provide a satisfying crunch and a neutral flavour that pairs well with the spicy, creamy cheese and chilli.
While you can use store-bought tortilla chips, making your own is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Cut corn tortillas into triangles, then fry them in hot oil until crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while they're still warm. You can also bake them in the oven for a healthier option.
When it comes to the nacho cheese, a good-quality cheddar is key. Grate the cheese yourself for the smoothest, creamiest texture. Start by making a roux with butter and flour, then slowly add milk, whisking continuously. Finally, stir in the grated cheese a little at a time until you have a smooth, melty sauce. For an extra kick, add some pickled jalapeño juice and chopped jalapeños.
To assemble the nachos, scatter corn tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with chilli and cheese sauce, then add another layer of chips, chilli, and cheese. Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and add your favourite toppings. Sour cream, red onion, jalapeños, scallions, ground beef, and cilantro are all great options. Serve immediately while the nachos are still hot and crispy!
Whether you're serving them as a weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or party appetiser, corn tortilla chips are the ideal base for nacho cheese and chilli sauce. They provide the perfect balance of texture and flavour, making them a must-have for this delicious dish.
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For a healthier option, serve with vegetable sticks instead of tortilla chips
Chili cheese nachos are a delicious and easy-to-make snack, perfect for game days, parties, or a simple weeknight dinner. The traditional recipe calls for tortilla chips, chili, cheese, and various toppings such as sour cream, red onion, and jalapeños. However, if you're looking for a healthier option, consider swapping out the tortilla chips for vegetable sticks.
Vegetable sticks, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, can be a great alternative to tortilla chips. They provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the warm and spicy chili cheese. By choosing vegetable sticks, you increase the nutritional value of your snack, adding more vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your diet. This option can be especially appealing if you're looking for a gluten-free or grain-free alternative to tortilla chips.
Preparing vegetable sticks is simple. Cut your desired vegetables into thin, stick-like shapes. You can also experiment with different vegetables to find your favorite combinations. Some popular options include carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and zucchini. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try blanched asparagus or roasted eggplant slices.
To assemble your chili cheese nachos with vegetable sticks, arrange the sticks on a platter or plate. Top them with warm chili and shredded cheese. You can also add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, green onions, or cilantro. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and bubbly. Your guests can then enjoy dipping their vegetable sticks into the warm chili cheese, creating a fun and interactive eating experience.
For an even healthier twist, consider making your own nacho cheese sauce using natural ingredients. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, then slowly add milk, whisking continuously until you have a smooth sauce. Finally, add grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed. This homemade sauce is a delicious and healthier alternative to processed cheese sauces.
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For a full spread, serve with chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip, and soft pretzels
For a delicious, indulgent, and hearty spread, serve up some chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip, soft pretzels, and, of course, nacho cheese with chili sauce. This combination is perfect for game day, parties, or any get-together. It's a fun and easy way to feed a crowd, and your guests will love the variety of flavours and textures.
Let's start with the star of the show: nacho cheese with chili sauce. This dynamic duo is a match made in heaven, and it's easy to make at home. The key to great nacho cheese is using a good melting cheese, like processed American cheese, and adding flavour with cheddar. To get that signature spicy kick, add some pickled jalapeño juice and chopped jalapeños. You can also stir in a spoonful of jalapeño tomato salsa, diced green chiles, or chili powder to taste. Don't forget to serve it warm to get that perfect, creamy texture.
Now, for the sides and dips: chicken wings, buffalo chicken dip, and soft pretzels. Chicken wings are a classic, and you can offer a variety of sauces to suit different tastes, such as honey barbecue, teriyaki, or garlic parmesan. Buffalo chicken dip is a crowd-pleaser and an easy way to enjoy the flavours of buffalo chicken wings without the mess. It's made with shredded chicken, hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot), cream cheese, ranch dressing, and lots of shredded cheese. Soft pretzels round out the spread, offering a heartier base for your nacho cheese and dips.
To elevate your spread, provide a variety of toppings and sides. For the nacho cheese, offer tortilla chips, sour cream, red onion, and extra jalapeños. Guests can build their own chili cheese nachos and customise their plates. You can also provide crackers, celery sticks, or cut-up veggies to accompany the buffalo chicken dip. Don't forget to keep everything warm, especially the nacho cheese, to maintain that inviting, melty texture. With this spread, you're sure to satisfy even the hungriest of crowds!
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Toppings include sour cream, red onion, scallions, cilantro, and beef chilli
When it comes to nachos, the cheese sauce is key, but the toppings are what make them truly special. A generous helping of sour cream, red onion, scallions or spring onions, cilantro, and beef chilli can take your nachos to the next level.
Sour cream provides a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy, savoury notes of the cheese sauce and beef chilli. Red onion adds a sharp, crisp bite, while scallions or spring onions bring a mild onion flavour and a bright, fresh colour. Cilantro, with its unique, strong flavour, adds a wonderful depth and freshness to the dish. And, of course, beef chilli provides a hearty, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the cheese sauce.
When preparing your toppings, it's important to consider the texture and flavour combinations. For example, you might want to chop the red onion and scallions finely so that they can be scattered evenly over the nachos, adding a crunchy texture without being too overpowering. Cooking the beef chilli until it's no longer pink ensures a tender, juicy bite, and draining any excess grease helps to prevent a messy dining experience.
The beauty of nachos is that they can be customised to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of each topping to cater to your desired level of flavour and texture. For a more indulgent treat, you might consider adding extra cheese sauce or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top.
Whether you're serving these nachos for a casual get-together with friends, game day, or a weeknight dinner, they're sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Don't forget to have some napkins on hand, as this delicious combination of toppings can get a little messy!
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients for nacho cheese sauce are butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Pickled jalapeño juice and jalapeños are also often added for a spicy kick.
To make nacho cheese sauce, first, heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, stir in flour and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes to form a roux. Next, stir in milk and allow to simmer. Finally, stir in the cheese a bit at a time until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
To make chili cheese nachos, first, scatter tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Then, add chili and cheese sauce, and layer on more chips, chili, and cheese. Bake for about 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finally, top with desired toppings such as sour cream, red onion, jalapeños, scallions, cilantro, or ground beef.
