Randy Chandler
Nachos are a great snack, appetizer, or casual dinner, and they're easy to make. The basic ingredients are tortilla chips, salsa, and cheese, but you can also add toppings like beef, beans, guacamole, and sour cream. To make nachos, start by preheating your oven to around 350–425°F. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, then add salsa and cheese. You can also add other toppings like beef and beans, or spring onions and chilli. Bake for about 3–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sides like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for dipping.
How to cook nachos with salsa and cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350°F-425°F |
| Baking time | 3-15 minutes |
| Baking tray | lined with a silicone mat or foil |
| Chips | tortilla chips, preferably thick |
| Cheese | shredded, preferably self-grated |
| Cheese type | cheddar, fontina, cotija, queso fresco, Monterey Jack, habanero |
| Salsa | fresh tomato salsa |
| Other toppings | beef, beans, guacamole, sour cream, jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, cilantro, taco seasoning, refried beans |
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What You'll Learn
Selecting the right cheese
The cheese you choose for your nachos can make or break the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you select the perfect cheese for your nachos:
Melting properties
For nachos, you want a cheese that melts well. Cheeses that melt particularly well include cheddar, fontina, Monterey Jack, and Mexican cheeses like cotija and queso fresco. Pre-grated cheese blends can work well for nachos, but some prefer to grate their own cheese, as it tends to melt better and is often more cost-effective.
Flavour
Different cheeses will add different flavours to your nachos. For a classic flavour, mild, crumbly Mexican cheeses like cotija or queso fresco are a good choice. If you like your cheese with a little heat, try a Monterey Jack or habanero cheese. For a sharper flavour, cheddar is a popular choice.
Texture
The texture of the cheese can also affect the overall texture of your nachos. For example, using a combination of shredded cheese and cheese sauce can help create a creamy texture. Alternatively, using larger chunks of cheese can create a gooey, stringy texture when melted.
Amount
When it comes to nachos, you can never have too much cheese! Use a generous amount of cheese to ensure your nachos are extra cheesy and delicious.
Vegan options
If you're making vegan nachos, you can find vegan cheese at most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can make your own vegan cheese sauce or use a recipe like vegan chipotle queso.
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Preparing the tortilla chips
Preparing tortilla chips is the first step to making delicious nachos. While you can buy tortilla chips from the store, you can also make them at home. To make them at home, cut a corn tortilla into wedges and fry them. If you want to save time, you can buy tortilla chips from the store. Just make sure to avoid flavored chips like Doritos, as these don't make great nachos. Choose thicker tortilla chips, as they can better withstand the weight of the toppings. The thin, cantina-style chips tend to break easily.
Once you have your tortilla chips, it's time to assemble your nachos. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 375°F, depending on your recipe). Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone mat, which will make clean-up easier. Spread your tortilla chips out on the baking sheet in a single layer. If you want to avoid soggy nachos, you can pre-bake the chips for a few minutes before adding any toppings. This will give them a sturdier base to hold all your toppings.
Now it's time to add your toppings. Start with a layer of cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as Cheddar, fontina, or a Mexican blend. Grating your own cheese will give you a better melt, and it's more cost-effective. You can also use pre-shredded cheese blends if you prefer. Just sprinkle the cheese over the chips, making sure to get some on each chip.
After the cheese, you can add some of your other favourite toppings. Sliced spring onions, jalapeños, and black beans are all great options. You might also want to add some meat, like ground beef or chicken. If you're adding meat, make sure to cook it beforehand and drain any excess fat so your nachos don't become soggy.
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Making homemade salsa
Next, prepare your other ingredients. You will typically need onion, garlic, peppers or chili, cilantro or parsley, lime juice, and various seasonings. For the onion, you can use red or yellow, and it should be peeled and quartered. For the peppers, you can use jalapeños for spice, or bell peppers for a milder flavor. If you like your salsa spicy, you can also add habanero, serrano chilies, or chipotle peppers.
Now, combine your ingredients in a food processor or blender. Pulse or blend until the contents are finely chopped and well blended. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse in quick bursts or blend for a shorter time. Taste your salsa and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it's too watery, you can strain some of the liquid.
Finally, chill your salsa in the refrigerator for a few hours to let the flavors develop. Homemade salsa will typically last for up to a week if stored in a sealed container in the fridge, and it can also be frozen for up to 4 months.
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Choosing toppings
When it comes to choosing toppings for nachos, there are endless possibilities. The key is to balance hot and cold toppings and include a variety of textures and flavours. Here are some ideas for toppings to take your nachos to the next level:
Cheese
Cheese is essential for nachos, and the best option is to grate your own for the perfect melt. Try a Mexican cheese like cotija or queso fresco, or opt for something with a little heat like Monterey Jack or habanero cheese. For a classic option, go for cheddar, or if you want something different, fontina is a good choice.
Beans
Beans are a great way to add protein and texture to your nachos. You can use refried beans, black beans, or a combination of both. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid making your nachos soggy.
Meat
If you're looking for a hearty option, add some meat to your nachos. Seasoned beef is a popular choice, but you could also try shredded chicken or even ground beef for a different texture. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat before adding it to your nachos.
Vegetables
Nachos can be a great way to get some extra veggies into your diet. Onions, tomatoes, and spring onions are all great options. If you're looking for something with a bit of spice, add some jalapeños or chilli peppers. You could also try something different like orange bell pepper or cabbage coleslaw on the side.
Extras
Don't forget the extras! Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa are all must-haves for nachos. You can buy these pre-made or make your own for a more customised flavour. Other options include pico de gallo, cilantro, and lettuce. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own tortilla chips by cutting corn tortillas into wedges and frying them at home.
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Baking and serving
Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). If you're short on time, you can preheat to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone mat, which will make clean-up easier.
Spread your tortilla chips out on the baking sheet. If you're using a meat topping, such as beef or chicken, this should be cooked and seasoned before you start assembling your nachos. You can then add your meat, along with any other toppings that benefit from the baking process, such as beans, to the chips.
Next, add a layer of cheese. It's best to grate your own cheese, as pre-grated cheese often contains anti-clumping agents, and freshly grated cheese melts better. You can then add another layer of toppings, such as salsa, and top with another layer of cheese.
Bake in the oven for around 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you want to add any fresh toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or fresh jalapeños, you should do so now.
You can serve your nachos straight from the baking sheet, with extra toppings on the side for dipping.
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