Kamil Perry
There are many ways to melt cheese on nachos, and the best method for you will depend on your personal preference and how much time you want to spend preparing them. You can melt cheese on nachos in the oven, under a broiler, or in the microwave. If you want to avoid scorching the cheese, you can make a cheese sauce on the stove and pour it over the nachos, or mix the cheese with a little butter or sour cream before adding it to the nachos.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 350-375°F (175°C) |
| Oven bake time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Mexican blend, TexMex blend |
| Cheese preparation | Shredded, cubed |
| Other ingredients | Beans, beef, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, green onions, avocado, cilantro, jalapenos, tomatoes, black olives, lime wedges, pico de gallo |
| Microwave time | 30 seconds-1 minute |
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What You'll Learn
Melting cheese in the oven
The first step is to choose the right cheese. Go for a cheese with good flavour that melts well. Good melting cheeses include non-aged cheddar, Colby, young Swiss, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella. Avoid aged cheeses, as they have lost too much moisture and won't melt well. Pre-shredded cheese is also best avoided, as it contains stabilisers that hinder meltability. Shred the cheese yourself for better results.
Once you have your cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F/176°C. Line a baking sheet with aluminium foil for easy cleanup. Then, grease a skillet or small sheet pan with a teaspoon of oil. Arrange a layer of tortilla chips in the pan.
Next, sprinkle your shredded cheese over the chips. You can also add other toppings at this point, such as refried beans, black olives, corn, and tomatoes. Just remember to keep your toppings bite-sized to avoid a mess. Put the pan in the oven and bake until the cheese melts and browns slightly, which should take about 8 minutes.
Finally, remove the nachos from the oven and add cold ingredients such as guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired, and enjoy!
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Melting cheese in the microwave
To make nachos with melted cheese in the microwave, start by spreading tortilla chips in an even layer on a microwave-safe plate. It is important not to use any metal dishes in the microwave. Microwave the tortilla chips on high for 20-30 seconds to warm and slightly toast them. Remove the chips from the microwave and add cheese, spreading it out evenly.
Microwave the nachos in 15-20 second bursts on high until the cheese is melted but not burnt. Be sure to watch the nachos as they cook, as microwave ovens vary, and cooking times will differ. As soon as the cheese is melted, remove the nachos from the microwave. The nachos will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the microwave, so leaving them in for too long can result in overcooked, hard cheese.
Once the cheese is melted, add any sturdier toppings, such as jalapenos, salsa, avocado, or beans, and return the nachos to the microwave for 15-30 seconds to warm through. Remove the nachos from the microwave and add sour cream, herbs, or fresh cilantro before serving. It is best to eat the nachos immediately.
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Choosing the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your nachos, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a cheese that melts well and has a good flavour. Soft or semi-soft melting cheeses are ideal for nachos, as they will create a nice, oozy texture. Hard cheeses, on the other hand, should be avoided as they can seize up and become hard in the microwave.
Monterey Jack cheese is a popular choice for nachos due to its excellent melting properties and mild flavour. It creates the perfect "oozy melt" that you want in a good plate of nachos. If you're looking for a slight tang, sharp cheddar is a great option. It pairs well with the Monterey Jack and adds a nice kick of flavour. Medium cheddar is also a good choice, as it tends to melt more smoothly than sharp cheddar, which can become grainy.
When preparing your nachos, it's best to shred the cheese yourself using a block of cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking powders, which can give your nachos an unpleasant, powdery taste. However, if you're short on time, you can use pre-shredded cheese blends, such as Mexican or TexMex blends, which work well for nachos.
Additionally, mixing your cheese with a little butter or sour cream before adding it to your nachos can enhance the creaminess and flavour. You can also try adding sodium citrate to your cheese, which will help create a gooey, nacho cheese texture.
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Choosing the right toppings
The toppings you choose for your nachos can make or break the dish. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect toppings and create a delicious, cohesive nacho platter:
Cheese Selection
The type of cheese you use is crucial. Opt for cheeses with good flavour and melting properties, such as Monterey Jack for that classic, oozy nacho cheese texture, or sharp cheddar for a tangy kick. Medium cheddar is recommended over sharp cheddar as it tends to melt more smoothly without becoming grainy. Pre-shredded cheese blends like Mexican or TexMex varieties can also work well and save you some prep time. Avoid using hard cheeses, especially in the microwave, as they can seize up and become tough.
Meat Toppings
Meats like seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken are popular choices for nachos. You can also use leftover taco meat, steak, or other cooked meats. Just make sure any meats are fully cooked and seasoned to your liking before adding them to your nachos.
Beans and Vegetables
Beans, such as black beans or refried beans, add protein and texture to your nachos. For vegetables, try chopped tomatoes, green onions, sliced avocado, cilantro, corn, or jalapeños. If you're using fresh tomatoes, avocado, or cilantro, it's best to add them just before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent sogginess.
Sauces and Dips
Salsa is a classic nacho topping, but it's important to add it at the right time. If you add salsa before baking, it can make your nachos soggy. Instead, serve salsa on the side or add it after baking, along with other dips and sauces like sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo. If you like your nachos spicy, drizzle on some hot sauce.
Tortilla Chips
While not technically a topping, choosing the right tortilla chips is essential. Opt for sturdy, thicker chips that can withstand the weight of your toppings without breaking. Avoid flavoured chips like Doritos, as they can overpower the other flavours in your nachos.
Layering Technique
The way you layer your toppings can also affect the final result. For oven-baked nachos, try layering your chips, toppings, and cheese in thirds, repeating until you've used all your ingredients. This ensures an even distribution of toppings and cheese throughout your nacho platter.
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Layering cheese and toppings
Choose the Right Cheese:
Start by selecting a cheese that melts well and has a good flavour. Monterey Jack is a popular choice for its oozy, creamy melt, while Sharp Cheddar adds a slight tang to your nachos. Medium Cheddar is also a good option as it melts smoothly and is less likely to become grainy. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as Cheddar and Monterey Jack, or go with pre-shredded cheese blends like Mexican or TexMex.
Prepare the Tortilla Chips:
Select sturdy, thicker tortilla chips that can withstand the weight of your toppings. Avoid thin chips as they tend to break easily under the load. Arrange the chips in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a skillet. If using an oven, preheat it to 350-375°F (175°C).
First Layer of Toppings:
Spread a generous amount of refried beans over the tortilla chips. You can also add other toppings like chopped tomatoes, black olives, corn, or green chilies. If you're a meat lover, this is the time to add your cooked ground beef or shredded chicken. Sprinkle half of your desired seasonings, such as taco seasoning, over this layer.
First Layer of Cheese:
Scatter a generous amount of shredded cheese over the first layer of toppings. You can use a single type of cheese or a blend, depending on your preference.
Second Layer of Toppings:
Add another layer of tortilla chips, and repeat the layering process. Spread refried beans, chopped tomatoes, black olives, or any other toppings you desire. If you're a fan of spice, add some jalapeños or green chilies. You can also sprinkle the remaining half of your seasonings over this layer.
Second Layer of Cheese:
This is the final layer of cheese, so make it count! Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the second layer of toppings. You can also add a bit of butter or sour cream to the cheese to enhance its creaminess and flavour.
Baking or Broiling:
If you're using an oven, bake the nachos for about 5-to-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a more intense melt, you can broil the nachos on high for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to avoid scorching.
Final Toppings:
Once your nachos are out of the oven, it's time to add the final toppings. Fresh, cold ingredients like guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, salsa, and chopped green onions are perfect for this step. If you want an extra kick, drizzle your nachos with hot sauce.
Remember, the key to layering cheese and toppings is to create a balanced bite with every chip. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and find the combination that suits your taste buds!
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Frequently asked questions
Monterey Jack cheese is a good choice for melting on nachos due to its "oozy melt". Sharp cheddar is another option, offering a slight tang. A combination of the two is also recommended. Medium cheddar is smoother and less likely to become grainy than sharp cheddar.
Hard cheeses should be avoided as they can seize up in the microwave. Pre-shredded cheese should also be avoided as it can make the cheese sauce taste powdery.
There are a few ways to melt cheese on nachos: in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. For the oven, it is recommended to bake at 350-375°F for 5-10 minutes. For the stovetop, make a cheese sauce by melting cheese into heated milk or by cooking flour and butter together first before adding cheese. For the microwave, spread tortilla chips on a plate and heat on high for up to 1 minute.
Popular toppings include salsa, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, black olives, black beans, corn, green onions, cilantro, and chopped tomatoes. Cold toppings such as fresh tomato, avocado, and pickled jalapeño should be added after baking.
To prevent scorching, avoid overheating the cheese sauce. If using the oven, choose sturdy tortilla chips that can bear the weight of the toppings. If using the microwave, leave a hole in the middle of the plate to prevent the outer edges from cooking too fast.
