Frederic Melton
There are many ways to serve nachos and cheese without a tray. You can use a baking sheet, cookie sheet, pizza pan, or even a trash can lid. If you're serving nachos to a crowd, you can get creative with the presentation by using a unique serving vessel like a trash can lid. This will not only make it easier to serve a large quantity of nachos but will also add a fun element to your party. When it comes to the toppings, you can choose from a variety of options such as ground beef, refried beans, black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and different types of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baking equipment | Baking sheet, cookie sheet, toaster oven tray, pizza pan, sheet pan, or a new trash can lid |
| Baking temperature | 350 degrees F or 400 degrees F |
| Baking time | 3-15 minutes |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, habanero, cotija, queso fresco, or canned cheese |
| Toppings | Beef, refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, sliced jalapenos, diced onions, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, avocado, scallions, lettuce, black beans, red onions, green chilies, hot sauce, olives, corn, ground beef, black olives, green onions, or hot sauce |
| Sides | Margaritas, burritos, quesadillas, Spanish rice, refried beans, black bean soup, cornbread, beer, tacos, or Mexican salad |
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What You'll Learn
Use a baking sheet
If you don't have a tray to serve nachos, a baking sheet is a great alternative. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or foil. You can also use a cookie sheet, which is similar in size to a baking sheet.
Spread a layer of tortilla chips on the sheet and put them in the oven at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes to make them crispy. For a standard-size bag of chips, a one-pound block of cheese works well. Grate the cheese yourself for the best melt.
Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the chips. Then, add your desired toppings, such as beef, beans, and jalapeños. Finally, sprinkle on the remaining cheese.
Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. You can also bake your nachos with just the cheese, and then set out the remaining ingredients so your guests can add their desired toppings.
Serve the nachos directly on the baking sheet, with sides of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Using a baking sheet is a convenient way to serve nachos, especially for a large crowd, as you can easily make multiple trays.
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Serve nachos on a trash can lid
If you're looking to serve nachos without a tray, why not try the impressive "trash can nachos"? This fun and delicious dish is perfect for a party or dinner and will leave your guests happily munching away. Here's how to make and serve nachos on a trash can lid:
First, you'll need to make a cheese sauce. In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk until combined, cooking for about a minute. Then, slowly whisk in half-and-half or milk until you have a rich and creamy mixture. Add your chosen shredded cheese—cheddar, Monterey Jack, and smoked gouda are a great combination. To spice things up, add cumin, cayenne pepper, and a touch of pickled jalapeno juice. You can also include chopped smoked brisket for extra flavor.
Next, it's time to assemble the nachos. Spread the cheese sauce on a large cutting board or serving platter. Place a clean, empty trash can (or a large can, such as a #10 can) on top, centering it on the sauce. Using a spatula or tongs, layer the nachos inside the can in three main layers, pressing down between each layer to maximize the amount that fits. You can use a standard-sized bag of tortilla chips here, which pairs well with a one-pound block of cheese.
Once your can is filled, carefully lift it off the nacho tower. Top your tower with garnishes like sour cream, pico de gallo, and extra shredded cheese. You can also drizzle Cholula over the top for an extra kick. Serve your warm nacho stack immediately, and don't forget to provide extra cheese sauce, sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, or salsa for dipping!
Your guests will be wowed by the towering presentation of these trash can nachos, and they'll surely enjoy the abundance of toppings and cheese sauce. So, get creative, dig in, and enjoy the ultimate nacho experience without the need for a traditional tray!
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Pair with quesadillas
If you're looking to serve nachos and cheese without a tray, pairing them with quesadillas is a great option. This dynamic duo makes for a delicious and hearty meal, and the best part is that they can be easily eaten with your hands, making cleanup a breeze. Here's how you can do it:
Preparing the Quesadillas
Start by making your quesadilla triangles. Take some flour tortillas—10-inch ones are great, but any size will do. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own homemade flour tortillas. For a crispier option, go for corn tortillas, but keep an eye on them as they may require a shorter baking time.
Grate your cheese—a mild cheddar works well as it melts beautifully and has a mild flavour that complements your toppings. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or queso fresco for a little extra heat. Spread your grated cheese on the tortillas and fold them over. Cut each quesadilla into four equal triangles, and then cut each triangle into eight smaller, chip-sized triangles.
Place your quesadilla triangles on a baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake them for about 6 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 6 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy.
Preparing the Nachos
While your quesadilla chips are baking, it's time to prepare your nacho toppings. Chop up your favourite ingredients, such as seasoned beef, chicken, beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, or any vegetables of your choice. Don't forget the classic nacho toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and pico de gallo. If you're making a large batch, you can always customise the toppings to suit different tastes.
Once your quesadilla chips are ready, transfer them to a serving platter. Now it's time to assemble your nachos. Start with a layer of quesadilla chips, then add your toppings. Begin with the heavier items like meat and beans, followed by cheese and salsa. Finish off with your favourite toppings, such as guacamole and sour cream.
Serving Tips
Nachos and quesadillas are best served hot and fresh, so bring them to the table straight from the oven. If you're serving a crowd, you can set up a nacho bar, where guests can build their own nacho plates. Don't forget to provide plates, napkins, and maybe even some baby wipes or hand sanitiser, as this meal can get a little messy!
Remember, nachos are a casual, fun food, perfect for a movie night or a Mexican-themed party. They're a great sharing dish, so invite some friends over and enjoy the delicious combination of quesadillas and nachos without the need for trays!
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Add sides of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream
When serving nachos, it's best to have a variety of sides and toppings to satisfy everyone's tastes. Sides of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are classic additions to nachos. Here are some tips to elevate your nacho-serving game:
Salsa
Salsa is a must-have side for nachos. You can offer a variety of salsas, such as traditional tomato salsa or pico de gallo, to add a burst of freshness and flavour to the nachos. If you want to get creative, you can even make your own salsa at home, experimenting with different ingredients and spices.
Guacamole
Guacamole is another essential side for nachos. It adds a creamy texture and a punch of flavour. You can make your own guacamole by mashing avocados and mixing them with sour cream, spring onions, lime juice, and seasonings. For an extra special touch, follow a homemade guacamole recipe that includes a secret ingredient, such as tomatillo salsa.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a versatile side that can be served as-is or used as a base for other dips. For example, you can make a zesty sour cream dip by mixing it with spring onions, lime juice, and seasonings. Sour cream is also an essential ingredient in many nacho toppings, such as the aforementioned guacamole. However, it's important to note that nachos topped with sour cream should not be reheated.
Presentation Ideas
You can serve the salsa, guacamole, and sour cream in small individual bowls alongside the nachos. This allows your guests to customize their nachos and add as much or as little of each topping as they like. You can also provide a variety of other toppings, such as sliced jalapeños, diced onions and tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and shredded cheese, for an even more indulgent nacho experience.
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Make a Mexican salad
While nachos are a delicious treat, they can be a little messy to serve without a tray. So, why not try making a Mexican salad? It's a perfect companion to your nachos, packed with fresh, vibrant flavours and textures. Here's how to make a delicious Mexican salad in a few simple steps:
Ingredients
For the salad, you can use a variety of ingredients, including:
- Greens: Mixed spring greens, romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, or any favourite greens.
- Veggies: Avocado, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, jicama, radishes, corn, zucchini, or any other fresh veggies.
- Fruit: Mango, pineapple, orange, or grapefruit can add a sweet twist.
- Beans: Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or any other type of bean.
- Nuts and Seeds: Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sunflower seeds, or any other nuts or seeds.
- Tortilla Chips: Crumble some tortilla chips or strips into the salad for a crunchy texture.
Dressing
For the dressing, you can make a zesty cumin-lime vinaigrette. Here's what you'll need:
- Lime juice
- Honey
- Garlic
- Oil
- Cumin
- Salt and Pepper
Protein (Optional)
You can also add a protein source to make it a more filling meal:
- Chicken
- Steak
- Pork (carnitas or barbacoa)
- Shrimp
- Salmon
- Tofu
- Beans can also be your protein source
Instructions
- Chop all your ingredients to a similar size for a consistent presentation.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together the lime juice, honey, garlic, oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad by combining your chosen ingredients in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- If desired, top with tortilla strips or chips for added crunch.
- Serve and enjoy!
This Mexican salad is a delicious and healthy option to serve alongside your nachos. It's quick, easy, and customizable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
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Frequently asked questions
You can serve nachos to a large group on a baking sheet or cookie sheet. If you want to be creative, you can use a pizza pan or a trash can lid.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake the nachos for 3 to 15 minutes. Start checking them at the three-minute mark and take them out when the cheese is melted.
Popular toppings for nachos include guacamole, sour cream, salsa, refried beans, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños.
