Patrick Oconnell
Nachos are a versatile, low-cost, and delicious dish that can be easily customised to suit individual tastes. The key to perfect nachos is getting the right ratio of chips, cheese, and toppings. For nachos with pork and cheese, the toppings can include black beans, jalapeños, sour cream, BBQ sauce, salsa, guacamole, and onions. The type of cheese used can vary, from cheddar and Colby Jack to Monterey Jack or habanero cheese. To ensure the nachos are crispy, it is recommended to pre-bake the chips and layer the ingredients properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chips | Corn tortilla chips, preferably thick and ultra-crispy |
| Cheese | Monterey Jack, Cheddar Jack, Colby Jack, Sharp Cheddar, Habanero, or any melty cheese |
| Pork | Mexican pulled pork (pork carnitas), ideally with crispy edges |
| Oil | Olive oil or vegetable oil |
| Seasoning | Kosher salt and black pepper |
| Herbs | Cilantro, green onions |
| Fruit/Veg | Avocado, Pico de Gallo, lime juice, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, diced onions, tomatoes, green chilis, black beans, corn, yellow peppers |
| Sauce | BBQ sauce, hot sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Layering nachos
The key to perfect nachos is all in the balance. Getting the right ratio of chips, cheese, and pork makes all the difference. Too much cheese can make them soggy, and too little leaves them lacking flavour. It is recommended to stick to a 1:1:1 ratio — 8 ounces of chips, 8 ounces of meat, and 8 ounces of cheese. Preheating the chips and layering the ingredients helps keep them from getting soggy and ensures every bite is loaded with flavour.
Step 1:
Start with a layer of tortilla chips. It is important to use thick, sturdy chips that can withstand the weight of the toppings. Spread the chips out in an even layer, overlapping but not stacked. This creates more opportunities for a good chip-to-toppings ratio.
Step 2:
Sprinkle on a layer of cheese. This will act as a protective barrier between the chips and the rest of the toppings, helping to keep the chips crispy. You can use shredded cheese or cheese sauce, and choose from a variety of types such as cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a mix.
Step 3:
Add the pulled pork. Warm it up and crisp the edges before layering it onto the nachos. You can use leftover Mexican pulled pork (pork carnitas) or slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with a medley of spices.
Step 4:
Repeat the layers. Add another layer of cheese, followed by more pulled pork. You can also add other toppings at this point, such as beans, onions, and jalapeños.
Step 5:
Finish with a final layer of cheese. This will ensure that every bite is cheesy and delicious.
Step 6:
Bake the nachos until the cheese is melted and bubbling. The baking time will depend on the amount of nachos you are making and the oven temperature, but it typically ranges from 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 7:
Add any fresh toppings after baking. Toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro are best added after the nachos come out of the oven to avoid overheating or wilting.
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Choosing the right cheese
Firstly, it is important to consider the type of cheese. Cheddar is a popular choice, as it is a classic, versatile option that pairs well with the other ingredients commonly found in nachos. It melts easily and has a sharp, tangy flavour that stands up to the other bold flavours in the dish. Another option is Monterey Jack, which has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a good choice for nachos. It also comes with a slight kick of heat, adding an extra dimension to the dish. For those who prefer a spicier option, habanero cheese can be used to add some heat to the nachos. Colby Jack is another variety of Jack cheese that can be used, which has a similar melting ability to Monterey Jack but with a milder flavour. For those who want a truly authentic Mexican experience, crumbly cotija or queso fresco are mild Mexican cheeses that are commonly used in nachos.
In addition to the type of cheese, the form of the cheese is also important. Freshly grated cheese is recommended over pre-shredded cheese as it melts better and improves the overall taste of the dish. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with an anti-caking powder that prevents it from melting as well as freshly grated cheese. Shredding the cheese at home allows for a gooier, stringier texture that is desirable in nachos.
Finally, the amount of cheese used is crucial to the success of the dish. Too much cheese can make the nachos soggy, while too little can leave them lacking in flavour. A balanced ratio of chips, cheese, and pork is necessary to ensure that each bite is loaded with flavour and texture.
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Picking toppings
The key to perfect nachos is all in the balance. Getting the right ratio of chips, cheese, and pork makes all the difference. Too much cheese can make the nachos soggy, and too little leaves them lacking flavour. A 1:1:1 ratio of chips, meat, and cheese is a good rule of thumb, but you can adjust this to your preference.
When it comes to the toppings themselves, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Cheese
Cheese is a key ingredient in nachos, providing flavour and texture. It's important to use a cheese that melts well and has a good stringy, gooey texture. Shredded cheese is best for this, as pre-shredded cheese is often coated with an anti-caking powder that prevents it from melting properly. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, cheddar, sharp cheddar, and habanero cheese are all great options for nachos. You can also use a mix of cheeses to add extra flavour and depth. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own nacho cheese sauce by melting cheese with butter and flour to create a thick, gooey sauce.
Pork
Pulled pork is a classic choice for nachos, and you can use leftover Mexican pulled pork (pork carnitas) or make your own. Slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with a medley of spices is a popular option, as it becomes tender and juicy. You can also use chicken carnitas for a lighter option or mix things up with grilled tofu or sliced steak.
Beans
Beans add a savoury element to the nachos and help fill them out. Pit beans, refried beans, and seasoned beans are all great options. To make your own seasoned beans, cook onions, garlic, green chiles, beans, and chicken stock together for a tasty, savoury addition to your nachos.
Spicy toppings
Jalapeños, green chilis, and serrano peppers can add a spicy kick to your nachos. If you like things extra spicy, you can even add some hot sauce.
Fresh toppings
Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro are classic nacho toppings that add a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients. You can make your own salsa or guacamole, or buy fresh, refrigerated versions from the supermarket. Diced onions, tomatoes, and green onions are also great additions.
Other toppings
Other toppings you might like to include are BBQ sauce, yellow peppers, and black beans. You can also get creative and add your own twist to the nachos with unique toppings.
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Preparing ingredients
Chips
The foundation of nachos is a bed of crispy tortilla chips. Look for thick, sturdy corn tortilla chips to withstand the weight of toppings and prevent sogginess. Pre-baking the chips in the oven at 350°F (176.6°C) can enhance their crispness.
Cheese
Cheese is a key ingredient in nachos, providing flavour and texture. Popular options include Monterey Jack, Cheddar Jack, Colby Jack, sharp Cheddar, or a combination of these. Grating the cheese yourself results in a gooier, stringier texture than pre-shredded cheese. A protective layer of shredded cheese over the chips also helps prevent sogginess.
Pork
Pulled pork, especially the Mexican variety (pork carnitas), is a common choice for nachos. Slow-cooked pork shoulder seasoned with spices is ideal. Ensure the pork is warmed and the edges are crisped before layering.
Other Toppings
A variety of toppings can be added to enhance flavour and texture:
- Salsa: Adds freshness and contrast. Homemade Pico de Gallo or store-bought refrigerated versions are preferred over jarred salsa.
- BBQ Sauce: Provides a tangy flavour. Drizzling or applying with a ziplock bag is recommended.
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy texture and helps balance spicy toppings.
- Beans: Seasoned or refried beans add savouriness and substance.
- Spicy Peppers: Jalapeños, serranos, or green chilis contribute a spicy kick.
- Onions: Red or green onions can be used raw or cooked, offering a pungent bite.
- Avocado/Guacamole: Provides a creamy texture and fresh flavour.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness and a unique flavour profile.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring freshness and colour.
Layering
The layering technique is crucial to achieving the perfect nachos. Start with a layer of chips, followed by cheese, then pork, and repeat to create additional layers. The final layer should be cheese, baked until melted and bubbly. Toppings like salsa, sour cream, and cilantro are added after baking.
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Serving suggestions
The key to serving perfect nachos is to get the right ratio of chips, cheese, and pork. Too much cheese can make the nachos soggy, and too little will leave them lacking flavour. It is also important to layer the ingredients to prevent the nachos from becoming soggy.
For the chips, thick corn tortilla chips are best as they are sturdier and can withstand the weight of the toppings. Pre-baking the chips in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes can also help to toughen them up.
For the cheese, freshly grated cheese melts and tastes better than pre-shredded cheese. Monterey Jack, a mix of Jack and mild or sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or habanero cheese are all good options.
For the pork, Mexican pulled pork (pork carnitas) is ideal. Warm the meat and crisp the edges before layering it onto the nachos. You can also use leftover pulled pork or chicken.
In addition to the chips, cheese, and pork, here are some other suggested toppings:
- BBQ sauce
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Jalapeños
- Black beans
- Yellow peppers
- Red onions
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Avocado
- Tomatoes
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Frequently asked questions
Use ultra-crispy tortilla chips and layer your nachos evenly. Pre-baking your chips can help prevent sogginess. The right ratio of chips, cheese, and pork is important—too much cheese can make nachos soggy, and too little will leave them lacking flavour.
Monterey Jack, a mix of Jack and mild or sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or habanero cheese are all great options. Grating your own cheese will give you a better melt and taste than using pre-shredded cheese.
BBQ sauce, jalapeños, sour cream, black beans, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro are all tasty additions. If you want to add more spice, include serrano peppers or green chilis.
Slow-cooking pork shoulder with a medley of spices until it's tender and juicy is a great way to prepare the pork for nachos. You can also use leftover Mexican pulled pork (carnitas) or chicken carnitas for a lighter option.
