Nachos are a popular Tex-Mex snack or appetizer consisting of tortilla chips layered with cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, and other toppings. They can be prepared in the oven or on the grill, leading many nacho lovers to debate which cooking method results in better nachos.
Both oven-baked and grilled nachos have their pros and cons in terms of flavor, texture, ease of preparation, and other factors. In this article, we will compare oven nachos versus grill nachos to help you determine which cooking method truly produces superior nachos.
Oven Nachos
Baking nachos in the oven is a simple, mess-free way to prepare them. Here are some of the benefits of oven-baked nachos:
Even heating and melting
One of the best things about oven nachos is that the heat from the oven circulates all around the nachos, melting the cheese evenly. Chips on the very bottom of the pan get evenly heated and crispy as those on top. With grilled nachos, it can be harder to achieve even melting and crisping.
Layering made easy
Assembling nachos in an oven-safe baking dish makes layering and loading up on toppings a breeze. You can add as many layers of chips, cheese, beans, salsa, etc. as you want without things sliding around like they might on a grill.
No flipping required
With oven nachos, you simply bake until the cheese is melty and nachos are heated through. There is no need to flip or move them while cooking.
Ideal for large batches
The oven’s large capacity is perfect for making nachos for a crowd. You can double or triple a nacho recipe in a larger baking dish easily. Grilling enough nachos for a party could be difficult.
Cooks most toppings
The oven bakes on toppings like beans, chicken, and veggies along with the chips and cheese. This perfectly cooks all ingredients at once. The grill is really just ideal for melting cheese.
No char or burnt chips
With consistent, gentle oven heat, it’s unlikely you’ll end up with any overly browned chips or burnt spots. The grill can create char and cause burning if you aren’t extremely careful.
Grill Nachos
While oven nachos have their perks, grilling the snack adds some irresistible flavor. Here are some benefits of grill-prepared nachos:
Smoky, charred taste
The most significant advantage of grilled nachos is the tasty char and smoky flavor you can only achieve on a hot grill. Chili pepper, mesquite, or hickory wood chips infuse the chips with delicious smokey barbecue notes.
Crispier chips
The high heat of the grill crisps tortilla chips beautifully. Oven heat tends to soften them and make them less crunchy compared to the grill. You also get delicious browned bits where the chips touch the grill grates.
Melted cheese with bonus flavor
Yes, grilling takes more effort to melt cheese evenly. But the work is worth it for the bonus flavor from the smoky grill. Oven cheese melting is effective but one-dimensional.
Better for just a few servings
It’s easier to grill a smaller batch of nachos for two to four people. Oven baking is better for larger quantities since you can fit more nachos.
Fun, interactive cooking
Heating up the grill and cooking nachos outdoors can be an enjoyable, engaging experience. Kids love to get involved and be “grill masters.” Oven nachos require more passive cooking.
Allows for extra grillable toppings
The grill isn’t just for chips and cheese. You can throw on grilled chicken, shrimp, peppers, onions, etc. to take the nachos to the next level. Oven-only cooking limits you to ingredients that bake well.
Temperature control challenges
It can be tricky regulating temperature on the grill to melt cheese without burning chips. Ovens provide consistent, even heat with no manual temperature monitoring.
Key Considerations for Oven vs. Grill Nachos
Now that we’ve outlined the pros and cons of oven and grill nachos, here are some other factors to help decide which is best:
Type of chips
Sturdy corn chips hold up better on the grill while fragile flakes and specialty chips are best baked.
Number of servings
Oven works better for larger batches; grill for just a few people.
Added toppings
Grill is great if you want smoky, grilled toppings. Oven allows you to bake on any toppings evenly.
Equipment available
If all you have is an oven, you’re limited to baking. Outdoor grills mean you can opt to grill.
Time and monitoring
Oven nachos require less hands-on time. Grilling demands more attention while cooking.
Flavor preferences
Those who love smoky flavor will prefer the grill. If you want gentler oven melting, bake them.
Weather conditions
Grilling works better in dry weather. Ovens can bake nachos year-round.
Grill and Oven Nacho Recipes
To highlight the differences between oven and grill nachos, here are some excellent recipe options for each cooking method:
Oven Nacho Recipes
Loaded Chili Nachos
– Chips
– Shredded cheddar
– Chili with beans
– Diced tomatoes
– Jalapeños
– Sour cream
– Avocado
– Scallions
Bake chips and cheese. Top with remaining ingredients.
Southwestern Chicken Nachos
– Chips
– Chicken
– Pepper jack
– Black beans
– Corn
– Red onion
– Cilantro
Bake chips, chicken, and cheese. Add remaining toppings.
BLT Nachos
– Chips
– Bacon
– Cheddar
– Cherry tomatoes
– Lettuce
– Green onion
Bake chips, bacon, and cheese. Finish with veggies.
Grilled Nacho Recipes
Steakhouse Nachos
– Chips
– Steak strips
– Blue cheese crumbles
– Tomato
– Grilled onion
– Mesquite smoke
Grill steak, chips, and onion. Add remaining items.
Grilled Veggie Nachos
– Chips
– Zucchini
– Eggplant
– Red pepper
– Goat cheese
– Spinach
– Balsamic glaze
Grill veggies and chips. Top and enjoy.
Spicy Shrimp Nachos
– Chips
– Grilled shrimp
– Pepper jack
– Sriracha aioli
– Pickled jalapeños
– Tomato
– Cilantro
Cook shrimp on grill. Layer all ingredients.
Conclusion
So should you be baking or grilling your nachos? The answer depends on your specific preferences and circumstances:
For oven nachos:
– Want even melting and heating
– Need to serve a crowd
– Like hands-off baking
– Have an oven but no grill
For grilled nachos:
– Enjoy the charred, smoky flavor
– Want a small batch
– Looking for an interactive cooking process
– Have grill equipment to use
Both oven-baked and grilled nachos can be absolutely delicious when done right. If you can’t decide between the two, try making a baked layer of chips and cheese first, then finishing them on the grill for the best of both worlds! No matter how you prepare them, nachos are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.