Nachos are a popular appetizer or snack made of tortilla chips layered with melted cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, and other toppings. However, a common problem when making nachos is that the chips can become soggy if not prepared properly. Soggy nacho chips lose their crunchiness and can ruin the texture of this tasty dish. Luckily, there are some easy tricks to keep your nacho chips crispy and prevent them from becoming a soggy mess.
Use Sturdy Chips
The first step to prevent soggy nacho chips is to start with a sturdy tortilla chip. Look for thicker style tortilla chips rather than thin, flimsy ones which tend to get soggy faster. Some good options are:
- Restaurant style tortilla chips
- Stone ground corn tortilla chips
- Multigrain tortilla chips
Thicker tortilla chips hold up better to wet toppings and maintain their crunch longer. You can find these sturdier chips in the snack aisle at most grocery stores.
Bake the Chips
Baking your tortilla chips before adding any toppings helps remove any excess moisture and makes them nice and crispy. To bake tortilla chips:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray chips with oil or brush with a small amount of olive oil.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes, until lightly browned and crispy.
The oil helps bring out the crispiness of the chips while baking drives off any moisture. Just watch carefully as they can burn quickly.
Blot Wet Toppings
When adding juicy toppings like salsa, beans, or guacamole, be sure to drain any excess liquid. You can gently blot wet ingredients with a paper towel before adding them to the chips. This removes pooled moisture that would otherwise soak into the chips.
Add Toppings in Layers
Build your nachos in layers by adding just a portion of the toppings at a time. Cover chips with some shredded cheese first. Melt in the oven or microwave until cheese is fully melted. Next, add another layer of chips and cover with more cheese and other toppings. The cheese acts as a moisture barrier between the chips and wet ingredients. Just be sure to fully melt the cheese before adding any additional toppings.
Nachos Layering Method
- Chips
- Shredded cheese
- Chips
- Beans, salsa, etc.
- Shredded cheese
- Chips
- Remaining toppings
- Shredded cheese
Use a Cooling Rack
A wire cooling rack can help prevent chips on the bottom from getting soggy. Place the baking rack over a baking sheet or plate before piling on the tortilla chips and toppings. The rack elevates the bottom layer of chips allowing air to circulate underneath. Moisture can drip through the rack instead of pooling under the chips.
Bake the Final Product
After piling on all your desired toppings, bake the entire platter of nachos for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. This final baking helps seal in moisture and keeps your chips crispy. Just watch that your chips don’t burn.
Use Quick Melting Cheese
Some cheese melts quicker and more evenly than others. Using a cheese designed for nachos and similar dishes can prevent soggy chips. Some good options include:
| Cheese | Melting Quality |
|---|---|
| Oaxaca | Melts very smoothly |
| Monterey Jack | Melts evenly and quickly |
| Asadero | Melts easily without oiliness |
| Cheddar Cheese | Classic nacho cheese, melts smoothly |
| Queso Cheese | Specifically designed for nachos and quesadillas |
The faster a cheese melts, the quicker it can form a protective layer over the chips to seal in crispiness.
Use Multiple Baking Sheets
For larger batches of nachos, divide between two baking sheets rather than piling onto one. This prevents chips on the bottom from getting smashed and soggy. Use multiple pans and swap their positions halfway through baking. It allows the nachos to bake evenly.
Conclusion
Soggy nacho chips can ruin this popular appetizer. Thankfully, with a few simple tricks you can enjoy perfectly crispy chips every time. Start with sturdy tortilla chips and bake them prior to topping. Layer on ingredients, letting cheese melt in between. Drain wet toppings before adding. Use a cooling rack to elevate the chips. And bake the finished product until the cheese fully melts. Follow these tips and you’ll never have to worry about a soggy nacho chip again.