Nachos are a popular Tex-Mex appetizer or snack consisting of tortilla chips covered with melted cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, and other tasty toppings. While the basic ingredients are simple, perfecting the technique for crispy nachos can be tricky. With the right tricks and tips, you can achieve the ideal balance of crunch and cheese coverage every time.
The Importance of Crispy Chips
The foundation of great nachos is crispy tortilla chips. If the chips are soggy or limp, it doesn’t matter how flavorful the toppings are – the nachos will be disappointing. Here are some tips for choosing and preparing chips for maximum crunch:
- Look for thick, sturdy tortilla chips rather than thin, flimsy ones which tend to get soggy faster.
- Restaurant-style tortilla chips work better than regular bagged chips, which often have preservatives that make them soggy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the chips in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
Baking gives the chips a head start on crunch before you load on the toppings. Starting with warm chips also helps the cheese melt faster for better coverage.
Choose the Right Cheese
Stringy, melted cheese is one of the best parts of nachos. But not all cheeses work equally well. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
| Cheese | Meltability | Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Cheddar | High | Sharp, salty |
| Monterey Jack | High | Mild, buttery |
| Queso Fresco | Low | Fresh, crumbly |
| Pepper Jack | Medium | Spicy kick |
For melted cheese coverage, opt for shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. Save crumbles of queso fresco for topping individual chips.
The Right State of Cheese
You want the cheese to fully melt to coat the chips but not become liquidy. To achieve the perfect consistency:
- Grate or shred cheese to maximize surface area for melting.
- Mix in a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to make the cheese more spreadable when melted.
- Use low heat on the stove or microwave so the cheese gets warm but doesn’t separate or scald.
Layer Chili and Beans Strategically
Beans and chili add protein and lots of flavor to nachos. But these moist toppings also present a soggy chip risk. Here are some dos and don’ts when adding them:
- DO drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess liquid.
- DON’T add chili or beans before the cheese – cheese helps create a barrier.
- DO add chili and beans strategically in smaller portions vs. covering the whole tray.
- DON’T overload any single chip, especially toward the bottom layers.
If you are making baked nachos, add chili, beans, and other wet toppings about 3-5 minutes before the end of baking so they heat through but don’t soak into the chips.
Suggested Chili and Bean Combinations
| Chili/Sauce | Bean |
|---|---|
| Beef chili | Pinto |
| Shredded chicken | Black |
| Refried beans | None needed |
| Queso sauce | Black, pinto, or red kidney |
Mix and match different chili and bean varieties for more flavor and texture combinations.
Load On Fresh Toppings
No nacho platter is complete without an abundance of fresh, colorful toppings. Not only do these ingredients add flavor, but their crunch factor contrasts nicely with the soft melted cheese and chips.
Some excellent fresh topping ideas include:
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Minced red onion
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
Wait until the nachos come out of the oven or off the stove to add any cold toppings so they don’t wilt or get soggy.
Creative Nachos Topping Combinations
| Base | Toppings |
|---|---|
| Taco beef | Shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream |
| Shredded BBQ chicken | Pickled red onions, sliced jalapeños, cilantro |
| Chorizo and black beans | Diced tomatoes, avocado, cotija cheese |
| Queso sauce | Corn, pepitas, chili powder |
The more, the merrier when it comes to nacho toppings. Get creative with colors, textures, and flavors.
Bake Properly for Full Coverage
To fully transform individual chips into cheesy nacho perfection, proper baking technique is key. Here are some tips:
- Spread chips in a single layer on a baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
- Apply cheese first so it melts directly onto the chips, then add other toppings.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-12 minutes until cheese is melted and toppings are warmed through.
- For extra coverage, broil the nachos for the last 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Rotate the pan and redistribute toppings halfway through baking.
With the oven’s dry, ambient heat, the cheese melts slowly and evenly across the nachos for cheese pull perfection.
Microwave Method
For quick nachos in a pinch, the microwave can work too. Here’s how:
- Arrange chips on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
- Top with shredded cheese and microwave on high in 30 second intervals until melted.
- Add chili, beans and other toppings and microwave 1-2 minutes more to heat through.
- Let sit 1-2 minutes before eating so cheese sets up.
- Use a paper towel to cover and prevent spattering.
While not as crispy, microwave nachos can satisfy a craving in just a few minutes.
The Best Nacho Accessories
Don’t forget the accoutrements that take nachos to the next level. Here are some must-have accessories:
- Salsa and guacamole – For dipping individual chips and bites. The more varieties, the better!
- Sour cream – Its cool tanginess balances out the spice and saltiness of the nachos.
- Jalapeños – For spice lovers. Pickled, raw, or roasted are all good options.
- Hot sauce – Like sriracha or Cholula to amp up the heat even further if desired.
- Cilantro – Fresh, chopped cilantro adds color and herbal flavor. Can’t have too much!
- Lime wedges – A squirt of lime juice over any bite brightens all the flavors.
Serve the nachos family-style with various salsas, dips, and toppings on the side so everyone can customize their chips.
Conclusion
With ultra-crispy chips, melted cheese, meaty chili, cool toppings, and zesty condiments all in perfect harmony, you can’t go wrong with these expert nacho tips and tricks. Whether cooking for a crowd or just yourself at home, cheesy nachos are always a winning snack. Adjust the toppings and spices to your tastebuds and enjoy!