Nachos With Cheese Recipe

Posted on March 27, 2025

Last Tuesday, my buddy Carlos rushed into my kitchen, desperate for help. “The game starts in an hour, and I promised everyone nachos!” His eyes were wide with panic. As the resident chef in our friend group, I couldn’t help but chuckle. “Relax,” I told him, sliding a baking sheet his way. “I’ll show you how to make nachos so good, no one will care about the scoreboard.” Fifteen minutes later, he left with a technique that’s turned many rookie cooks into nacho legends.

History & Origin

Although nachos may seem like a simple snack, their history is surprisingly rich and culturally significant.

Chef Ignacio Anaya García invented nachos in 1940 at the Victory Club restaurant in Piedras Negras, Mexico, specifically for U.S. Army wives. The original Tex-Mex recipe featured tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and jalapeños, called “Nachos especiales.”

After the restaurant closed, Chef Ignacio opened his own establishment named “Nachos,” which helped popularize this iconic dish.

The cultural connection and variation of nachos have since transformed this simple cheese-based recipe into a worldwide favorite at sports events and parties.

Recipe

Nachos are a beloved appetizer that combines the crunch of tortilla chips with melted cheese and vibrant toppings. This simple yet delicious dish originates from Mexican cuisine and has become a popular snack worldwide, perfect for gatherings, game nights, or casual dining.

Preparing nachos at home is surprisingly easy and allows for endless customization. By layering chips with fresh salsa and cheese, then baking until golden and bubbling, you can create a restaurant-quality appetizer in just minutes that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients

1 bag tortilla chips
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 small onion, diced
2 tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: jalapeños, black olives
Sour cream for serving
Guacamole for serving

Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife
Cheese grater
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Prepare salsa by mixing onion, tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper
Spread tortilla chips in a single layer on baking sheet
Top each chip with salsa
Sprinkle shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over chips
Add optional toppings like jalapeños or black olives
Bake for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
Remove from oven
Serve immediately with sour cream and guacamole

Nutrition

Cooking Tips

When preparing nachos, ensure chips are arranged in a single layer to guarantee even cheese melting and prevent soggy chips. For the best results, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, as they melt more smoothly and provide better flavor. Serve immediately after baking to maintain the chips’ crispness and the cheese’s gooey texture.

Serving Suggestions

When presenting nachos, opt for a large, colorful platter that allows for easy sharing and visual appeal. Strategically arrange toppings like fresh diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and green onions across the surface after baking to maintain their vibrant colors and crisp textures.

Accompany the dish with an array of dipping sauces including cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, and zesty fresh salsa to provide guests with diverse flavor experiences. Consider adding lime wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh citrus over the nachos for a bright, tangy finish.

For an extra flavor dimension, include pickled jalapeños or black olives as complementary garnishes that add both visual interest and a punch of additional taste.

Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting

One common mistake when preparing nachos is uneven cheese distribution, which can result in some chips being dry while others are overly saturated. During a recent game night, I accidentally created a nacho platter where the center chips were swimming in melted cheese while the outer edges remained disappointingly bare.

To prevent this, layer cheese carefully between chip layers and ensure even coverage by spreading ingredients methodically.

Another frequent error is overcooking, which can lead to burnt chips and rubbery cheese – always monitor your nachos closely and remove them from the oven as soon as the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Cheese Is Best for Nachos?

I’ve found that combining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack creates the perfect nacho cheese. They melt beautifully, offer a rich flavor, and provide that creamy, stretchy texture you’ll love when diving into a plate of loaded nachos.

What Is the Secret to Making Good Nachos?

I’ll reveal my nacho secret: layer strategically with sturdy chips, pre-bake for crispness, use a blend of melty cheeses, and add fresh cold toppings after baking. It’s all about building flavor and maintaining perfect texture.

How to Make Cheese Nachos in the Oven?

I’ll preheat my oven to 350°F, layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, sprinkle a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and slightly golden.

What Is the Correct Way to Layer Nachos?

I’ll show you the perfect nacho layering technique: start with crisp chips, sprinkle cheese, add proteins or beans, distribute toppings evenly between cheese layers, and finish with a golden, melty cheese top that’ll make your mouth water.

Final Thoughts

These nachos are my go-to recipe when I need something quick yet impressive. The combination of crispy tortilla chips and gooey melted cheese creates the perfect texture contrast that’s simply irresistible. Keep your toppings fresh and don’t skimp on the cheese quality for best results.

If you love crispy and cheesy snacks like nachos with cheese, you’ll definitely want to try soft pretzels – a perfect treat for game nights and gatherings!