There's something about a giant platter of loaded nachos that just brings everyone together. This Nachos Recipe is piled high with perfectly melted cheese, seasoned chicken or beef, fresh toppings, and all the fixings that make every bite absolutely addictive.
I've been making these homemade nachos for game days, movie nights, and casual weeknight dinners for years, and they never disappoint. My kids can polish off an entire tray in minutes, and honestly, I don't blame them because these are seriously good.
Why You'll Love This Nachos Recipe
This best Nachos Recipe is incredibly easy and endlessly customizable to suit your cravings. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, gooey melted cheese, savory protein, and fresh toppings creates the ultimate comfort food that's perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
These baked nachos come together in about 20 minutes and are way better than anything you'd get at a restaurant. Whether you're making chicken nachos, steak nachos, or keeping it simple with just cheese, this nachos recipe easy method works perfectly every time. My husband requests these cheesy nachos at least twice a month.
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What You'll Need
This homemade nachos recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The measurements are in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
- 1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 10-12 ounces)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 2 cups cooked protein (shredded chicken, ground beef, or steak)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Extras
You can add guacamole, salsa, pickled red onions, corn, bell peppers, or swap the protein for pulled pork to make brisket nachos or crockpot nachos style. Some people love adding nacho cheese sauce for nachos for extra creaminess.
The full instructions are right in the card below.
How to Make Nachos Recipe
Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. If using raw protein, cook and season it with taco seasoning first, then set aside.
Layer the Chips
Spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. This creates a sturdy base that won't get soggy.
Add Cheese and Toppings
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips, then add half of the cooked protein and black beans. Add a second layer of chips, then top with the remaining cheese, protein, and beans.
Bake Until Melted
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Watch closely so the edges don't burn.
Q: What are the best nachos toppings for loaded nachos?
The best nachos toppings include melted cheese, seasoned meat, black beans, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro. You can also add corn, bell peppers, or green onions depending on your preference.
Add Fresh Toppings
Remove from the oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, dollops of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with salsa and guacamole on the side.
Serve and Enjoy
Cut into sections or let everyone dig in with their hands. These are best enjoyed fresh and hot while the cheese is still gooey.
Aliana's Top Tip
Layer your cheese and toppings in two stages instead of piling everything on top at once.
This ensures every single chip gets covered in melted cheese and toppings, not just the ones on top.
Also, don't overload the pan.
If you're feeding a crowd, make two separate trays instead of one giant pile, otherwise the bottom chips will be soggy and sad.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
You can make chicken nacho recipe by using rotisserie chicken, or try steak nachos with thinly sliced grilled steak. For crockpot nachos, slow cook your meat with seasonings all day, then assemble and bake. Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and loading up on beans, corn, and veggies. For easy nacho cheese sauce, melt together cheddar and cream cheese with a splash of milk. You can even make nachos for dinner by serving them with a side salad.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Nachos are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftover toppings separately from the chips in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat assembled nachos in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts again. Don't microwave them or the chips will get chewy.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Nachos Recipe
This nachos recipe is perfect as a main dish for casual dinners, game day appetizer snacks, or party food. We love serving these with fresh salsa, guacamole, and Mexican rice on the side. They're also amazing with a cold beer or margarita. My family requests these cheesy nachos for every movie night and backyard gathering.
FAQs About Nachos Recipe
How do you make the best homemade nachos?
Layer chips and cheese in two stages, bake until melted, then add fresh toppings after baking. This prevents soggy chips and ensures even coverage of cheese and toppings.
Can I make easy nacho cheese for nachos ahead of time?
Yes, you can make homemade nacho cheese sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to thin it out.
What's the difference between baked nachos and regular nachos?
Baked nachos are assembled on a sheet pan and baked until the cheese melts, creating even coverage. Regular nachos are often just chips with cold toppings or cheese melted on top only.
Can I use nacho chips recipe for this?
Absolutely! Homemade tortilla chips work great. Just fry or bake corn tortillas cut into triangles until crispy, then use them as your base.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're into Mexican dishes like this best nachos recipe, you'll love my Chicken Quesadillas that are just as cheesy and satisfying. My Beef Tacos are another crowd favorite with similar flavors. For more weekend meals and appetizer snacks, try my Buffalo Chicken Dip or my Loaded Potato Skins. And if you want more easy nacho cheese recipes, my Queso Dip is perfect for dunking. All of these fall under my APPETIZER RECIPES and DINNER collections where I share the recipes that turn gatherings into parties.
Put your own flair on this dish? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes and show off your delicious version!
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Pairing
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