Appetizer

Nachos

Name: Nachos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz tortilla chips (about 6 cups); 8 oz shredded Cheddar cheese; 6 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 3 jalapeños, thinly sliced; 1 cup diced fresh tomato; ½ cup sour cream; 1 ripe avocado, sliced; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; lime wedges

The definitive nacho: a mountain of crispy tortilla chips loaded with melted Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, fresh jalapeños, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole. Built to eat with your hands, every chip gets its share of toppings.

1352calper serving 38gprotein 126gcarbs 81gfat 15min prep 8min cook 4serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

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Nachos — common questions

Can I make nachos ahead?

Assemble and bake the nachos just before serving—they lose their crispness within 10 minutes. You can prep all the toppings (chop tomato, slice jalapeños and avocado, mix cheese) up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of Cheddar?

Fresh mozzarella will not melt evenly and tends to get rubbery; use Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both. If you must substitute, use low-moisture mozzarella mixed with Cheddar.

What's the most common nacho mistake?

Overbaking the chips—they'll turn bitter and lose their crunch. Watch them carefully; 7–8 minutes is plenty once the cheese is bubbling. Also, don't pile toppings on cold chips before baking, or they won't melt evenly.

How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?

Toast the chips for 2 minutes alone in the oven before adding cheese, then bake with cheese for just 6–7 minutes. Avoid overly wet toppings like excess salsa, and serve sour cream and guacamole on the side.

What do I serve with nachos?

Pair with cold beer, a Mexican lager, or a margarita. Serve alongside pico de gallo, salsa verde, and extra jalapeños for those who want more heat.

Can I make nachos in the air fryer?

Yes—spread chips on an air fryer basket, top with cheese and jalapeños, and air-fry at 380°F (193°C) for 5–6 minutes until cheese bubbles. Top with fresh toppings after cooking.