Nacho Bar

Serve a fun nacho bar with tortilla chips and cheese dip, along with a variety of nacho toppings so that your diners can make their own plates with their favorite taco toppings.

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: Cal-Mex, Mexican

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings:

Calories: 1093kcal

Author: Jessica Fisher

Cost: $10

Ingredients

16 oz tortilla chips
1 lb cheddar cheese (shredded)

Optional nacho toppings

1 batch Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip hot
1 lb Taco Meat hot
2 cup hot cooked beans, such as pinto, black, or refried beans canned beans can also be used
1 cup salsa
1 avocado or guacamole
½ cup sour cream
½ cup sliced black olives
2 green onions chopped
1 tomato seeded and chopped
1 jalapeno sliced
fresh cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Divide the tortilla chips among four pie plates. Top with cheese.
16 oz tortilla chips, 1 lb cheddar cheese (shredded)
Add whatever toppings you like that can be heated, such as cheese dip, meat, and beans. Top with additional shredded cheese if you like. Place in oven until cheese is melted. You can also heat the plates in the air fryer.
1 batch Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip, 1 lb Taco Meat, 2 cup hot cooked beans, such as pinto, black, or refried beans
Serve with cold nacho toppings.
1 cup salsa, 1 avocado, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup sliced black olives, 2 green onions, 1 tomato, 1 jalapeno, fresh cilantro (chopped)

Notes

Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on nacho toppings served.

To keep things exciting, offer several types of chips, cheese, beans, and meat. This allows diners to choose exactly what they want and keeps the plates colorful.

Store leftover toppings separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. Beans, meat, and cheeses can be frozen for later use.

Variations

Chicken Nachos: serve chips and Monterey jack cheese with shredded chicken, chopped green chiles, white beans, and chopped fresh cilantro.

Buffalo Chicken Nachos: serve chips with Buffalo Chicken Bites and cheese with extra Frank's Hot Sauce. Spicy Chicken Dip is excellent here.

Chili Cheese Nachos: serve chips, cheddar cheese, and hot chili

BBQ Nachos: serve chips, cheese, pulled pork, and barbeque sauce

Taco Bar: since nacho toppings are so similar to taco fillings, consider laying out some corn tortillas or taco shells for folks to assemble tacos as well.

Serving Suggestions: Nachos are a one-dish dinner, but you can serve a side salad or veggie dippers on the side if you really want something more.

Shop Your Kitchen: There are so many different subs you can consider based on what you have.

Vegan: To make this vegan, use a plant-based grind as well as plant-based cheese.
Extra spicy: To pump up the spice level, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper to taste. You can also add sliced fresh or pickled jalapenos to the toppings.

To Make a Meal Prep: Prep all the ingredients and store in separate dishes in the fridge. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Heat prior to serving. Consume within 4 days.

Freeze Extra for Later: While you can't freeze a plate of nachos, you can freeze containers of meat, cheese, beans, and the Jalapeno Cheese Dip. Store in the freezer. To serve, thaw and assemble as directed.

Make a Plan for Leftovers: Promptly store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven. If you store your leftovers in clear containers, they’re more likely to get eaten.

Nutrition