Homemade Nachos

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Background

Nachos are a versatile, crowd-pleasing snack originating from Mexico. Making them at home, especially with freshly fried tortilla chips, ensures crispness and flavor that store-bought chips cannot match. With endless topping possibilities—from classic cheese and beans to chicken, paneer, or shrimp—these nachos can be customized for every palate. Perfect for parties, game nights, or cozy snacks.

Homemade Nachos

Category: Snack / Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Type: Vegetarian / Non-Vegetarian options

Servings: 4 people
Portion size: 1 plate
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

 

Ingredients

For Homemade Tortilla Chips:

  • 4 corn tortillas (small or medium)

  • 1 cup oil for frying

  • Salt, to taste

Topping Options (Mix & Match):

Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Mexican cheese blend, or vegan cheese

Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, corn, jalapeños, black olives, spinach, or kale

Protein Options: Black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, grilled chicken, spiced ground beef, paneer tikka cubes, shrimp, pulled pork

Sauces & Garnishes: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream or yogurt, hot sauce, lime wedges, pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro..

 

Equipment Needed

  • Frying pan or deep fryer

  • Slotted spoon

  • Baking sheet or oven-safe dish

  • Paper towels

  • Knife and chopping board

  • Oven or microwave for melting cheese

Instructions

1. Make Fresh Tortilla Chips:

  1. Cut corn tortillas into triangles.

  2. Heat oil over medium heat.

  3. Fry tortilla triangles in batches until golden and crispy (1–2 minutes per side).

  4. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

2. Assemble Nachos:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking cheese.

  2. Layer half of the fried tortilla chips on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.

  3. Add half of your selected cheese, vegetables, and protein toppings.

  4. Add the remaining chips on top, then layer with the remaining cheese and toppings.

  5. Bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

3. Finish & Serve:

  1. Drizzle sour cream or yogurt and squeeze lime juice on top (optional).

  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and pickled vegetables if desired.

  3. Serve immediately with salsa or guacamole on the side.

 

Tips

  • Fry chips in small batches to keep them crisp.

  • Mix toppings according to your taste—don’t overload to avoid soggy chips.

  • Fresh corn tortillas work best; store-bought chips can be used for quicker prep.

  • Add meat or paneer for a protein boost.

  • Serve immediately to maintain crunchiness.