If you’ve ever felt intimidated by cooking, especially when it comes to making something as seemingly complex as nachos, you’re not alone.
I’m here to break it down for you, making it super simple and straightforward.
Nachos might look like a dish with a lot going on, but at its heart, it’s just about layering.
You’ll start with a base of crunchy corn chips, add some cheese for that melty goodness, and then pile on your favorite toppings like beans, jalapeños, and tomatoes.
I’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you know exactly what to do and when, turning those basic ingredients into a mouth-watering plate of nachos.
Let’s get started and make some nachos!
What You’ll Need:
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and kitchen tools.
Ingredients:
- Corn Chips: 200g bag, preferably a sturdy variety to hold up the toppings
- Cheddar Cheese: 250g, grated
- Black Beans: 1 can (about 400g), drained and rinsed
- Jalapeños: 2-3, sliced (adjust based on your heat preference)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 150g, halved
- Red Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Avocado: 1 large, ripe, for guacamole
- Lime: 1, juiced, for guacamole
- Coriander (Cilantro): A small bunch, roughly chopped
- Sour Cream: 100ml, for serving
- Salsa: 200ml, your choice of store-bought or homemade
Kitchen Tools:
- Oven Tray: Large enough to spread out the chips in a single layer
- Mixing Bowl: For the guacamole and other toppings
- Cheese Grater
- Knife and Cutting Board
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). This ensures your nachos will cook evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Nacho Base
- Layer the Corn Chips: Spread the corn chips out on the oven tray. Ensure they overlap slightly, so every chip gets some toppings.
- Add Cheese and Beans: Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar evenly over the chips, followed by the black beans. Add another layer of cheese on top to ensure maximum cheesiness.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake in the Oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 4: Prepare the Toppings While Baking
- Guacamole: Mash the avocado in a mixing bowl. Add half the lime juice, salt, and a bit of chopped coriander. Mix well.
- Salsa (if making your own): Combine chopped tomatoes, onion, the rest of the lime juice, and coriander. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Nachos
- Add Fresh Toppings: Once the nachos are out of the oven, sprinkle over the sliced jalapeños, halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add Dollops of Guacamole and Sour Cream: Use a spoon to add small amounts across the nachos evenly.
- Drizzle Salsa: Over the top, ensuring a good distribution of flavour.
Serving:
Transfer the tray to the center of the table or plate individual servings.
Nachos are best enjoyed shared, straight from the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the chips are crisp.
For How Many?
This recipe serves 4-6 people as a hearty snack or appetizer.
You can easily scale the recipe up or down by adjusting the ingredient quantities proportionally.
We hope this guide has been helpful in your culinary journey. Have you tried making these nachos?
Did this guide help simplify the process for you? Share your experiences and any questions you might have in the comments below!