Description
Chili Cheese Nachos are a delicious and satisfying Tex-Mex appetizer featuring layers of crispy tortilla chips, hearty chili, melted cheddar cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual get-togethers, these loaded nachos offer a flavorful combination of spicy, cheesy, and fresh elements that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (10–12 oz) tortilla chips
- 2 cups prepared chili (homemade or canned)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend
Toppings
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (pickled or fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 avocado (diced or sliced)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the nachos.
- Layer chips and chili: Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Spoon half of the chili evenly over the chips.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili-covered chips.
- Repeat layering: Add the remaining tortilla chips on top, followed by the rest of the chili and cheese, creating a layered effect.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Add toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately top with jalapeños, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, sliced black olives (if using), diced or sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Add dollops of sour cream across the nachos and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing, if desired.
Notes
- For crispier nachos, heat the chili slightly before layering to reduce moisture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or use vegetarian chili for a different protein option.
- This recipe easily scales up or down depending on the number of guests.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips and chili to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
