If you are craving a snack that is bold, delicious, and sure to satisfy any comfort food urge, then this Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe is your new best friend. Layers of crunchy tortilla chips smothered with hearty chili and a luscious blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses create an irresistible base that’s baked to melty perfection. The fresh burst of jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro add just the right amount of brightness and heat, making every bite an exciting party for your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it for game day, a family gathering, or a casual night in, this dish brings warm, cheesy comfort in every layer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating unforgettable chili cheese nachos. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crisp tortilla chips that provide satisfying crunch to the melty cheese that binds the dish together with creamy richness.
- Tortilla chips (10–12 oz): Choose sturdy chips that can hold up beneath the layers of chili and cheese without getting soggy.
- Cooked chili (2 cups): Homemade or canned both work; rich chili brings hearty flavor and moisture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Sharp cheddar adds a deliciously tangy, bold taste.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Offers creaminess and a smooth, melty texture.
- Sliced jalapeños (½ cup): Fresh or pickled for that perfect spicy kick.
- Chopped red onion (¼ cup): Adds crunch and a mild sweetness to balance the heat.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (¼ cup): Sprinkled on at the end, it brightens the whole dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Sour cream and salsa (optional): Perfect cooling accompaniments that complement every bite.
How to Make Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Getting the temperature just right ensures that the cheese melts flawlessly, creating that ooey-gooey topping you’re craving.
Step 2: Arrange the Base Layer of Chips
Spread half of your tortilla chips evenly over a large baking sheet or any oven-safe platter. This creates a solid foundation that will hold all the delicious layers to come.
Step 3: Add Half the Chili and Cheese
Generously spoon half of the cooked chili over your chips. Then sprinkle with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This layering builds the flavor from the bottom up, making sure every chip gets some cheesy, meaty goodness.
Step 4: Layer the Remaining Chips and Toppings
Now add the remaining chips on top of the chili and cheese. Repeat spooning on the rest of the chili and cheeses to cover the top layer, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. Scatter the sliced jalapeños and chopped red onion evenly across the top for heat and crunch.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Melty
Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. If you want extra texture, feel free to broil for 1 to 2 minutes to get crispier bites.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top for an aromatic finish. Serve hot with optional sour cream and salsa on the side, letting everyone add a little cooling creaminess and tang as they wish.
How to Serve Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where your Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe really shines. Fresh cilantro adds a zesty herbal lift, but you can also add diced tomatoes, a dollop of guacamole, or a sprinkle of green onions to create extra layers of flavor and color that make the dish pop visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
To round out your nacho experience, serve with classic Tex-Mex favorites like refried beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh corn salad. These sides complement the hearty, cheesy nachos without overpowering them, keeping your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try layering your Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic feel or build a towering plate for sharing at parties. You can also customize with different cheeses like pepper jack for added spice or add black olives and avocado for extra richness and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sour cream and salsa separate to keep the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
Freezing nachos is a bit tricky because the chips can become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chili separately in portions for up to 3 months, making your next batch of Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe quick and easy.
Reheating
To reheat, spread leftover nachos on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese remelts. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make chips soggy, losing that delightful crunch we love.
FAQs
Can I use canned chili for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using canned chili is a convenient shortcut that still delivers great flavor, especially if you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose one that you enjoy since it will be a star ingredient in your Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe.
What types of cheese work best?
A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack is ideal for melting and flavor balance in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack for heat, or even queso fresco for a Mexican twist.
How spicy are the jalapeños?
Jalapeños bring a medium level of heat. If you prefer things milder, you can reduce the amount or remove the seeds before slicing. For extra heat, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or using pickled jalapeños.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free tortilla chips and check the chili ingredients to confirm no gluten-containing additives are included. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor.
What can I serve with my leftover chili?
Leftover chili is incredibly versatile. Use it in burritos, as a topping for baked potatoes, or simply enjoy it alongside a fresh salad. It’s also the perfect protein base for your next batch of Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe!
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing quite like the satisfaction of a plate piled high with homemade chili cheese nachos, bubbling with melted cheese and bursting with bold flavors. This Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe is not just an appetizer; it’s a crowd-pleaser and a comfort food classic that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy. I cannot wait for you to try it and make it your go-to snack for any occasion!
Print
Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chili Cheese Nachos are a delicious Tex-Mex appetizer featuring layers of crispy tortilla chips topped with savory chili, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, jalapeños, and red onions. Perfect for parties or a satisfying snack, these nachos are baked until bubbly and served with optional sour cream and salsa.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bag (10–12 oz) tortilla chips
- 2 cups cooked chili (homemade or canned)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream and salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the nachos evenly.
- Layer Chips and Chili: On a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, spread half of the tortilla chips evenly. Spoon half of the cooked chili evenly over the chips.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on top of the chili-covered chips.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining tortilla chips as a second layer, then top with the remaining chili and cheeses.
- Add Toppings: Scatter the sliced jalapeños and chopped red onion evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top. Serve immediately with optional sour cream and salsa on the side.
Notes
- Use leftover chili or canned chili to save preparation time.
- For extra texture and a golden finish, broil the nachos for 1–2 minutes after baking.
- Customize your nachos with additional toppings like black olives, avocado slices, or diced tomatoes.
