Chili Cheese Nachos

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

You need three ingredients (and your favorite nacho toppings) for the perfect chili cheese nachos.

The complete ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.

• Chili: These nachos are the perfect solution to leftover chili. Both our traditional no-bean Texas chili and Game Day chili with beans are perfect options.
• Cheese: We definitely prefer queso for our chili cheese nachos but you can also use freshly grated cheese. We do suggest shredding your own since store-bought shredded cheese contains additives such as potato starch to keep the cheese from clumping. This can prevent the cheese from completely melting.
• Tortilla Chips: Use a thicker, sturdier chip since they will be loaded with chili, cheese, and other toppings, and avoid the thinner “restaurant-style” chips. We recommend homemade chips for the best nachos.

Best Toppings for Nachos

Our go-to toppings for chili cheese nachos are sour cream, jalapenos, and green onions. But, there are many other toppings that you could add so get creative!

• Tomatoes
• Red Onions
• Pico de Gallo
• Grilled Avocado Guacamole
• Creamy Avocado Ranch
• Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Best Chips for Nachos

The key to nachos is selecting tortilla chips that are thick and sturdy so they hold up under all the toppings and won’t break when you pick them up. We prefer freshly fried tortilla chips that we make at home from corn tortillas. Here are our tips for frying up your own:

• Use corn, not flour tortillas. Cut corn tortillas into six triangles.
• Use a neutral oil. Pour canola, corn, or avocado oil to a depth of about 1/4-inch into a skillet with high sides then heat on high until about 350°F.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Place tortilla triangles in the hot oil in a single layer. Using metal tongs or a slotted spoon gently push them beneath the oil to get well coated. Fry for about 2 minutes or until they are lightly brown and are no longer pliable. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.

How to Make Chili Cheese Nachos

Here are the quick step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the recipe card below.
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Pro-tip: The key to making perfect nachos is evenly layering the ingredients so that you get a little bit of everything on each chip.

1. Assemble the Nachos: Place half of the tortilla chips in a single layer on a cookie or baking sheet then top with half the chili and queso (or shredded cheese). Add a second layer of tortilla chips and top with the remaining chili and queso.

2. Bake the Nachos: In a preheated 400°F oven bake the nachos for 4-6 minutes until the cheese is bubbly (shredded cheese should be melted).

3. Serve: Top with jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, or any of your favorite chili toppings. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• For easy clean-up line the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Layer the chips, cheese, beef, and refried beans. Additional toppings will go on after the nachos are cooked and out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions