How to Make Nachos with Toppings at Home*

Nachos are the ultimate comfort food! Crispy tortilla chips topped with gooey cheese, flavorful toppings, and drizzles of sauce make for a perfect snack or party dish. Here’s how you can make delicious nachos with toppings at home in just a few simple steps.

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Ingredients

For the Base (Nachos):

• Tortilla chips (store-bought or homemade)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (warm)
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)

Optional Protein Topping:

• 200g cooked chicken (shredded or diced), ground beef, or black beans

Vegetable Toppings:

• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup diced onions
• ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
• ¼ cup sliced jalapeños
• ¼ cup corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons sliced black olives

Garnishes:

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup guacamole
• ¼ cup salsa
• Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Make the Roux:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Add Milk:
   • Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Melt the Cheese:
   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season the Sauce:
   • Add a pinch of salt and paprika or chili powder for extra flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Nachos

1. Layer the Chips:
   • Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a large oven-safe plate or baking tray.
2. Add Cheese Sauce:
   • Drizzle a generous amount of the cheese sauce over the chips. Make sure every chip gets some sauce!

Step 3: Add Toppings

1. Protein (Optional):
   • Sprinkle cooked chicken, ground beef, or black beans evenly over the cheese-covered chips.
2. Vegetables:
   • Add a colorful mix of tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, corn, jalapeños, and olives.

Step 4: Bake the Nachos (Optional)

1. Melt the Cheese (Optional):
   • For extra melty toppings, sprinkle grated cheese on top and bake the nachos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Final Touches:
   • Drizzle sour cream, guacamole, and salsa over the warm nachos.
2. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

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Tips for the Perfect Nachos

• Customize Toppings: Add or skip ingredients based on your preferences. You can include pickled onions, hot sauce, or even pineapple for a twist.
• Keep Chips Crispy: Avoid overloading chips with wet toppings; add sauces just before serving.
• Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use more beans or veggies.

Enjoy your homemade nachos with a cold drink, and get ready to dig into this crowd-pleasing snack!

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