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    Ask Chef Dennis » Recipes » Starters » Ultimate Nachos for the Big Game Get-Togethers

    Ultimate Nachos for the Big Game Get-Togethers

    Published: Jan 15, 2020 · Modified: Feb 21, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley · 28 Comments·This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    4.86 from 14 votes
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    pinterest image for ultimate nachos

    Are you ready for the big game? Make up a batch or two of my Ultimate Nachos for game day and there’ll be smiles around the table no matter whose team wins!

    ultimate nachos loaded with fresh salsa, jalepeno slices, chili and cheese on a white oval platter. Sitting on a wooden cutting board with bowls of guacamole, sour cream and salsa fresca

    Sometimes I wonder what life would be like without all the amazing Mexican foods I love. My Abuela (grandmother) taught me well and thanks to her delicious cooking I learned to love Mexican food at an early age. I’ve always tried to make up for only being half Mexican by eating twice as much Mexican food. Can you see the logic?

    Watching football has always been a tradition in my family as it is in most of my friend’s homes. And getting together to watch the game is more than just about the game. It’s about spending quality time with people that make you happy.

    Food is the common denominator that brings people together. At a time of joy, at a time of sorrow and when its time for football.

    What do I need to make Ultimate Nachos?

    ingredients to make ultimate nachos in glass bowls on wooden cutting board

    Let’s start by gathering our ingredients to make my Ultimate Nachos. In chef speak this is called the mise en place (everything in its place).

    These are the basics ingredients to make Ultimate Nachos but feel free to add your personal touches. 

    • Not a fan of beans or corn? Leave them out. 
    • Use chicken chili, turkey chili, or your favorite chili recipe instead.
    • Use Monterey Jack or your favorite brand of cheddar cheese.
    • Add shredded beef or chicken instead of chili.
    • Try blackened chicken, buffalo chicken or shrimp instead of chili.

    What Type of Nacho Chips Should I Use?

    Look for the thicker variety of chips, that will hold up with the toppings. Round or triangles work well in any flavor of corn you like. You can use white corn, yellow, blue or organic corn chips when making your ultimate nachos.

    round corn chips topped with 4 bean chili sitting on white parchment paper

    Chef Dennis Tip-

    Place a piece of parchment paper on a flat cookie sheet before adding the chips. That way you can slide the chips and toppings onto the beans on a serving dish.

    How do you make Ultimate Nachos?

    Pile the Chips high, then start adding your toppings starting with the chili (or meat of your choice). You’ll thank me for the parchment paper tip, it will let you easily slide the mound of chips off the pan without making a mess.

    corn chips topped with chili and beans, roasted yellow corn kernels, and sliced jalapeños

    For my Ultimate Nachos, I pan-roasted fresh corn, letting it caramelize just enough to bring out more of the natural sweetness. Add some sliced jalapeños (more if you like or none if you’re not a fan) and were just about ready.

    corn chips topped with chili and beans, roasted yellow corn kernels, and sliced jalapeños topped with shredded cheddar cheese

    Last but not least we add the cheese (queso). Pile it on or add just enough to suit your tastes. I used cheddar for my nachos but feel free to use your favorite cheese (including bleu cheese) to make your Ultimate Nachos extra special!

    Now it’s time to place them in the oven, just long enough to melt the cheese. I used a 425-degree oven for about 7 minutes.

    refried beans spread on a large white oval platter

    While the cheese is melting in the oven, you’ve got time to heat the refried beans. You can do this in the microwave or in a sauté pan. You can add another layer of cheese to the beans if you like.

    Ultimate Nachos topped with chili and beans, roasted yellow corn kernels, and sliced jalapeños topped with shredded cheddar cheese

    After a few minutes in the oven, slide the nachos off of the parchment paper onto a platter with the refried beans. Then top your creation with homemade salsa and its ready to serve for your guests at your big game celebration!

    Ultimate Nachos topped with chili and beans, roasted yellow corn kernels, and sliced jalapeños topped with shredded cheddar cheese baked till the cheese is melted!

    I have to tell you my nachos were ah-mazing! The sweetness of the roasted yellow corn, the spicy chili and refried beans made this plate of Ultimate Nachos a plate of pure joy.

    But don’t take my word for it, make my nachos for your next game day party and let your friends tell you just how delicious they are. Empty plates don’t lie!

    If you love dips and chips, I know you’ll love these recipes:

    • Grilled Planked Salmon Dip
    • Cheesy Cheddar Lobster Dip
    • Blackened Shrimp Nachos
    • Shrimp Scampi Dip

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    Ultimate Nachos topped with chili and beans, roasted yellow corn kernels, and sliced jalapeños topped with shredded cheddar cheese
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    4.86 from 14 votes

    Ultimate Nachos

    If you’re looking for a delicious way to start your next get together or to make taco night extra special, try my Ultimate Nachos! Your friends and family will love this oh so flavorful dish!
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time7 mins
    Total Time27 mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 689kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    Chip

    • 13 ounces tortilla chips

    Chili

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 large sweet onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 3-4 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 2 ounces bourbon
    • 2 pounds ground beef turkey or chicken can be substituted
    • 15 ounces kidney beans drained and rinsed
    • 15 ounces chili pinto beans or plain pinto beans
    • 15 ounces cannellini beans drained and rinsed
    • 24 ounces crushed tomatoes
    • 8 ounces chicken stock
    • 2 tablespoons corn masa or fine cornmeal
    • 3 tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
    • 2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
    • cayenne can be added for extra heat use with caution optional

    Salsa

    • ½ cup red onion finely chopped
    • ½ lime juiced
    • 1 ½ cups plum tomatoes
    • 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste

    Pan Roasted Corn

    • 2 ears fresh corn (or 1 cup frozen corn kernels)
    • sea salt and black pepper to taste
    • 1 teaspoon cilantro finely chopped

    Assembly

    • 2 cups 3 bean chili from recipe above
    • 1 cup corn pan roasted kernels
    • 1 cup salsa from recipe above
    • 15 ounces refried beans
    • 2 jalapeños seeded and sliced into rounds
    • 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded – or your favorite cheese
    • 12 ounces sour cream
    • 12 ounces guacamole
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    3 Bean Chili

    • In a large skillet or pot add the chopped onions, garlic and olive oil. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are lightly cooked.
    • Add brown sugar, mixing well and continue sautéing for 2 minutes. Carefully add bourbon, making sure it doesn't go near open flames.
    • Allow the alcohol to burn off bourbon for a minute as the mixture continues to cook
    • Add ground meat and begin the browning process. You may need to add additional olive oil.
    • Brown all the meat continuously stirring to break up the meat. ( You may find a heavy wire whisk helpful in breaking up the chunks)
    • When the meat is browned begin adding in your seasonings (remember you can always add more after its cooked for awhile).
    • Add tomatoes, chicken stock and beans combining all of the ingredients.
    • Reduce heat to simmer and allow to simmer for 1 – 2 hours, stirring so it won't stick to the bottom
    • If chili begins to get too thick you can add additional stock or water to get it to the consistency you like.
    • Taste and re-season to your taste.
    • Be careful in adding Cayenne if you decide to kick it up a notch as a little goes a long way
    • Reserve two cups (or more) for nachos and cool and refrigerate the remainder for another time.

    Fresh Salsa

    • Mix red onion, lime juice, Roma tomatoes, cilantro, and salt in a bowl and allow to stand 15 more minutes for flavors to blend before serving.

    Pan Roasted Corn

    • Cut corn off of ears.

    Place corn in a hot sauté pan. Toss corn around pan to allow it to slightly brown. Remove corn from stove top and place on a plate to allow it to fully cool.

    • Season corn with sea salt and black pepper to taste.  Add 1 teaspoon of cilantro to the mixture and set aside till needed.

    Assembly

      Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Use a large flat cookie sheet to heat the nachos.

      • Place parchment paper on cookie sheet making the piece larger than you need, so it can be lifted off of the sheet easily.
      • Mound chips on top of the parchment paper.
      • Spoon heated chili on top of chips
      • Sprinkle corn kernels on top of chips.  Then add jalapeños.
      • Top with as much shredded cheese as you desire. I used about 1 ½ cups of cheddar.
      • Place cookie sheet of prepared nachos into a preheated oven for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
      • While nachos are in the oven, heat the refried beans. You can use a microwave or a sauté pan.  Just make sure they reach a temperature of 165 degrees.   Place the heated beans on your serving dish, spreading them out evenly, leaving the edge around the platter uncovered.
      • Remove the nachos from the oven and carefully pick up the parchment paper and slide the nachos off of the paper.  Be careful the pan is very hot and the paper can be hot to the touch. 
      • Straighten out the nachos on the platter.
      • Add fresh salsa on top of the nachos.  Serve with sour cream, guacamole and additional salsa.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 689kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 1307mg | Potassium: 812mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1090IU | Vitamin C: 15.3mg | Calcium: 356mg | Iron: 4.5mg
      Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

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      About Chef Dennis

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      Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Esther Irish

        January 16, 2020 at 2:36 pm

        You can’t beat nachos for the big game, and yours look incredible. I think it’s time I have a nacho night!

        Reply
      2. Terri Steffes

        January 16, 2020 at 11:57 am

        We love game day food. Nachos are a classic dish and this recipe looks delicious. It reminds me that I haven’t had nachos in years! It’s time to change that little fact.

        Reply
      3. Lynndee

        January 16, 2020 at 8:40 am

        That plate of nachos looks so good. We love nachos over here and we had it a few days ago, actually. Would love to try your recipe.

        Reply
      4. Glenda

        January 16, 2020 at 12:27 am

        5 stars
        My husband and I are so ready for game day. This dish is perfect to serve my guests. I know for a fact my husband and his friends will love it, thanks!

        Reply
      5. Amber Myers

        January 15, 2020 at 3:30 pm

        5 stars
        These look incredible! I’d make them for movie night. I don’t watch football or sports since it bores me, but I do love to eat!

        Reply
      6. Catalina

        October 14, 2018 at 3:10 am

        5 stars
        Omg! This is so perfect for football night! S flavorful! And you can prepare ahead all the ingredients!

        Reply
      7. Karen Morse

        October 05, 2018 at 2:13 am

        5 stars
        I love a good nachos recipe, we’ve tried so many because it’s one of the dishes that we enjoy making at home during movie night or even during parties! I think this one’s a must try! I love that it’s overloaded with toppings!

        Reply
      8. Dana Brillante-Peller

        October 03, 2018 at 3:01 pm

        5 stars
        Oh, the shrimp nachos sounds like a treat! Will have to try them for game day.

        Reply
      9. Jesusa Gilliam

        October 03, 2018 at 2:21 pm

        5 stars
        Oh my, these nachos look so good! I can’t wait to surprise my husband with this recipe. We usually do taco Wednesday but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind subbing nachos instead.

        Reply
      10. rika

        October 03, 2018 at 2:08 pm

        5 stars
        Your recipes always look amazing!!!! I love nachos, this would be perfect for holiday gathering or game days!!!

        Reply
      11. Lynsey

        October 03, 2018 at 1:42 pm

        5 stars
        This looks delicious! Perfect for a family Mexican night!

        Reply
      12. Heather McMechan

        October 03, 2018 at 11:02 am

        I think I’ll make these since our team finally won a game!! Let’s celebrate. Go Dolphins!

        Reply
      13. Kathy

        October 03, 2018 at 8:32 am

        This looks so amazing. This will certainly be great for football parties. I know my guests would love this!

        Reply
      14. Nancy at Whispered Inspirations

        October 02, 2018 at 10:35 pm

        Oh my word, this looks absolutely delicious. I can see myself making these time and time again.

        Reply
      15. Terri Steffes

        October 02, 2018 at 10:08 pm

        5 stars
        Ultimate Nachos sound so good! These will be a big hit at our next Missouri Tigers tailgate. Go MIZZOU!

        Reply
      16. Lisa Martin

        October 02, 2018 at 10:05 pm

        Those look so yummy! May have to replace our taco tuesday with nacho wednesday! I bet I could get the kids to eat those with out any trouble.

        Reply
      17. Tasheena

        October 02, 2018 at 9:01 pm

        5 stars
        This recipe would be perfect to make tomorrow for Thursday night football. I know my family would love it.

        Reply
      18. Amber Myers

        October 02, 2018 at 2:47 pm

        5 stars
        Yes please! These are my kind of nachos. I love spicy foods. I would make these while watching Real Housewives.

        Reply
      19. candy

        October 02, 2018 at 1:38 pm

        I actually had this last night for supper. This is one of those meals or appetizers that never goes wrong. Everyone loves this kind of dish.

        Reply
      20. Tomi C

        October 02, 2018 at 11:59 am

        5 stars
        OMG! This looks so delicious and it’s Taco Tuesday! Seriously, if we didn’t have tacos on Tuesday, I’m pretty sure my kids would move. Oh and by Taco Tuesday that means tacos, burritos and nachos so this may make an appearance at our dinner table tonight.

        Reply
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