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    TaraTeaspoon » Course » Appetizers

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    Published: by

    Nachos For A Party Crowd

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    For gatherings, game days, movie night and even dinner these nachos for a crowd are the best. Layer fixings and bake them in the oven and feel like a genius.


    Nachos For A Party Crowd

    When I entertain at home I take a step away from the brain-work of major creativity (I cook for a living) and stick to things that are easy, crowd-pleasing and fun.

    For the big game, I'm making nachos with all the fixings. Along with some drinks and my chocolate chip cookies, I'm going to be totally set. See this recipe on KSL.com where it was originally published.

    How to make Nachos for a Crowd:

    I make my Nachos For A Crowd in the oven. No melting cheese sauces and cleaning up drippy messes, and no heating small batches of chips and cheese in the microwave. Depending on the party I'm having, I'll add beans or shredded meat, and I have sour cream, salsas and guacamole in bowls for people to add to their plates.

    Make nachos for everyone all at once by cooking them on a baking sheet. I line it with foil (for easy cleanup), and layer the goodness of chips, cheese and other tasty additions, then bake for about 10 minutes.

    Making Nachos

    What cheese to use for nachos:

    The cheese is key, and I like a variety. Mixing cheeses gives depth of flavor and texture. Some cheese melts silky smooth, some get a bit chewy and others are crumbly and salty delicious like Cotija.

    My favorite is a Monterey Jack of course, and then you have his brother Pepper Jack to add spice. A little mild or sharp cheddar adds classic flavor and even pieces of Velveeta gives a silky melt on top of the crunchy chips. I love a good carnitas nacho (braised pork), shredded steak or chicken as well. Adding meat makes the nachos more substantial, closer to a meal, if you eat enough like I usually do.

    Nachos For A Party Crowd

    Check my list below for any extras you can add and layer, layer, layer. It's an oven-nacho trick. One layer of chips, cheese, toppings, covered by another layer and sometimes even a third. The even heat from the oven melts all the cheese and heats everything perfectly. Serve with tongs so guests can grab an entire serving at once.

    Nachos For A Crowd checklist:

    Cheese Please

    Monterey Jack is perfect for melting. Pepper Jack adds great spice. Crumble Cotija or other Mexican cheese on top when the nachos come out of the oven.

    Layers of Good

    Two or three layers of chips, cheeses and toppings are perfect in the even heat of the oven.

    Meat the Merrier

    Add braised pulled pork for carnitas nachos, or shredded chicken or beef for a more hearty snack.

    Top That

    Additions like canned beans, white onions, pickled jalapeños, fresh tomatoes and sweet peppers are added in layers with the cheese and cooked along with the chips.

    It All Adds Up

    Have bowls of these add-ons for guests to try on their servings: sour cream, cilantro, sliced scallions, olives, guacamole, salsa and hot sauce.

    Nachos For A Party Crowd
    Baking pan with nachos

    Nachos For A Crowd

    Tara Teaspoon
    For gatherings, game days, movie night and even dinner these nachos for a crowd are the best. Layer fixings and bake them in the oven and feel like a genius.
    4.75 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 25 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 144 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 bags (11 oz each) tortilla chips
    • 5 cups shredded cheese
    • 1 can black beans drained
    • ½ cup white onion chopped
    • ½ cup pickled jalapeños
    • Toppings such as cilantro scallions and olives
    • Serve with sour cream guacamole and salsa

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oven to 350 F. Line two large rimmed baking sheets with foil. Arrange half of the chips on pans and top with some cheeses, beans, onion, and jalapeño. Repeat layers for two to three layers total. (These can be assembled up to one hour before baking.)
    • Working with one sheet at a time, bake until cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro, scallions and olives if desired and serve with desired toppings. Heat a second pan as the first for fresh, hot nachos.

    Notes

    This is your chance to add all of the things Mexican that you love - layer upon layer.  Enjoy1
    Crunchy chips with loads of toppings for hungry party-goers are easy to make when you do it in the oven.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1gCalories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 294mgPotassium: 54mgVitamin A: 355IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 237mgIron: 0.2mg
    Want to watch videos to show you how to cook?Check out our Youtube and try this recipe and more.

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    About Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.

    Find out more!


    Recipe and photography by Tara Teaspoon

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    Filed Under: Appetizers, Mexican + Hispanic, Party Foods, Snacks Tagged With: cheese, chips, dinner, easy, entertaining, game day, Mexican, nachos, nachos for a crowd, party, party food, snacks, super bowl

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary Bench says

      July 16, 2018 at 3:57 pm

      We love this recipe at our house! So easy for a crowd!

      Reply
    2. Kerryn says

      March 02, 2019 at 9:20 pm

      It doesn’t say for how many this feeds so not helpful

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 07, 2019 at 6:44 pm

        Thanks for pointing that out! It was hidden in the recipe form. All fixed!

        Reply
    3. Tessa says

      June 27, 2019 at 10:35 am

      I have been craving nachos all week! I love the oven-baked way. Whenever I put nachos in the microwave they end up too soggy! I know what's for dinner tonight...;)

      Reply

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