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Loaded Nachos Recipe with Creamy Homemade Queso

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A quick and easy loaded nachos recipe featuring creamy homemade queso, fresh toppings, and crunchy tortilla chips, perfect for snacks, game nights, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Tortilla chips (sturdy, thick-cut)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onion, sliced thin
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken or ground beef (optional)
  • Sour cream, for dolloping
  • Sliced black olives (optional)
  • Avocado or guacamole (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and turns light golden.
  3. Gradually pour in 1 cup whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar and 4 oz shredded Monterey Jack until melted and smooth. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Add finely diced jalapeño if using, and mix in 1/2 cup drained diced tomatoes.
  6. While queso simmers, slice green onions, chop cilantro, and optionally warm cooked chicken or beef.
  7. Spread a layer of tortilla chips evenly on the baking sheet. Spoon half the queso over the chips, then sprinkle with black beans, meat (if using), and half the green onions and cilantro.
  8. Add another chip layer, top with remaining queso and toppings.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until queso is bubbling and chips at edges turn golden.
  10. Remove from oven, dollop sour cream and avocado or guacamole on top, and garnish with remaining green onions, cilantro, and black olives if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep an eye on the nachos while baking to avoid burnt chips. If queso thickens too much while sitting, stir in a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Layer queso between chip layers to keep chips crisp. For dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded nachos, homemade queso, creamy queso, snack recipe, game night food, easy nachos, party snack

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