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Loaded Cheese Nachos

Tortilla chips under melted cheese, with tomato, scallion, and a little cured meat.

Loaded Cheese Nachos
Photo: Lap Lap on Unsplash

About this recipe

Nachos fail when the cheese hits only the top chip. Layer chips and cheese so the middle stays coated.

Tomato and scallion go on after the oven so they stay fresh.

Why this recipe works

  • Layering beats one pile of cheese.
  • A short, hot bake melts without burning the chips.
  • Cold toppings keep the plate from tasting only of salt.

What you’ll need

  • 8 ounces tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 3 scallions, sliced
  • + 2 more ingredients and 4 steps…

Variations

  • Add drained black beans in the layers.
  • Serve with a side of salsa.

How to serve

Straight from the tray, while the cheese is still stretchy.

Storage and reheating

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fried sides lose their crunch in the fridge, so reheat them on a rack in a 400°F oven or an air fryer for a few minutes. Baked dishes reheat well covered with foil at 350°F.

Questions

How long does Loaded Cheese Nachos take?

About 25 minutes in total: 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. It serves 4.

Is this recipe hard to make?

We rate it easy. Read the full recipe once before you start, set out your ingredients, and follow the steps in order.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Prep the ingredients ahead, but fry or bake close to serving time so the texture stays at its best.

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