Loaded Nachos
About This Course
Learn how to assemble and bake a plate of Loaded Nachos that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and visual appeal. This guide walks you through choosing the right tortilla chips, preparing a variety of toppings—from seasoned beef or chicken to refried beans and melted cheeses—and layering them to achieve the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. You’ll also master crafting quick homemade salsas, guacamole, and sour cream drizzles, as well as garnishing with jalapeños, cilantro, and more. By the end, you’ll know how to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer (or meal) that’s ideal for game nights, parties, or weeknight dinners.
Learning Objectives
Material Includes
- Recipe Card PDF: Step-by-step instructions with ingredient quantities, cook times, and layering guidelines.
- Toppings & Cheese Pairings Guide: A chart listing recommended cheese types and amounts, plus complementary proteins and vegetable mix-ins.
- Salsa & Guacamole Handbook: Quick-make recipes for pico de gallo, roasted tomato salsa, and creamy guacamole with notes on acidity and heat adjustments.
- Layering Diagram: A visual infographic showing the ideal order—chips → beans → cheese → protein → additional cheese → vegetables → garnishes.
- Party-Size Shopping List Template: A fillable list that scales ingredients for 6, 12, or 18 servings, including chips, cheese weight, protein volume, and produce.
- Equipment Checklist: A printable template covering essential tools (baking sheet, oven mitts, mixing bowls, etc.) and optional extras like small ramekins for garnish station.
Requirements
- 1 large bag (200–250 g) tortilla chips (house-style or restaurant-grade)
- 200 g (7 oz) shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
- 150 g (5 oz) cooked ground beef (seasoned with taco seasoning) or shredded rotisserie chicken (optional)
- 1 can (about 400 g) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1–2 jalapeños, sliced (fresh or pickled)
- 1 tomato, diced (or 150 g salsa, prepared)
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 avocado, diced (or guacamole, prepared)
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- 2–3 tbsp sour cream (for dolloping)
- 2–3 tbsp pickled jalapeño slices (optional)
Target Audience
- Home Entertainers & Party Hosts: Anyone looking to impress guests with a shareable, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Beginner to Intermediate Cooks: Individuals comfortable with basic stove and oven work who want to expand into layering and melting techniques.
- Tex-Mex Enthusiasts: Those interested in authentic flavors—homemade salsa, guacamole, and refried beans—from scratch.
- Snack Lovers & Game-Night Planners: Perfect for people who want a hands-on recipe to serve during sports broadcasts, movie nights, or casual gatherings.
- Meal Preppers: People who want to make components (like seasoned meat or guacamole) ahead of time for faster assembly.