With the big game just around the corner, the first thing on our minds (apart from whether our favorite team will score the winning touchdown, of course) is… what’s on the snack table?
This year, let’s elevate our game day grub beyond the usual and talk nachos. We’re rising above the basic crispy tortilla chip and cheese combo to bring you the BEST nachos recipe collection ever, loaded with all your favorite toppings and then some. With a couple simple store-bought ingredients and a little bit of time, you can whip up a game-changing Super Bowl spread that will leave your guests stunned. (In the best way, of course.)
Where Did Nachos Come From?
Ever wonder where these crispy, cheesy delights came from? Let’s take a quick crunch through time to uncover the origins of nachos, a dish that’s become as essential to a Super Bowl party as the game itself.
It all started in the early 1940, in the small town of Piedras Negras, Mexico, just across the border from Texas. A group of military wives from a nearby U.S. base in Eagle Pass, TX crossed the Rio Grande to go on a shopping trip. After a long day, they stopped at a restaurant called Victory Club. It was near closing time, but Maître d’, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, didn’t want to turn the women away hungry. So, what did he do? He improvised!
Nacho whipped up a quick snack with what he had on hand – fried tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, and pickled jalapenos. He served this new creation and called it “Nacho’s especiales” (The Nacho Special). Little did he know, he had just invented a dish that would become a worldwide sensation.
Word spread like wildfire, and soon, everyone wanted a taste of Nacho’s special dish. It was put into regular rotation on Victory Club’s menu and it wasn’t long before this humble snack found its way into cookbooks and other restaurant menus, evolving into the many variations we relish today.
From a spontaneous act of culinary creativity to a staple at sports bars and Super Bowl parties across the United States, nachos have come a long way. So, next time you’re munching on a plate of nachos, take a moment to thank good ol’ Nacho Anaya. For, without him, our world would be a nacho-less mess.
A commemorative statue of Ignacio Anaya Garcia, inventor of the nacho. (Photo: Excelsior.com)
This ultimate list of nacho recipes has to start somewhere, and where better than with the…
Ultimate Nacho Recipe
Photo: The Stay At Home Chef
Talk about taking nachos to the final quarter! Rachel and Caytlin of The Stay At Home Chef have created the ultimate nacho experience. Think of a baking sheet piled high with a layer of chips, mountains of cheese, and all the usual suspects like black beans, jalapeno pepper, and a generous dollop of sour cream. It’s like your favorite team just scored a touchdown right in your kitchen. Cuz we all know the customary tray of nachos is just as important as the game itself.
Dive into the recipe here.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Photo: Mission Food Adventure
Spice up your Super Bowl Sunday with Victoria of Mission Food Adventure‘s Buffalo Chicken Nachos. Spicy buffalo wings meet crunchy tortilla chips to create a flavor blitz that’ll make your taste buds do a victory dance. Cooked using Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, these nachos are a bold play for those who love their game day with a little extra heat.
Check out the spicy play-by-play right here.
Chicken Mole Nachos
Photo: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen
Maggie of Mama Maggie’s Kitchen brings a touch of Mexican gourmet to her Super Bowl table with these TO DIE FOR Chicken Mole Nachos. Just picture it now: chicken combined with the rich, complex flavors of mole paste and Mexican chocolate, topped with Monterey Jack cheese (or different cheeses if that’s your vibe!). And the best part of this recipe: it’s a great way to use leftover chicken! This decadent twist on your favorite nacho toppings proves that nachos can be an easy meal WITH a gourmet edge.
Explore this savory recipe here.
Thai Beef Nachos
Photo: Let’s Dish
Looking to break away from the nacho-norm for the big game? Danelle of Let’s Dish is bringing us these amazing Thai Beef Nachos. Savory ground meat is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, with just a hint of brown sugar to create a cultural twist on this beloved appetizer. Topped with a unique peanut sauce and green onions, this plate of nachos is different from any other you’ve ever tried, and SO worth it. Wow the crowd by adding this to your Super Bowl party nacho bar.
Get the recipe here.
Chicken Nacho Casserole
Photo: The Cookie Rookie
Becky of The Cookie Rookie‘s Chicken Nacho Casserole is what happens when your favorite foods decide to have a mixer. This Super Bowl recipe uses Old El Paso taco seasoning for that Tex-Mex kick, along with crispy tortilla chips and shredded cheese, baked to golden brown perfection. It’s an easy way to feed a hungry crowd and a great addition to a good snack table.
Grab the full playbook here.
Cinnamon Dessert Nachos with Salted Caramel Apple Dip
Photo: The Flavor Blender
Who says nachos are just for the savory crowd? Dini of The Flavor Blender has whipped up these mind-blowing Cinnamon Dessert Nachos that’ll make you rethink game day appetizers. Trust me, this sweet dessert will have everyone talking long after the final quarter. Think cinnamon-sprinkled crispy homemade tortilla chips and the sweet embrace of caramel apple dip, berries, and chocolate fudge sauce. It’s like a scoopable s’mores experience for your Super Bowl feast.
Indulge your sweet tooth here.
Mediterranean Nachos
Photo: Fork In The Kitchen
Take a break from the usual game day menu with Becca of Fork In The Kitchen and her Mediterranean Nachos. In just 20 minutes, you’ll get a bed of crispy pita chips loaded with fresh toppings like cucumber, sun-dried tomato, banana peppers, and crispy chickpeas. Paired with hummus and tzatziki, these nachos are a fresh, easy appetizer for those looking to switch up their Super Bowl spread.
Check out this healthy nacho twist here.
Nacho Pie (Doritos Taco Pie)
Photo: The Savvy Mama Lifestyle
Last, but definitely not least, is Kimberly’s genius nacho pie from her blog, The Savvy Mama Lifestyle. But this isn’t just any nacho pie. It’s a Doritos Taco Pie! Imagine layers of succulent ground beef, loads of cheese, creamy salsa dressing, and crushed Doritos, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a nacho cheese fantasy turned into a delicious reality, perfect for munching while cheering on your favorite team.
Get ready for some serious crunch here.
And there you have it! Eight show-stopping nacho recipes that are sure to make your Super Bowl party a hit. Whether you went for the classic cheesy goodness or ventured into new territories with some unconventional toppings, these recipes are proof that great nachos can truly elevate your game day experience.
And hey! We want to hear about whether you stuck to these recipes or added your own twist. Let us know in the comments what you liked most and how you personalized your own game day snack bar.
Until next year’s game, keep those nachos crispy, those toppings plentiful, and your spirits high. Happy Super Bowl, everyone, and may your team (and your nachos) reign supreme!
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comment section! I always appreciate your feedback and I know other readers do, too!
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