Crispy tortillas & cheese
Nachos and cheese: a beloved Tex-Mex classic that’s perfect for casual gatherings, film nights, or anytime you’re craving a delicious, cheesy snack. This simple yet satisfying dish originated in Mexico and has become a staple of casual dining and home cooking across North America and, increasingly, in the UK.
At the heart of great nachos is the interplay between crispy tortilla chips, gooey melted cheese, and the kick of chillies. Chillies are an essential component of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, adding both heat and depth of flavour. From mild poblanos to fiery habaneros, the world of chillies offers a spectrum of tastes to suit every palate. In our recipe, we suggest jalapeños for a moderate heat, but feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your perfect balance of flavour and spiciness.
Our recipe offers a basic version that you can easily customise to suit your tastes. The foundation is a layer of crispy tortilla chips generously covered with melted cheese and chillies. From there, you can add a variety of toppings to create your perfect nacho experience. Whether you prefer them simple or loaded with extras, this versatile dish is sure to please.
One of the best things about nachos is their flexibility. You can make them as a quick snack or expand them into a heartier meal by adding proteins like seasoned minced beef, shredded chicken, or black beans. The chilli heat can be adjusted to your liking, making it easy to cater to different preferences when serving a crowd.
Now, let’s get into the ingredients and steps to create this crowd-pleasing dish:
- Serves: 4-6 portions
- Serving size: 4 x 230 grams
- Calories: 499
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated fat: 14 grams
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 2282 mg
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg

- 1 bag of tortilla chips
- 200g grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tin of refried beans (optional)
- Jalapeños, sliced (optional)
- Soured cream (optional)
- Salsa (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4).
- Spread tortilla chips in a single layer on a large, oven-safe platter or baking tray.
- If using refried beans, warm them slightly and dollop spoonfuls over the chips.
- Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the chips (and beans if using).
- Add sliced jalapeños on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute or two.
- Serve immediately, with soured cream and salsa on the side if desired.