Loaded Baked Nachos with Guacamole

Introduction

Loaded baked nachos with guacamole offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering, this dish combines the crunch of tortilla chips with layers of melted cheese, savory toppings, and, of course, creamy guacamole. It’s the ideal snack to share with friends and family, and the best part is how customizable it is based on personal preferences.

Whether you prefer extra cheese, spicy jalapeños, or a meaty topping, this recipe is simple to adapt. Guacamole, with its smooth texture and zesty flavor, takes the nachos to the next level, balancing the richness of the cheese and the savory toppings. It’s a recipe that will quickly become a go-to favorite in your household.

For another appetizer idea that will impress your guests, check out this Easy Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups Recipe.

What You’ll Need

To make these loaded baked nachos with guacamole, you’ll need a few basic ingredients and equipment. The simplicity of this recipe allows you to get started quickly while still delivering a flavorful and satisfying dish. Below is everything you need:

Equipment for Loaded Nachos

Baking Sheet: Essential for laying out the chips and ensuring they bake evenly.
Parchment Paper: Helps prevent nachos from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mixing Bowls: Perfect for combining the ingredients, especially if you need to prepare any additional toppings like guacamole.
Cheese Grater: For freshly grated cheese that melts better than pre-shredded options.

Key Ingredients

Tortilla Chips: Choose sturdy chips that can hold up under the weight of the toppings.
Shredded Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack offers the best melt and flavor.
Black Beans: A great way to add protein and a hearty texture to your nachos.
Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring a burst of flavor that complements the cheese and guacamole.
Jalapeños (optional): For a spicy kick, if desired.
Guacamole: This is the star of the show, adding a creamy, tangy contrast to the salty nachos.

Once you gather these items, you’re ready to assemble your nachos!

For another snack idea, check out this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe.

Ingredients

Now that you have all the equipment, let’s dive into the specific ingredients you’ll need to make these loaded baked nachos with guacamole. The balance of flavors in this dish will satisfy your cravings for something savory, cheesy, and fresh.

Core Ingredients

Tortilla Chips (4 cups): Start with a sturdy brand of tortilla chips. The thicker, the better. They will provide a solid base that won’t get soggy under the weight of the toppings.
Shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese (2 cups): These two cheeses melt wonderfully and provide a balance of sharpness and creaminess. If you want extra flavor, feel free to add a sprinkle of pepper jack.
Black Beans (1 cup): Canned or cooked, black beans add fiber and protein to your nachos, making them a more filling snack or meal.
Diced Tomatoes (1 cup): Fresh diced tomatoes provide a juicy and refreshing element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy guacamole.
Sliced Jalapeños (optional): If you like your nachos with a little heat, adding some fresh or pickled jalapeños is the way to go.
Guacamole (1 cup): Homemade or store-bought, guacamole is the perfect creamy topping that ties all the flavors together. Use fresh avocado for the best taste and texture.

Instructions

This is where the fun begins! With all the ingredients and equipment in place, follow these simple steps to create your loaded baked nachos with guacamole. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

1. Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent nachos from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Spread tortilla chips evenly across the sheet. Make sure they form a single layer, as this will allow for even baking and topping distribution.

2. Layer the Ingredients

Scatter shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chips. Add as much or as little as you’d like, based on your preference.
Add black beans and diced tomatoes on top of the cheese. The beans provide heartiness, while the tomatoes add a burst of freshness.
If you like a bit of spice, scatter sliced jalapeños on top. These add the perfect amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors.

3. Bake and Serve

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the edges.
Once baked, remove from the oven and top with a generous scoop of guacamole. Adding the guacamole at the end ensures it stays fresh and creamy.
Serve immediately and enjoy with a side of salsa or sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Score

Loaded baked nachos with guacamole can be a delicious yet indulgent treat. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional aspects of this dish to help you make informed choices.

Calories and Macronutrients

Calories (per serving): Approximately 350-400 calories for a serving of nachos, depending on the toppings and portion size. This makes them a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Protein: With black beans and cheese, each serving provides a decent amount of protein (around 10-12 grams), making this a more filling dish.
Fat: The cheese and guacamole contribute to the fat content, offering around 20 grams of fat per serving. While some of the fat is healthy (from the avocado), it’s important to enjoy these nachos in moderation.

Healthy Additions

Fiber: The black beans and tortilla chips provide a source of fiber, which aids digestion. Each serving offers about 5 grams of fiber.
Vitamins & Minerals: Fresh diced tomatoes and jalapeños provide some vitamin C, while the avocado in the guacamole offers potassium and healthy monounsaturated fats.

Serving & Storage

Loaded baked nachos with guacamole are best enjoyed fresh, but with the right tips, you can also store and reheat leftovers for later. Here’s how to serve and store them properly:

Serving Suggestions

Serve Immediately: After baking, the nachos are best served hot and fresh from the oven. The crispy chips, melted cheese, and cool guacamole create a satisfying contrast that’s perfect for sharing.
Pair with Side Dips: Serve these nachos with additional dips such as salsa, sour cream, or a spicy ranch dressing for extra flavor. You can also offer some sliced veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch.
Perfect for Gatherings: These nachos are a great choice for parties, sports events, or casual gatherings. They can be made in large batches and served as a crowd-pleasing snack.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. The nachos can last for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To prevent soggy nachos, it’s best to reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If you’re reheating only the chips, consider spreading them out on a baking sheet to retain their crunch.
Guacamole: Guacamole doesn’t store well once topped on nachos, so it’s best to add it fresh before serving. If you have leftover guacamole, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent browning. It can last for 1-2 days in the fridge.

For another dish perfect for gatherings, check out this Easy Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups Recipe.

Variations

One of the best things about loaded nachos is their versatility. You can customize them based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Here are some tasty variations to try:

Meat Lovers’ Nachos

Add ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo for a protein-packed version of loaded nachos. Brown the meat in a skillet before adding it to the nachos for extra flavor.
For extra richness, top the nachos with some sour cream or a drizzle of cheese sauce.

Vegetarian Nachos

Skip the meat and load up your nachos with more vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or red onions.
You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled feta for an added flavor twist.

Vegan Nachos

Replace the dairy cheese with vegan cheese or cashew cheese for a completely plant-based option.
For the guacamole, make sure to use fresh avocado, lime juice, and cilantro. Avoid sour cream and opt for a vegan alternative like cashew cream.

Sweet and Savory Nachos

If you love mixing sweet and savory, try adding pineapple or mango to the nachos, along with the traditional toppings. The fruit will provide a juicy burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the salty cheese and chips.

No matter which variation you choose, your loaded baked nachos with guacamole will be a hit! If you’re looking for more creative appetizer ideas, don’t forget to check out this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe.

FAQs

Loaded baked nachos with guacamole are a fan favorite, but you might have some questions about how to perfect them. Below, we address some common queries to help you get the best results.

How do you make loaded nachos not soggy?

To prevent your nachos from getting soggy, there are a few tricks to keep in mind:

Use thicker tortilla chips: Thin chips are more likely to become soggy. Go for sturdier, thicker chips that can hold up under the toppings.
Layer the ingredients thoughtfully: Begin with a foundation of chips, then add cheese, followed by toppings like beans and tomatoes. Bake the cheese and chips first, then add more toppings afterward.
Avoid wet toppings: Be cautious with juicy ingredients like tomatoes and salsa. You can drain them slightly to remove excess moisture before adding them to the nachos.

Do you put salsa on nachos before or after baking?

It’s best to add salsa after baking the nachos. This way, you can avoid making the chips soggy. Instead, bake the nachos with just cheese and other dry toppings, and serve the salsa as a dipping option on the side or drizzle it on top once they come out of the oven.

What’s the difference between loaded nachos and nachos?

Loaded nachos are essentially an upgraded version of regular nachos. While classic nachos are typically just chips and melted cheese, loaded nachos involve a more elaborate array of toppings. These can include beans, meats, veggies, and sauces, making them a heartier dish. Additionally, loaded nachos are often served as a meal or appetizer, while basic nachos are typically a snack.

What do you have with loaded nachos?

Loaded nachos can be paired with several side dishes or dips to round out the meal:

Sour cream and salsa are the most common accompaniments. They add coolness and flavor that complements the heat and cheese.
For a more filling dish, serve the nachos with a side of guacamole, grilled chicken, or mexican rice for extra flavor.
A refreshing salad like a cucumber and tomato salad works well if you want to balance the richness of the nachos.

For another great appetizer to try, check out this Easy Cranberry Brie Thyme Phyllo Cups Recipe.