How to Make Nachos at Home - Nachos Recipes

March 07, 2025
a plate of nachos topped with diced onions, chillies & tomatoes, surrounded by dips, lemon & scattered chips
Are you ready to discover the simplicity and joy of crafting the perfect plate of nachos right in your own kitchen? Our informative article provides a step-by-step guide on how to make nachos at home, including tips on selecting the best cheeses, choosing the right toppings, and achieving that sought-after restaurant-style finish with Old El Paso products. Whether it's a family dinner or a fun gathering, learn how to make nachos and cheese that will dazzle any crowd!

How to Make Restaurant-Style Nachos at Home: A Complete Guide


Few dishes bring people together like a big, sizzling plate of nachos. Packed with crunchy tortilla chips, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a crowd-pleasing favourite, whether you’re hosting friends or serving up a casual family meal. With Old El Paso™ products, creating restaurant-style nachos at home has never been easier—or more fun.

This guide will show you how to make nachos at home, with tips for customising your toppings, choosing the best cheese, and including delicious add-ons to make your nachos truly unforgettable.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Homemade Nachos


One of the great joys of nachos is how customisable they are. With a few basic elements and a variety of fresh toppings, you can craft a meal that suits your crowd’s tastes and dietary preferences. Plus, using Old El Paso™ products ensures that every bite is full of authentic Mexican flavour.

The Essentials:

  • Tortilla Chips: Begin with a sturdy base like Old El Paso™ Nachips Tortilla Chips. These chips are designed for layering, featuring a satisfying crunch and seasoned for that signature bold flavour.
  • Cheese: The star of any nachos dish! Choosing the right cheese (or cheeses) ensures a perfect melt and flavour (more on this below).
  • Beans: For a plant-based protein boost, use black beans or Old El Paso™ Refried Beans. They’re easy to handle and add a delightful texture.
  • Salsa: A key ingredient for freshness and spice. Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky Salsa offers a punchy, authentic flavour.
  • Protein: Ground beef, shredded chicken, or plant-based proteins like crumbled tofu all work well. Whatever protein you choose, season it with Old El Paso™ Taco Spice Mix to lock in zesty Mexican flavours.
Optional Toppings & Add-Ons:

  • Guacamole: No nachos plate is complete without a creamy avocado topping. Mash a couple of ripe avocados with lime and Old El Paso™ Guacamole Spice Mix for a quick and satisfying addition.
  • Sour Cream: For a cool, tangy counterbalance to the spice and rich cheese.
  • Jalapeños: Perfect for adding a spicy kick! Use sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, depending on your preference.
  • Corn: Sweet corn kernels bring a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness to your nachos.

Pro Tip: Don’t overload your nachos. Spread toppings sparingly, creating even layers so each bite delivers a full mix of flavours and textures without becoming soggy.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Nachos at Home


Making nachos is a simple, flexible process. You can make it quick and easy for a casual meal, or you can get creative for a more elaborate dish when entertaining guests.

an electric oven with door open & light on

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). This helps your chips stay crispy while ensuring the cheese melts to perfection.
chips layered together for making nachos

Step 2: Layer the Chips

Spread Old El Paso™ Nachips Tortilla Chips evenly across a large, oven-proof tray in a single layer. The chips should have plenty of space to prevent sogginess and ensure even coverage of toppings.
chips layered with cheese, diced tomatoes, onions, grounded beef & beans

Step 3: Build the First Layer

Start by sprinkling a generous amount of shredded cheese over the chips. This ensures the first layer of ingredients sticks to the chips as they melt. Next, add your seasoned protein—whether it's cooked ground beef, chicken, or tofu. Then, add Old El Paso™ Refried Beans, black beans, and spoonfuls of Old El Paso™ Thick 'n Chunky Salsa.
cheesy nachos baked in a brown bowl garnished with coriander

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your nachos for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbling, and the chips are crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
cheesy baked nachos topped with sour cream, diced tomatoes, coriander & other garnishes, served in a white plate on a black background

Step 5: Top with Cold Ingredients

Once out of the oven, add your cold toppings: spoonfuls of guacamole, dollops of sour cream, and fresh jalapeños. For a one-pan solution, check out our Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe.


Your restaurant-quality nachos are ready to enjoy—no reservation required!

Choosing the Best Cheese for Nachos


One of the most critical elements in your nachos is the cheese. For nachos, you need cheeses that melt easily while delivering ample flavour.

a wooden tray with assorted cheeses, including blue cheese, cheddar, colby & spiced varieties, on a rustic background

The Best Nacho Cheeses:

  • Sharp Cheddar: A classic choice, cheddar offers bold flavour while melting beautifully, making it ideal for nachos.
  • Monterey Jack: Its creamy texture perfectly complements the sharper notes of cheddar.
  • Colby: A mildly flavoured cheese that adds creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.

Pro Tip: Mix your cheeses for optimal texture and flavour variety. Use equal parts cheddar and Monterey Jack, adding Colby for a milder take.

Cheeses to Avoid:

Avoid using crumbly or hard cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan, as they don’t melt well and may not blend with Mexican-inspired flavours.

Simple Homemade Nachos Recipe


Now that you have all the tips and tricks, here’s a straightforward recipe to make mouth-watering nachos using your favourite Old El Paso™ products.

Classic Beef Nachos

Try this easy to make tasty Mexican snack. Classic Beef Nachos Recipe is the perfect snack for sharing between friends and family.

Recipe Name

Classic Beef Nachos

Total Time

20 minutes

Spice Level

Mild

Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red capsicum, finely chopped
  • 500g lean minced beef
  • Old El Paso™ Nacho Kit
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded pizza blend cheese
  • 1 large ripe avocado, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 punnet cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • Small handful fresh coriander, washed and chopped
  • Old El Paso™ Green Jalapeῆos

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 200˚C conventional (180˚C fan forced).
  2. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium high heat. Add capsicum and cook for 3 minutes or until soft. Add beef and cook, stirring to break up lumps.
  3. When Beef Is Cooked, add both sachets of Nacho Salsa and cook for 3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  4. Layer half of the Nacho Chips in an oven proof dish. Spoon half of the beef and capsicum mixture over the top. Sprinkle with cheese. Create another layer with remaining Nacho Chips, beef mixture and cheese. Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is golden.
  5. Combine avocado, cherry tomatoes, sour cream and coriander. Pile on top of hot Nachos.
  6. Enjoy with jalapeῆos if you like heat.

Made With...

Take Your Nachos to the Next Level

Nachos are all about fun, flavour, and flexibility. You can switch up your proteins, mix in seasonal ingredients, or adjust the toppings based on dietary requirements—whether that’s going fully plant-based or making a lavish snack loaded with cheeses and meats.

Try these nacho recipes today:

Ready to create your nacho masterpiece? Stock up on your favourite Old El Paso™ staples and dive into a fun, festive, and flavour-packed culinary adventure. Visit our products page to stock up, and be sure to check out our other delicious nacho recipes.

Sharing your creations with the world ? Don’t forget to tag @OldElPasoAustralia in your nacho masterpieces!