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What are Nachos?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Nachos are a Mexican dish, made by crisping pieces of tortilla and then broiling them with cheese. At their most basic, nachos are simply tortillas and cheese, but most cooks serve nachos with an assortment of toppings, and a nacho platter can, in fact, grow quite elaborate. Nachos are a common offering on the appetizer menus of restaurants in the American Southwest, especially establishments with a Mexican bent, and they are extremely abundant in Southwestern ballparks and sports arenas; they can also be made at home.

This dish appears to have originated in Northern Mexico in the 1940s, and invention of nachos is usually credited to a cook named Ignacio Anaya. According to legend, a group of hungry servicemembers piled into his restaurant one day, and he whipped something up with what he happened to have available, creating the first plate of nachos. From there, the dish quickly spread, perhaps because it was cheap and easy to make, and along the way, nachos acquired an assortment of toppings.

Nachos may be topped with cilantro.
Nachos may be topped with cilantro.

The cheeses used for nachos are quite varied. Cheddar is common, along with jack cheese, and a processed cheese product known as nacho cheese is used in many commercial establishments which offer nachos. Ultimately, the cheese decision lies with the cook, and potentially anything from Ackawi cheese to gouda cheese could be used. In addition to the basic cheese, nachos can be topped with: salsa, shredded chilies, sour cream, hot sauce, cilantro, onions, tomatoes, guacamole, olives, soft fresh cheeses, various seasoned and cooked meats, and pretty much anything else the cook might imagine.

Tortilla chips are generally laid out on a baking sheet, and the rest of the ingredients are scattered on top.
Tortilla chips are generally laid out on a baking sheet, and the rest of the ingredients are scattered on top.

Many cooks like to use tortilla chips to make nachos, rather than shredding and crisping their own tortillas. Tortilla chips are certainly quite acceptable, and they come in a range of styles from fried to baked to meet the needs of individual cooks. In the case of cooks who want to start from scratch with their own tortillas, the tortillas should be cut into small chunks and baked, or deep-fried for an extra-crispy texture, before proceeding with the nacho assembly.

Most types of salsa contain finely minced onions.
Most types of salsa contain finely minced onions.

To make nachos, tortillas are laid out on a baking sheet or in a pan, and then grated cheese is sprinkled on top. Next, the pan is placed in the oven and broiled until the cheese melts. Some toppings, like chilies, onions, and pre-cooked meats, can be broiled along with the nachos; things like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole should be applied after cooking. Once the nachos are done, they can be served as an appetizer or snack, with plenty of napkins for dirty fingers.

For those who are curious, 21 October has been designated as the International Day of the Nacho.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon985612

Tortilla chips were first mass produced in LA during the late 1940s, but any Californian knows this.

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    • Nachos may be topped with cilantro.
      By: Amber DeGrace
      Nachos may be topped with cilantro.
    • Tortilla chips are generally laid out on a baking sheet, and the rest of the ingredients are scattered on top.
      By: Artistic Endeavor
      Tortilla chips are generally laid out on a baking sheet, and the rest of the ingredients are scattered on top.
    • Most types of salsa contain finely minced onions.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      Most types of salsa contain finely minced onions.
    • Nachos are commonly served with guacamole.
      By: Stuart Monk
      Nachos are commonly served with guacamole.
    • Robust salsa is a perfect topper for nachos.
      By: JJAVA
      Robust salsa is a perfect topper for nachos.
    • Sour cream is a popular topping for nachos.
      By: dream79
      Sour cream is a popular topping for nachos.