Loaded Nachos with Homemade Cheese Sauce
This recipe for Loaded Nachos is the ultimate solution for a quick, satisfying meal that can be customized to suit everyone's tastes, featuring a creamy homemade cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Nacho Base Ingredients
- 1 bag Tortilla chips Choose thick restaurant style chips.
- 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese Freshly shredded is preferred.
- 2 tablespoons Butter For the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour For thickening the cheese sauce.
- 2 cups Whole milk Can also use 2%.
Seasoning and Additional Toppings
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Optional for flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Chili powder or smoked paprika Adjust to desired spice level.
- 2 cups Protein options (taco beef, shredded chicken, black beans) Use your choice of protein.
- 1 cup Fresh toppings (diced tomatoes, jalapenos, green onions, cilantro, avocado, or shredded lettuce) Add after baking.
- 1 cup Extras (pickled onions, corn, olives, lime) For added flavor.
Instructions
Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a small pot over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for about a minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk until the mixture is smooth and thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheese, stirring until melted.
- If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more milk and season with salt to taste.
Assemble the Nachos
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a sheet pan with foil or parchment.
- Layer half of the tortilla chips on the sheet pan.
- Add some cheese sauce, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and your choice of protein.
- Repeat with another layer of chips, cheese sauce, and cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is toasty.
Serve the Nachos
- Remove from the oven and add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, avocados, and cilantro.
- Drizzle more warm cheese sauce on top before serving.
Notes
For best results, do not overload the nachos with wet toppings before baking. Store leftover toppings and chips separately. Reheat leftover cheese sauce with a splash of milk.