Nacho Average Appetizer
In this life, you can’t turn the corner without someone offering nachos. Game day isn’t complete without them, every bar has them for an app, and they make an awesome potluck option. However, not every topping belongs—even the popular ones—and we’re here to break down which ones aren’t worthy and which ones are.
1. Pre-Shredded Cheese
We’ve all tried the ol’ chips and cheese microwave platter—but the pre-shredded stuff only ruins your appetizer. Aside from the phony taste, the texture isn’t anything to write home about either. If you’re lucky, you’ll get an uneven distribution; if you’re unlucky, you’ll get those weird, congealed lumps.
Mack Male from Edmonton, AB, Canada on Wikimedia
2. Lean Chicken
No one said nachos were healthy, but that’s exactly why we love them! If you’re going to go all out, ditch the bland meats for something with real flavor. On any other day, we’d reach for lean protein, but nachos call for something richer.
3. Cucumber
Speaking of things with no taste, forget about diced cucumbers. You have so many better options out there! Pico de gallo brings a healthy mix of flavor, freshly diced tomatoes add the bite, and the chips are more than crunchy enough. Cucumbers don’t really add anything to the mix.
4. Blue Cheese
Some people love blue cheese, but others—the correct ones—can’t stand the stuff. This stinky cheese shouldn’t even be allowed in stores, let alone atop our precious nacho platter. It’s way too strong, especially when melted, and doesn’t complement the profile.
5. Canned Salsa
Believe it or not, salsa isn’t that tough to make at home! Though the canned stuff is more convenient, it’s also not as satisfying. With a few tomatoes, onions, and a pinch of garlic, you can whip up your own in just 15 minutes.
6. Black Olives
Black olives are often hailed as a nacho staple—but not by us! Much like blue cheese, these little slices have way too much flavor, which only overpowers the dish. Why choose a mouthful of brine when you could keep things nice and simple?
7. Raw Onions
We don’t have an issue with onions on nachos…so long as they’re not raw! Plain onions belong on a burger, not on nachos, and the contrasting texture doesn’t complement crunchy corn chips. They’re also way too overpowering. (The only exception is green onion.)
8. Corn
Ever hear of too much of a good thing? That’s sort of like corn kernels on corn chips. Hungry guests already have the flavor and the crispiness; they don’t need anything on top of that. If, however, you can’t live without it, might we suggest at least adding a little flavor elote-style?
9. Lettuce
Nachos aren’t taco bowls—they’re an incredible standalone dish that doesn’t need wilted lettuce. A nice pop of green is only good in a taco or a bowl; on nachos, they don’t bring any flavor, texture, or life to the party.
10. Cilantro
We hate to say it, but cilantro is too polarizing. As a key ingredient of pico de gallo, we can’t always escape it, but loosely shredded cilantro should never touch nachos. If we wanted to eat soap, we’d curse in front of our parents.
If corn and olives are off the platter, what can you put on nachos? Don’t you worry, we have a few toppings that work well with any version.
1. Fresh Salsa
Salsa is basically a blank canvas, which makes it a cornerstone ingredient for nachos. Sure, you can string together a classic recipe, but you can also add a little heat, avocado, roasted peppers, or fresh lime juice. It’s whatever you want it to be, and that’s how you make this app your own!
2. Guacamole
As much as we love salsa, no one ever turned down guacamole. Avocado, onions, roma tomatoes, lime juice—what more could you ask for? The best thing about it is that it doesn’t soak through the chips as much as salsa, leaving things nice and crispy.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
3. Sliced Sausage
Remember what we said about rich meat? Well, it doesn’t get much better than sliced sausage! Though most people lean on ground beef, sausage works just as well and can even bring different flavors to your plate. You can stick with breakfast sausages for something milder or bring the heat with spicy Italian varieties!
Mark Carlo Allones on Unsplash
4. Caramelized Onions
Nachos are a delicate balance of the chips’ texture and the toppings’; you don’t want anything too mushy seeping into the base, just like you don’t want anything too crispy overpowering it. Caramelized onions are the best of both worlds—you get the sweet flavor without the horrible texture of their raw cousin.
5. Beans
Where would nachos be without beans on top? Refried and black are your more classic options, and their mild flavors turn this simple appetizer into a hearty entree. They also act like a sort of delicious glue that holds other ingredients together.
6. Pulled Pork
Alright, you could do beans for a protein boost. You could also do some sausage. But do you know where the real mouth-watering lies? That’s right—pulled pork! This tender, slow-cooked option is loaded with flavor; its texture also spreads evenly over your chips, giving everyone a good bite.
Arnold Gatilao from Oakland, CA, USA on Wikimedia
7. Cheddar Cheese
No one said you couldn’t put cheese on nachos! Freshly grated sharp cheddar does a whirlwind of good atop your other dressings. It not only melts smoothly over the dish, but it also provides a complementary taste that brings out every other flavor.
8. Sour Cream
Not everyone likes sour cream, but it’s pretty much a staple ingredient on nachos. We know it’s a little tangy, but its creamy texture actually helps balance out other toppings, especially if you’re someone who likes a little fire on your plate.
Dan Zen from Dundas, Canada on Wikimedia
9. Queso
We’ll be honest: queso is an acquired choice. Nachos usually come with melted cheese on top, preventing any sogginess, and queso tends to ruin that. However, it’s also more flavorful than the shredded stuff, and we think soft chips are worth the price.
10. Jalapeños
There’s a reason jalapeños wind up on every platter! Even if you don’t like spice, a few slices help control the heat and provide a small kick without overpowering anyone. They also bring a welcome tang to the dish that balances everything out.
KEEP ON READING
