When you think of nachos, you probably imagine a plate of tortilla chips slathered in cheese and topped with chili, right? The truth is, there’s so much more to nachos than cheese and corn chips (no offense, classic nachos). For one thing, they don’t have to be savory, or made with chips. They can imitate your favorite snacks, from pizza to cookies. Keep that in mind when you’re planning your Cinco de Mayo party menu, or even for an easy sheet pan dinner (or dessert). Here are 21 nachos to please every taste bud at your party.
1. Vegetarian Banh Mi-Style Nachos: Give your nachos some Vietnamese-style flair with these banh mi-inspired goodies. They’re made from fried spring roll wrappers, which is frankly amazing. Nothing beats freshly fried food. (via Cravings in Amsterdam)
2. Dessert Nachos With Strawberry, Mango and Avocado Salsa: These chips are tossed in cinnamon sugar and topped with sharp Monterey Jack cheese and a fruity yet spicy salsa. Enjoy this happy mix of savory and sweet for dinner or dessert. (via Foodie Crush)
3. Caramel Apple-Chips Nachos: We’ve never met a chip we didn’t like, and these apple-chip nachos topped with chocolate, caramel and chopped nuts are no exception. Make the apple chips ahead of time, so when it comes time to assemble these sweet nachos, you barely have any work to do. (via Diethood)
4. Dessert Nachos: If you’re a real nacho fanatic, pull out these glorious cinnamon sugar nachos after your guests have consumed all the savory nachos at your Cinco de Mayo soiree. They’ll know this is no ordinary fiesta. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)
5. Loaded Funfetti Dessert Nachos: These nachos are an illusion — the chips are actually homemade COOKIES! Pair ’em with luscious meringue dip, a cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff. (via Cupcake Project)
6. Asian Style Nachos: There are so many layers to this baked nacho dish, it’s almost like a casserole. This is a great way to use up leftover teriyaki chicken, but if that’s not handy, try whatever you have on hand. (via Damn Delicious)
7. Ultimate Skillet Nachos: If you’re pressed for time but need a nacho fix, these skillet nachos are a great solution. You basically dump all your ingredients into a skillet and bake until the cheese turns gooey. Now that you know how easy it is, dump nachos might become a part of your weekly meal plan. (via I Heart Naptime)
8. Pizza Nachos: Finally, you don’t have to choose between pizza and nachos. These are topped with both a marinara sauce and a creamy garlic sauce. Just add your favorite toppings and dinner is ready. (via Taylor Made Market)
9. Lobster Nachos: Get out the white tablecloth and fine china — these lobster nachos are FANCY. They taste like a summer by the beach, so if you’re in need of a vacation, this dish is just the trick. Use fresh lobster for the best results, but in a pinch you can use frozen and it will still be delicious. (via Life’s Ambrosia)
10. Blackened Shrimp Nachos: These nachos certainly don’t shy away from spice. They’re so loaded with flavor, they’d go great with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top. This recipe uses pre-blackened shrimp, but you can always make your own if you have the time! (via Grandbaby Cakes)
11. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Skillet Nachos With Pineapple Guacamole: Pork and pineapple are seriously a match made in flavor heaven. Whether you’re making pizza, tacos or anything else, the combo won’t disappoint. Have a luau-themed party this summer, and put these nachos front and center. (via Iowa Girl Eats)
12. Spicy Lentil Nachos With Three Cheese Sauce: These lentil-and-cheese-topped chips are no joke. The recipe calls for two homemade sauces, but don’t let that intimidate you. The enchilada sauce can be made in five minutes in a blender, and the cheese sauce will put any Velveeta queso to shame. (via Pinch of Yum)
13. Ahi Wonton Nachos With Wasabi Mayo: If sushi nachos were a thing, these crispy wonton chips topped with mango salsa, wasabi mayonnaise and ahi tuna would be it. They strike a playful balance somewhere between Mexican and Asian flavors that is completely genius. (via A Spicy Perspective)
14. BBQ Brisket Nachos: Oven-roasted brisket makes for a deliciously unexpected nacho topping. It’s tender, juicy and will be gone in five seconds flat. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
15. Buffalo Chicken Nachos With Blue Cheese Sauce: Buffalo chicken and nachos are two foods that practically scream game day. Save this recipe for football season, or any time you want to transform leftover chicken into something new and utterly addictive. (via Cooking and Beer)
16. Mexican Street Corn Nachos: Take your nachos to the next level for the most festive Cinco de Mayo bite around. Crispy corn chips are a party-friendly way to serve up grilled corn slathered in mayonnaise, sour cream and cotija cheese. (via Simply Recipes)
17. Crock Pot Beer-Braised Brisket Totchos: Tater tots can be nachos too. These “totchos,” adorned with juicy slow-cooked brisket and cheese, prove that it’s hard to go wrong when melted cheese is involved. (via Buzzfeed)
18. Newcastle Brown Ale Pulled Duck Nachos: Impress your buds with these classed-up pulled duck nachos that are secretly pretty easy to make. The duck is slowly roasted in a bath of brown ale, which gives it a slightly sweet caramel flavor. (via I Am a Food Blog)
19. Cranberry, Butternut and Brussels Sprout Brie Skillet Nachos: We all know that brie and fruit go together like peanut butter and jelly, but what about brie, fruit and nachos? It sounds a little crazy, but it somehow makes a lot of sense. Plus, these nachos have Brussels sprouts on them, so you’re getting a dose of greens. (via Half Baked Harvest)
20. Ripper Beef Nachos: Homemade seasoning for the beef really takes the recipe to the next level. It’s the little personalized touches like that and the guacamole and cheese sauce that make these nachos stand out. (via Recipe Tin Eats)
21. Tequila Lime Chicken Sheet Pan Nachos: We could eat these homemade tequila-lime tortilla chips plain. You might want to keep them out of reach as you’re preparing the queso sauce and shredded chicken topping, or they might disappear before assembling. (via The Cookie Rookie)
