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These aren’t just any nachos — they’re the ultimate nachos with queso! Crispy tortilla chips are layered with creamy homemade queso blanco, spicy chorizo, avocado, cilantro, and pimientos for a pop of color. I first made them for game day, and now they’re a family favorite for easy dinners and parties, especially paired with my skinny margarita recipe!
Try my chorizo quiche recipe and Jalapeño Beer Nachos!
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Pin ItWhy These Are the Ultimate Queso Blanco Nachos
When I set out to make the perfect nachos, I thought about every detail — the toppings we actually love, the cheese that makes us swoon, and what would keep friends coming back for seconds.
That’s how these queso blanco nachos were born. Instead of the usual tomatoes (which I honestly never crave on nachos), I went with vibrant red pimientos for color and flavor. Layered with creamy queso, spicy chorizo, buttery avocado, and fresh cilantro, these nachos check every box for the ultimate snack.
Queso Nacho Ingredients
Tortilla Chips – Use thick, restaurant-style chips so they don’t get soggy.
Queso Blanco – My queso blanco recipe is creamy, smooth, and coats every chip perfectly.
Chorizo – Cooked until browned and crumbly. You can also swap for shredded chicken, ground beef, carnitas, or even leftover pot roast.
Avocado – Adds creamy richness to balance the spice.
Cilantro + Green Onions – Fresh flavor and crunch.
Pimientos – My fun swap for tomatoes—less watery, more vibrant color.
Optional Nacho Toppings: Pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo, sour cream, or black beans.
How to Make Queso Nachos
- Cook the chorizo in a skillet until browned.
- Prepare toppings: slice avocado, chop cilantro and onions, drain pimientos.
- Layer chips on a baking sheet, dish or large skillet.
- Top with chorizo, then drizzle queso blanco generously over the chips.
- Add avocado, cilantro, pimientos, and jalapeños.
- Serve hot and gooey!
If your queso is cold, assemble everything and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to warm through.
Eden’s Tips for Nachos with Queso
Mix proteins – Try chorizo + black beans or shredded chicken + queso.
Use a sheet pan – Great for parties and ensures every chip gets toppings.
Don’t skimp on queso – Nachos with queso should be gooey and messy.
Add fresh toppings last – Avocado, cilantro, and lettuce go on after baking.
Keep it customizable – Offer toppings like black beans, jalapeños, or sour cream on the side.
Best Cheese for Nachos
The key to perfect nachos is melty, gooey cheese. I always go with queso blanco because it coats the chips and gives every bite that creamy, restaurant-style flavor.
If you don’t want to make queso, you can also use:
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp and melty, a classic nacho choice.
- Monterey Jack – Buttery and gooey.
- American white cheese – Melts seamlessly into a queso-style dip.
Best Way to Melt Cheese Over Nachos
There are two tried-and-true ways to get melty cheese on nachos:
- Stovetop queso – Make a creamy cheese sauce in a pan (like queso blanco or cheddar queso), then pour it over your nachos. This gives the chips a luscious, even coating.
- Baked cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheese directly over the chips, then bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until melted. Add cold toppings like avocado or salsa after baking.
For the ultimate results, I prefer stovetop queso + baking for a few minutes to crisp the chips.
Nachos with Queso FAQ’s
Yes! Skip the chorizo and add black beans, roasted veggies, or even spicy cauliflower.
Assembled nachos don’t hold well, but you can make queso and cook the protein ahead. Assemble just before serving.
Sheet pan nachos are simply baked on a tray—great for parties and easy cleanup. My nachos with queso can be made both ways!
Absolutely! Use two sheet pans or bake in batches.
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These nachos with queso are cheesy, spicy, and perfect for sharing. Whether you make them as sheet pan nachos for game day or load them up for dinner, they’ll always be a hit.
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Queso Nachos
Ingredients
- 13 ounces tortilla chips, 1 bag
- 10 ounces queso blaco
- 2 avocados, cut into chunks
- 15 ounces chorizo
- 4 ounces pimentos, diced (they come in a small jar)
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, washed and chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (also optional)
Instructions
- First, make a batch of our favorite queso blanco.
- Add a layer of chips in a baking dish or sheet pan.
- Next, cook the ground chorizo in a skillet until it’s hot. Break it apart with a spoon.
- Spread chorizo over the chips.
- Pour the queso all over the chips and chorizo.
- Then prepare the toppings. Slice the avocado, wash and chop green onions, loosely chop cilantro and drain pimentos.
- Add sliced avocados, cilantro, pimentos over the top.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
