Sheet Pan Nachos are the perfect snack for game night or movie marathons! Layers of crispy tortilla chips smothered in gooey cheese, beans, and tasty toppings are a crowd-pleaser.
I love how easy they are to make—just throw everything on a pan, bake, and enjoy! Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Look for sturdy chips to hold toppings well. If you want a healthier option, you can make your own by baking corn tortillas cut into triangles with a little oil and salt.
Black Beans: These add fiber and protein. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or refried beans work just as well. You could even use lentils for a different twist.
Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but mixing it with Monterey Jack adds creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cheese that melts well or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Fresh Ingredients: I love adding fresh tomatoes and cilantro for brightness. You can swap in pico de gallo or even jarred salsa if you’re short on fresh veggies!
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give a nice kick. For milder nachos, use banana peppers or omit the heat altogether. If you prefer more punch, try serrano or poblano peppers!
What’s the Best Way to Layer My Nachos for Even Topping?
Layering nachos is key to an evenly delicious dish! Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with a solid base of tortilla chips—make sure they’re in a single layer.
- Add black beans and your choice of meat evenly across the top to avoid big flavor pockets.
- Melted cheese is your glue! Spread it generously so it seeps into the chips and toppings.
- After baking, add fresh toppings quickly so they stay vibrant and crisp.
This technique helps every chip be tasty and ensures no toppings fall off when you serve them!
How to Make Sheet Pan Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bag tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
- 1 cup cooked black beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
- Optional: 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or chicken (if you want meat)
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced black olives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes to bake in the oven, so you’ll have delicious nachos ready in 20-25 minutes! Perfect for a quick snack or party food!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will give your nachos the perfect melt when it’s time to bake!
2. Prepare the Sheet Pan:
Take a large sheet pan and spread the tortilla chips out evenly in a single layer. Make sure they’re all facing the same way for even distribution of toppings.
3. Layer the Goodness:
Sprinkle the cooked black beans over the chips evenly. If you’re adding cooked ground beef or chicken, now’s the time to sprinkle that on too. It adds a nice protein punch!
4. Add the Cheese:
Generously cover the chips and beans with shredded cheese, ensuring to get it over most of the chips. The cheese will melt and bring everything together!
5. Bake the Nachos:
Pop the sheet pan in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Top it Off:
Once the nachos are out of the oven, immediately top them with diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro for a fresh crunch and burst of flavor.
7. Add Sour Cream:
Finally, add dollops of sour cream evenly over the nachos. This creamy topping is a great finish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the nachos hot straight from the sheet pan. Don’t forget to put lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top—such a nice zesty touch!
9. Customize to Your Heart’s Content:
Enjoy your nachos! Feel free to adjust toppings or even add guacamole, salsa, or anything else you love to make it your own. These nachos are always a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Chips for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While tortilla chips are traditional, you can use pita chips, bagel chips, or even veggie chips for a unique twist. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the toppings without breaking easily.
How Can I Make These Nachos Extra Crispy?
For extra crispy nachos, bake the tortilla chips on the sheet pan for about 5 minutes before adding toppings. This helps them hold up better under the weight of the cheese and other toppings!
Can I Make Sheet Pan Nachos Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit any meats and stick with the black beans, cheese, and plenty of fresh veggies. You can also add more beans or avocado for extra texture and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Nachos?
Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for the best texture.
