Ohio Nachos are a fun twist on the classic snack! Picture crispy tortilla chips topped with gooey cheese, zesty chili, and a sprinkle of onions. Yum!
You can’t go wrong when cheese is involved, right? I love to load them up with toppings—some jalapeños for a kick or maybe a dollop of sour cream. Crunchy, cheesy magic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Plain tortilla chips are the base here. You could switch to baked chips for a healthier option, or even try using nacho-flavored chips for extra seasoning!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you’re looking for something different, mozzarella or pepper jack cheese can also work well. Pepper jack adds a nice kick!
Chili: A chili with ground beef is classic, but for a vegetarian version, try a black bean chili or lentil chili. It gives you that tasty heartiness without the meat.
Onions & Tomatoes: Red onions are sweet and crunchy, but you can use green onions or even white onions if that’s what you have. Any fresh tomatoes will do, or substitute with jarred salsa for convenience.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a great swap for sour cream if you want a healthier twist with a similar tangy flavor!
How Do You Get the Cheese to Melt Perfectly?
The cheese is the star of Ohio Nachos, and getting it right is key! Here’s how to ensure it melts beautifully:
- Layer the cheese evenly across the tortilla chips. This helps every chip get that cheesy goodness.
- Don’t rush the baking! Let the nachos bake just long enough (about 10 minutes) for the cheese to get bubbly, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove them from the oven as soon as you see the cheese melting—overcooked cheese can become rubbery!
By following these tips, you’ll end up with a plate of nachos that’s cheesy, warm, and oh-so-delicious!
Ohio Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bag of plain tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked chili (preferably with ground beef, beans, and a mildly spicy tomato sauce)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional: cooked and crumbled bacon or bacon bits for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Ohio Nachos recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and just 10 minutes to bake. All in all, you’re looking at around 25 minutes to have these nachos ready for your game day munching!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when your nachos are assembled!
2. Prepare the Tortilla Chips:
On a large baking sheet or a shallow pan, spread out a generous layer of tortilla chips. Make sure the chips are evenly arranged so that every chip gets a taste of all the delicious toppings!
3. Add the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chips. Be sure to cover them nicely so every chip gets that cheesy goodness.
4. Top with Chili:
Dollop the cooked chili on top of the cheese-covered chips. Spread it around to ensure that some chili gets onto several different chips!
5. Bake the Nachos:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and take them out when the cheese is fully melted and bubbly—yum!
6. Add the Final Touches:
Once out of the oven, carefully spoon sour cream in several dollops all over the nachos. This adds that creamy touch we all love!
7. Sprinkle Fresh Toppings:
Next, sprinkle the chopped red onions, diced tomatoes, and chives evenly over the top. These fresh ingredients add color and crunch.
8. Optional Bacon Crunch:
If you want to take it to the next level, toss on some crumbled bacon or bacon bits for extra flavor and crunch—definitely a crowd-pleaser!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the nachos hot and enjoy the cheesy, savory treat with friends and family. Perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to be a hit!
There you have it—Ohio Nachos! A delightful blend of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, hearty chili, and fresh toppings all in one delicious dish. Perfect for parties or just a cozy night in!
Can I Use Store-Bought Chili for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought or canned chili can save you time and still taste delicious. Just make sure to heat it up before dolloping it on the nachos to ensure it’s warm and ready to go!
How Can I Customize the Toppings?
The beauty of nachos is their versatility! You can add jalapeños for some heat, avocado or guacamole for creaminess, or black olives for extra flavor. Feel free to get creative with whatever toppings you enjoy!
Can I Make Ohio Nachos Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just ensure that your tortilla chips are labeled gluten-free. Many brands offer great options that are safe for those with gluten sensitivities!
How Do I Store Leftover Ohio Nachos?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the chips may lose their crunch, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh! You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to warm through before serving again.
