Three-Cheese Queso Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Three-Cheese Queso Nachos are the ultimate snack or appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a movie marathon, or simply craving something cheesy and indulgent, these nachos will not disappoint. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, a rich and creamy three-cheese queso sauce, and a variety of toppings creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious, and one that will have everyone coming back for more.

The best part about making Three-Cheese Queso Nachos is how customizable they are. You can add your favorite toppings, experiment with different cheeses, and even adjust the level of spice to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a mild cheese sauce or something with a little kick, these nachos are perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying solo while binge-watching your favorite shows.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of preparing Three-Cheese Queso Nachos, share useful tips for making the queso sauce perfectly creamy and smooth, and offer ideas for variations that can make these nachos your own. Get ready to create a cheesy, crispy masterpiece that will steal the show at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love Three-Cheese Queso Nachos

• Cheesy Goodness: With a blend of three different cheeses, the queso sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The cheese sauce coats each chip perfectly, ensuring that every bite is a delicious, gooey experience.
• Crispy and Crunchy: The tortilla chips provide the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy queso, making each bite a satisfying combination of textures.
• Customizable: Whether you like your nachos with extra toppings, a spicier sauce, or a different type of cheese, these Three-Cheese Queso Nachos are fully customizable. Add jalapeños, seasoned ground beef, guacamole, or even sour cream to make them your own.
• Perfect for Sharing: These nachos are great for parties, game days, or family dinners. They’re easy to prepare in large batches and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, these nachos come together quickly, making them an excellent option for when you want a tasty snack or appetizer without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings (depending on portion size)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on toppings and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 18-20g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 12-15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2-4g

Ingredients

For the Three-Cheese Queso Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese (for a bit of spice)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños (for added spice)

For the Nachos:

• 1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
• 1 cup cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 small tomato, diced (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Salsa (for serving)
• Sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)
• Black olives, sliced (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Three-Cheese Queso Sauce

The key to perfect nachos is a smooth, creamy cheese sauce that will coat every chip. Start by making the queso sauce, which is the heart of these nachos.

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture turns slightly golden but does not burn.
• Gradually add the milk (or half-and-half) to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture starts to thicken and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3-5 minutes.
• Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat to medium-low and begin adding the shredded cheeses one at a time. Start with the sharp cheddar cheese, followed by the Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Add the cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a spicier queso, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños at this stage.
• Once the queso sauce is smooth and flavorful, remove it from the heat. Set it aside while you prepare the nachos.

2. Prepare the Nacho Base

While you’re preparing the queso sauce, you can also start assembling the nachos.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tortilla chips out evenly on a large baking sheet, making sure that there is some space between each chip. If you have a large crowd to serve, you can use two baking sheets to make sure everything bakes evenly.
• If you’re adding any cooked protein like seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, scatter it evenly over the tortilla chips. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor and substance to the nachos, making them more of a meal than just a snack.

3. Assemble the Nachos

• Once the chips are spread out on the baking sheet, pour the warm Three-Cheese Queso Sauce generously over the chips. Use a spoon to drizzle the queso over every chip, ensuring they’re all coated in cheesy goodness. Don’t worry if some queso pools on the baking sheet; it will melt and soak into the chips during baking.
• If you want to add additional toppings like finely chopped onions, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños, sprinkle them evenly over the nachos at this stage. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top if you like your nachos extra cheesy.

4. Bake the Nachos

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the nachos for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges of the chips begin to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the chips from burning. The cheese should be melted and slightly crispy at the edges, while the chips stay crunchy in the middle.

If you’re using any delicate toppings, like fresh cilantro or tomatoes, you can add them to the nachos after they come out of the oven to preserve their freshness.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the nachos are out of the oven, sprinkle them with fresh cilantro and any other garnishes you’d like. You can serve them with sides of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping. For extra flair, top the nachos with sliced black olives or more jalapeños if you enjoy a bit of heat.

Let the nachos cool for a few minutes before diving in—though you may not be able to wait once that cheesy aroma fills the air!

Tips for Perfect Three-Cheese Queso Nachos

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can cause the cheese to clump together in the sauce. For the smoothest, creamiest queso sauce, opt for freshly shredded cheese from a block.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you love spicy food, feel free to increase the amount of pepper jack cheese or add more jalapeños to the queso. For a milder version, stick with the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and skip the spicy peppers.
• Layer the Nachos: If you want to ensure that every chip is coated with queso and toppings, try layering the chips, cheese sauce, and other toppings. Start with a layer of chips, then drizzle some cheese sauce over them, followed by a second layer of chips and more cheese sauce. This way, every chip will be covered in deliciousness.
• Add Toppings After Baking: If you want to preserve the freshness and texture of toppings like tomatoes, cilantro, or avocado, add them to the nachos after they’ve been baked. This ensures that the toppings don’t wilt or lose their flavor during cooking.
• Make It a Meal: To turn your nachos into a complete meal, add some seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or even beans. You can also throw in some sautéed bell peppers or onions for added flavor and texture.

Variations of Three-Cheese Queso Nachos

• BBQ Chicken Nachos: Swap the ground beef or chicken for BBQ-flavored pulled chicken. The smoky sweetness of the BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the creamy queso sauce and adds a delicious layer of flavor to the nachos.
• Vegetarian Nachos: Keep it vegetarian by topping your nachos with sautéed peppers, onions, black beans, and corn. You can also add guacamole or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
• Tex-Mex Nachos: Add a Tex-Mex twist by topping your nachos with seasoned ground beef or turkey, black olives, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and a generous drizzle of sour cream and salsa. This variation is packed with flavor and will satisfy even the hungriest crowd.
• Buffalo Chicken Nachos: For a spicy, tangy variation, use shredded buffalo chicken in place of the regular chicken or beef. The tangy hot sauce adds a bold kick that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Three-Cheese Queso Nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still warm and gooey. However, if you have leftovers, you can store the components separately for later use:

• Queso Sauce: Store any leftover queso sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the queso over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to thin it out.
• Nachos: Leftover nachos don’t hold up as well because the chips will soften as they sit, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up, but note that the cheese won’t be as fresh as it was initially.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Three-Cheese Queso Nachos

While these nachos are delicious on their own, they also pair well with other dishes and drinks:

• Mexican Street Corn: A side of Mexican street corn, or elote, with its creamy, spicy dressing and cotija cheese, complements the flavors of the nachos perfectly.
• Margaritas: Pair your nachos with a classic margarita for a festive, flavorful combo. A refreshing lime margarita with a salted rim is the perfect drink to balance the richness of the queso sauce.
• Fresh Guacamole and Salsa: Serve your nachos with fresh guacamole and salsa on the side for dipping. The freshness of the guacamole and the tangy flavors of salsa add a nice contrast to the warm, cheesy nachos.
• Mexican Rice: Serve the nachos with a side of fluffy Mexican rice to make your meal more filling. The rice pairs well with the flavors of the nachos and complements the cheese sauce.

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Conclusion

Three-Cheese Queso Nachos are a cheesy, indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy tortilla chips, rich and creamy cheese sauce, and endless topping options, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves delicious, comfort food. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a snack, or a main dish, these nachos are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and endless customization options, Three-Cheese Queso Nachos are the ultimate snack or party dish. So, gather your favorite toppings, melt some cheese, and enjoy a plate of nacho perfection!