Celebrate National Nachos Day
Celebrate National Nachos Day: A Crunchy, Cheesy, Totally Awesome Day!
Mark your calendars for November 6th because it’s National Nachos Day! This tasty day celebrates one of the most beloved snacks of all time – nachos! Whether you’re a fan of classic nachos or love loading them up with all sorts of toppings, there's no better way to honor the day than by digging into a big, cheesy plate of nachos.
The History of Nachos
The story of nachos begins in 1943 in the small town of Piedras Negras, Mexico. Legend has it that a group of U.S. military wives crossed the border to go shopping. When they stopped for food, they found the restaurant closed. The chef, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, took pity on the hungry group and whipped up a snack with what he had: tortilla chips, cheese, and jalapeños. The ladies loved it, and “Nacho’s Special” was born. Over time, the name was shortened, and nachos became a worldwide favorite.
Nacho Fun Facts
The largest nacho platter ever made weighed over 5,000 pounds!
Nachos didn’t become popular in the U.S. until the 1970s, thanks to Texas sports stadiums.
There’s a festival for nachos in Texas called “Nacho Fest,” where chefs compete for the title of best nachos.
And here’s a nacho joke for good measure:
Q: What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? A: Nacho cheese!
A Nacho Recipe Beyond Chips and Cheese
If you want to take your nacho game to the next level, try this recipe:
Ultimate Loaded Nachos
Ingredients:
Tortilla chips (sturdy ones- restaurant style or homemade from corn tortillas)
Shredded cheese (try a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco)
Black beans (drained and rinsed)
Seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken
Fresh jalapeños, sliced
Diced tomatoes
Black olives, sliced
Red onions
Sour cream
Guacamole
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange a layer of chips on a baking sheet, then sprinkle a little cheese over the chips to add cheese throughout the layers.
Add another layer of chips and more cheese, then sprinkle the beans, beef (or chicken), jalapeños, and olives.
Repeat the layering of chips, cheese, and toppings until you’ve built an impressive nacho tower.
Place in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
Add fresh toppings like tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro right before serving.
15 Amazing Toppings for Over-the-Top Nachos
Pulled pork
Grilled corn
Roasted bell peppers
Spicy chorizo
Pickled jalapeños
Sweet pineapple chunks
Smoky BBQ sauce
Fresh salsa verde
Crumbled bacon
Crispy fried onions
Cotija cheese
Pomegranate seeds (for a little sweetness)
Chipotle crema
Mango salsa
Fresh lime juice
Nacho Tips for Perfection
Layer the Cheese: Avoid sad, plain chips on the bottom by layering cheese between each layer of chips. This makes every bite cheesy and delicious.
Cheese Variety: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack for meltiness, sharp cheddar for flavor, and queso fresco for authenticity.
Don’t Be a “Top Only” Eater: No one likes it when someone picks all the cheesy chips off the top, so dive in and share the good bites!
Avoid Soggy Nachos: Keep ingredients like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side or add them right before eating to avoid soggy chips.
Fun Nacho Joke: Never take nachos on a date – they’re too cheesy!
