the nachos question

[Mark V]

Haven't had or made nachos for a long time. Restaurant nachos are usually disappointing to me, lots of stuff on top of a pile
of chips that once you have eaten the top layer they have nothing left. Even then not that good. When I have made nachos,
I made them on a sheet pan single layer overlapping chips with the toppings spread evenly over it all. Spiced hamburger, not shredded beef. Forget chicken. For some things I think ground beef is best.

But then, I always used shredded cheese, then melted under a broiler. I see some use a cheese sauce, what I have considered to be gas station or ball park nachos. I don't doubt that is good, comfort food is always good.

But what is the feeling here, sauce or melted cheese for nachos?

[lemayp]

Sauce can work in small batches, otherwise you end up with chips that wont hold anything. Melted is the safer choice to me.

[cscheib]

I make them with both, depending on my mood. You can easily make your own cheese sauce, though. 8oz of cheese cut into chunks, 1tbsp corn starch, 1 can evaporated milk... cook in sauce pan, stirring constantly until it forms a smooth sauce.

The advantage to sauce is when you pull a chip away with cheese sauce, you don't end up pulling a glob of other chips/toppings held together by melted cheese.

[DavidNorcross]

I do both and have done both on the same batch of nachos. Just depends on what I have on hand.

[holehogg]

+1

[Mr. Bones]

This^^

[Attjack]

Melted cheese but I do the single-chip layer, toppings, then another layer of chips, and repeat.

[jgreen]

Generally melted cheese, but sauce is good occasionally. I agree on using ground beef, and lots of it.

[FireMan]

Cheese guy myself. Sauce is for later as in dippin & drippin.

[Mark V]

Good tips! I will add one myself. Cut up corn tortillas and fry them yourself, even make your own tortillas, big difference.

[surfdog]

Melted cheese.
The only time I used a cheese sauce/stadium nacho thing is when my kids were a lot younger and I let them and all of their friends build their own nachos...outside. LOL There was cheese goop everywhere. O_o

i too tend to do them in layers. A perforated pan/tray makes for a great pan on the grill or smoker. I have several in different sizes & shapes.

[rickgregory]

The issue with sauce is that you need to start with a more flavorful cheese to get the same flavor as a melted cheese.

Also microwave. Chips, cheese, jalapeños, repeat, nuke for 60 seconds, check and add a bit more time if needed.

[RonB]

I put the chips on the side after melting the cheese on top of the beef. I then add whatever else I want to the pile and cut a bit off with my fork. A chip goes in my mouth followed by what's on the fork.
I can eat sauce and it's OK at an event, but I don't use it at home and am greatly disappointed if I am served nachos with that sauce when in a decent restaurant.

[barelfly]

If I make nachos, I do what you did - properly and evenly placing all ingredients on each chip with shredded cheese


If I make queso, then it’s poor that over chips that are set up in a way that will get even distribution and proportionally to each chip so.....ok enough of that!

I like both, just depends on what I’m in the mood for I guess. My wife makes a killer crock pot green chile queso. But the nachos aren’t as heavy on gut like the queso.

[Mark V]

I always had considered queso a dip, not for nachos.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

I personally evenly layer ingredients to include shredded cheese. I've never been a huge fan of runny cheese on my nachos because of the soggy factor, but I will spoon it and salsa on at the last minute in small doses from time to time. My preferred cooking method is the oven, but the microwave does in a pinch. I've tried torching the layers with cheese before nuking before and it works, but not really worth the effort. Meat and beans are also cooked before building layers.

[HawkerXP]

BEANS IN NACHOS!?! Good thing you don't live in Texas.

[blarsenlarsen]

I have done 1/2 and 1/2 and liked the results. A little less shredded cheese let’s things get toastier. Then drizzle with cheese sauce (shredded cheese, corn starch, evap. milk, and hot sauce) right before serving.

[Red Man]

Melted cheddar and pepper jack for me. My meat of choice is smoked pulled pork or beef. Top with hatch chiles and/or fresh jalapeños.