Feed a crowd – Simple Happy Holidays

Nachos are the ultimate party food. Whether you're feeding a crowd on game day or hosting a casual family gathering nachos can be the star of the snack table—or even the main event. And in my family, they are loved by all ages. And because they allow family and visitors to choose their favorites, they can adjust their own portion sizes, and eliminate most “food sensitivity” issues because people can choose what they can and can’t eat. But making nachos well (as in: crisp chips, gooey cheese, and toppings that hit just right) is an art. Here's everything you ever wanted to know about making nachos for a crowd, including how to serve them, what cheese to use, and even how to upgrade to a real Texas-style tray. Nachos for a Crowd: What to Know If you're making nachos for a party, your goals are simple: Easy prep Big flavor Sturdy chips Hot and melty at serving time The best method is to build your nachos in layers and bake them on a sheet pan. You can also prep multiple trays ahead of time and bake as needed to keep the nachos hot and crisp throughout the party. Best Party Nachos Recipe Here’s a go-to recipe that’s easy to make and easy to scale. It’s perfect for a crowd, but you can halve it for a smaller group. Sheet Pan Party Nachos Ingredients:1 large bag sturdy tortilla chips (restaurant-style or thick-cut)2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a mix)1 lb ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken (optional)1 tbsp taco seasoning1 15 oz can black beans, drained½ cup pickled jalapeños (optional)1 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo1 avocado (diced)¼ cup sliced green onionsSour cream (guacamole, and salsa for serving)Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish Instructions:Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil or parchment.Brown the meat, if using: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.Assemble the nachos: Spread half the chips on the tray. Sprinkle with half the cheese, beans, meat, and jalapeños. Add another layer of chips, then repeat with remaining toppings (except avocado and fresh garnishes).Bake for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.Top and serve: Scatter with avocado, green onions, and tomatoes. Add dollops of sour cream or drizzle with crema. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Pro tip: Use red-and-white paper food trays to portion out nachos for individual servings—they stay crisp, look cute, and keep cleanup easy! What Cheese Melts Best for Nachos? The best melters for nachos are: Monterey Jack: Buttery and smooth Cheddar: Classic and flavorful American cheese: Great for creamy cheese sauce Chihuahua melting cheese: a white Mexican melting cheese Want that ultra-gooey restaurant-style nacho cheese? Make a simple cheese sauce using a roux (butter + flour) and slowly whisk in milk and shredded cheese over low heat. Velveeta and evaporated milk work too, if you’re aiming for nostalgia. Taco-Nacho Cheese Sauce Cheese sauce for tacos and nachos is usually a little thicker than normal. Try this one. 1–1/2 sticks butter 1 large onion, chopped 2 tablespoons chopped garlic 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno pepper 3/4 cup flour 6 cups milk 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste 15-ounce can Tapatio (or other brand) nacho cheese sauce In a medium sauce pan over medium heat,melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, and jalapenos until caramelized. Stir in flour and blend for 1–2 minutes.Pour in the milk and stir until the mixture thickens. Stirring constantly, stir in th ecan of nacho cheese sauce (Tapatio cheese sauce is quite spicy; youmay want to use only 1/2 a can). Add salt to taste. Continue to cook and stir until cheese is incorporated and all ingredients are well blended. While hot, spoon over nachos or refrigerate and reheat (microwave) when ready to use. Or, keep warm in a fondue pot. What Chips Are Best? Choose thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can stand up to layering. Thin chips will sog out or break. Blue corn chips, lime-flavored chips, or homemade chips from cut and fried corn tortillas are also excellent options. What to Serve with Nachos While nachos can be a meal all by themselves, they play nicely with: Fresh citrus salad: Orange, avocado, red onion, and greens Mexican street corn salad (esquites): Creamy and spicy Cucumber-avocado salad: Light and cooling with balsamic or lime Cheesy chili corn: Bold and satisfying Don't be afraid to echo some of the nacho ingredients in the sides—repetition in flavor can help tie the meal together. Nacho Variations to Try Real Texas Nachos: Individual chips each topped with refried beans, cheese, and jalapeño, then broiled. Homemade Chip Nachos: Fry or bake your own tortilla wedges for ultra-crunchy results. Ballpark Nachos: Pile chips in a tray and smother in liquid cheese—nostalgia in a bite. Exotic Nachos: Try BBQ chicken, Korean bulgogi, pulled pork, or tikka masala versions. Related Questions Can I make nachos ahead of time?You can prep and layer the chips and toppings (minus fresh items) and store in the fridge. Bake right before serving. How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?Use thick chips, layer sparingly, and bake just until the cheese melts. Drain wet toppings like salsa or tomatoes. Are nachos gluten-free?They can be! Just check that your chips and seasonings are labeled gluten-free. Helpful things for making and serving nachos at a party: Stainless steel baking pans- keep their shine even when washed in a dishwasher Nacho/taco bar serving set: keeps the meat warm