If you’re a nacho fan, then this easy-to-assemble Nacho Snack Board is going to knock your socks off! It’s loaded with everything to make the ultimate plate of nachos, and the best part is you can mix and match to create all sorts of flavor combination! Perfect on game day or any day, everyone is going to love this!
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Perfect for family movie night, a casual get-together with friends, or a festive party, this epic Nacho Snack Board pulls out all the stops and can’t help but impress everyone!
My teenage daughter was having friends over and asked me what I could make for her and her friends. Being the overachieving chef that I am, I put this board together and wow, did that earn me some good parent points!
The best thing about this Nacho Snack Board is it can be as simple or complex as you like. From a massive pile of chips and your favorite queso and salsa to any number of toppings, I’ve got all sorts of suggestions for you!
What You’ll Love About A Nacho Snack Board
- You can add your favorite nacho toppings to the board, use my suggestions, or a combination of both!
- Many of the toppings can be made ahead of time and popped into the fridge until ready to assemble. That’s what I do, and in fact, many benefit from sitting a bit to let the flavors combine.
- It’s perfect for everyone – people can mix and match to add all their favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- Sauteed Peppers and onions
- Refried beans
- Carne molida – Otherwise known as taco meat. Use 1 pound of ground beef and a packet of taco seasoning to keep it simple. The instructions are on the packet.
- Pico de gallo
- Blender salsa – Or use your favorite bottled salsa.
- Cilantro lime rice
- Queso – You can make your own queso from scratch or use a jar.
- Chicken tinga
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa verde – Or another salsa.
I LOVE these boards! They're food safe, delightfully huge, and have a raised edge so nothing slips off!
How to make A Nacho Board
- Prepare all the ingredients separately. Cook the carne molida and chicken tinga, sautéd peppers and onions, warm up the refried beans, and prepare the cilantro lime rice.
- Assemble the Nacho Snack Board by arranging the wetter items like the refried beans, chicken tinga, carne molida, peppers, and onions in small bowls and place them around the board. Place a bigger bowl of queso right in the middle.
- Add piles, or smaller bowls of cheese, lime wedges, cilantro, green onion, and other toppings around the board.
- Fill in the gaps with an abundance of tortilla chips. I like the multi-color ones, or sometimes I will also use round tortilla chips and triangular ones, for a different look.
Additional Topping Suggestions
To elevate your Nacho Board to new heights of flavor and fun, consider adding these extra toppings. The beauty of the Nacho Board lies in its versatility, so feel free to mix and match these suggestions according to your preferences and the occasion:
- Guacamole: A classic addition that brings a creamy, rich texture.
- Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy counterpoint to the spicy elements.
- Jalapeños: For those who love a spicy kick.
- Black Olives: Their earthy flavor complements the other ingredients nicely.
- Corn Kernels: Either grilled or boiled for a sweet pop.
- Chopped Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp element.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can add a burst of juiciness.
- Green Onions or Chives: For a subtle, sharp undertone.
- Pickled Red Onions: Offers a sweet and vinegary contrast.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Their smokiness enhances the overall flavor palette.
- Chorizo: Crumbled and cooked, it adds a spicy, meaty layer.
- Crumbled Feta or Cotija Cheese: A salty, tangy addition that contrasts well with the other flavors.
- Lime Wedges: To squeeze over and add a zesty brightness.
- Cilantro: Fresh leaves sprinkled on top for a burst of herby freshness.
- Avocado Slices: For a more subtle creamy element than guacamole.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Less intense than fresh, with an added tang.
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): For a nutty crunch.
- Chipotle in Adobo: Finely chopped for a smoky, fiery touch.
Remember, the key to a great Nacho Board is variety and balance. Mix and match these toppings to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Choose a variety of chips for texture and flavor differences.
- Keep ingredients warm in separate containers before assembling to ensure everything is hot and fresh.
- I use a Big Board which is food-safe and it has a lip around the edge so nothing falls off.
- Make sure you have plenty of room on the counter or a table for your nacho charcuterie board. Have plates and plenty of napkins nearby, too.
Storage
Nacho Boards are best enjoyed fresh and immediately after assembling. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store the individual components separately in the fridge. Reheat the meats, beans, and rice before serving again.
I used this as a guide for making my own nacho board. It was such a fun idea and everyone loved it. I made it for a football watch party. Will definitely be doing this again. I loved how I could have different flavor profiles of nachos all in one day. YUM.