Nachos are a Tex-Mex food with its most basic form consisting merely of fried tortilla chips covered with cheese.
But the toppings don’t stop there as there are a variety of ingredients to top those fried chips.
Besides cheese, nacho toppings also include meats, vegetables and condiments like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Read More Here About The Roots Of Mexican Cuisine
Some versions of nachos are served as an appetizer or snack, while other versions are substantial enough to be a main course.
While corn tortilla chips are a true and authentic snack of Mexican cuisine, the use of them to make nachos came about in the 1940’s.
Nachos were invented by a Mexican executive chef and restaurateur named Ignacio Anaya García, who was also referred to as “Nacho” by his family and friends.
Ignacio Anaya García – a.k.a Nacho – Inventor Of The Popular Snack Or Side Dish – “Nachos”
Tortilla chips, the foundation of nachos, were mass-produced commercially in the U.S. in Los Angeles in the late 1940s.
The chip’s popularity grew and by 1941 in the Victory Club restaurant in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, the dish Nachos was born.
The History Of Nachos
History writes that one evening after the kitchen staff had left, a group of U.S. Army wives stationed at Fort Duncan in Eagle Pass came into the restaurant (Victory Club). After a long day of shopping, they were hungry and asked for a snack.
Anaya prepared some tostadas cut into triangles. He topped them with shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños and heated the dish in the oven.
They were such a hit with the Army wives that they named the snack “Nacho’s Special.”
The original recipe was printed in the 1954 St. Anne’s Cookbook.
The original recipe consisted of shredded Colby cheese, and sliced pickled jalapeño peppers.
Popularity Of Nachos
As with many culinary foods nachos have made popularity throughout the world.
And with that popularity the toppings used have evolved.
Different variations include BBQ or barbecue nachos, where the cheese is replaced with barbecue sauce. Such as in In Memphis, Tennessee, were they are served in most barbecue restaurants, and also at sporting events.
Irish-themed restaurants and bars serve “Irish Nachos” with toppings placed over French fries instead of tortilla chips.
The Hawaiians even have their version of nachos topped with Kalua pork and pineapple, which are served in many restaurants and bars.
Nachos with an abundance of toppings are a menu item called “loaded nachos”. This type of dish is usually served as an appetizer at bars and social clubs.
Quick and easy nachos are also sold at concession stands in sports stadiums.
Nachos as we know them today are not really a Mexican food, but rather Tex-Mex.
Authentic Mexican Nachos
This nacho recipe is easily customized. You can choose to start with store-bought ingredients, or make your own chips, refried beans, and toppers, like salsa and guacamole.
The following ingredient amounts are per serving.
3 ounces corn tortilla chips
2/3 cups shredded cheese – Mexican, cheddar or pepper jack
1/4 cup Mexican salsa, store bought or find recipe HERE
1/4 cup guacamole, store bought or find recipe HERE
1/4 cup sour cream
Spread corn chips onto a microwave safe plate. Top with cheeses and place in microwave oven for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Remove plate from microwave and continue topping nachos with salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Serve warm.
More authentic Mexican food.
- Authentic Mexican Chile Rellenos
- Traditional Mexican Sopes
- Eggs Rancheros
- Instant Pot Mexican Chorizo & Cheddar Cheese Frittata
Find more Instant Pot recipes in the Search box below – type Instant Pot in box click Search – Enjoy!
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