11 Crowd-Pleasing Nacho Recipes That Are So Much More Than Chips and Cheese

If there's one appetizer that says "game day," it's nachos. This crowd-pleasing, indulgent snack is as versatile as it is easy to make. From a vegetarian version with toppings like canned black beans and shredded cheese to loaded creations topped with an array of star-studded additions (just like the Skillet Chili Nachos pictured here), we have a recipe for nachos that we know your whole crowd will be anxious to devour.

The most basic version of nachos consists of warm, crispy tortilla chips covered in sharp shredded cheese (think cheddar, Monterey Jack, and even melty gouda). A dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeño peppers, and salsa are the customary finishing touches. But the beauty of nachos is that almost anything goes. We've layered our classic Easy Beef Chili over yellow corn tortilla chips along with black beans, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced radishes, avocado, jalapeño peppers, and sour cream in a cast-iron skillet. The result is a two-for-one game day special that will score big with your crowd.

It's also worth noting that you don't have to use tortilla chips when making nachos. One of our favorite recipes swaps in kettle-cooked potato chips in place of the usual corn chips for an extra-crunchy bite. We even changed up the toppings, using a combination of crumbled blue cheese and shredded gouda to make a creamy cheese sauce that is drizzled over the chips (there's also hot sauce for Buffalo-inspired flavor).

Of course, you don't have to follow a specific recipe—just mix and match your favorite flavors and toppings (start with ground pork, chicken, or beef; add jalapeño or habanero peppers; then finish any ooey-gooey cheese that you please) for a dish that is sure to garner cheers.