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Ultimate Loaded Nacho Bar for Labor Day Cookouts

Loaded nacho bar for Labor Day cookouts - featured image
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A customizable, crowd-pleasing nacho bar perfect for Labor Day cookouts. Quick to assemble with simple ingredients, it features layers of crispy chips, melted cheese, beans, and fresh toppings for a fun, self-serve experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bag (16–18 oz) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (about 12 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 lb cooked ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Spread half the tortilla chips in an even layer on the baking sheet.
  3. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese mixture evenly over the chips.
  4. Add a layer of beans and corn by dolloping small spoonfuls over the cheese.
  5. Add the remaining chips in a second layer, slightly offset from the first.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Scatter pickled jalapeños over the cheese.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  8. While the nachos bake, prep the toppings bar: dice avocado, chop cilantro, slice green onions, and portion sour cream and salsa into small bowls.
  9. Remove the nachos from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Transfer the baking sheet to your serving area. Set out the bowls of toppings and let everyone build their own plate.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded. Layer strategically to prevent sogginess. Serve immediately for optimal crunch. Nachos do not store or reheat well.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, loaded nachos, nacho bar, Labor Day, cookout, party food, easy appetizer, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/ultimate-loaded-nacho-bar-for-labor-day-cookouts/