What to Eat With Nachos?
When it comes to enjoying nachos, there are numerous delicious options to pair them with.
Some popular choices include guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and even cold beer or margaritas for a refreshing drink.
For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea or lemonade can be a great accompaniment.
Additionally, adding some rice, beans, corn, or coleslaw to your nachos can enhance the flavors and provide more substance.
If you’re looking for more variety, empanadas, tacos, and burritos are also fantastic choices to enjoy alongside your nachos.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Did you know that nachos were actually invented by accident? Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya created the dish in 1943 when a group of hungry soldiers visited his restaurant after closing time. With limited ingredients, he quickly whipped up a delicious snack using only tortillas, cheese, and jalapeños. The rest is history!
2. The perfect companion for enjoying nachos is none other than salsa. But did you know that salsa is one of the oldest condiments in human history? Archaeologists have found evidence of salsa-like sauces being consumed in ancient civilizations dating back over 3,000 years!
3. While we often associate nachos with Mexican cuisine, their popularity has spread far beyond Mexico’s borders. In 2009, a ginormous plate of nachos was created in Kansas City, setting a new Guinness World Record weighing a staggering 4,689 pounds! It required over 1500 pounds of tortilla chips, 2000 pounds of cheese, and tons of other toppings to create this monster-sized dish.
4. For those with a sweet tooth, adding chocolate to your nachos might sound unusual, but it’s actually a thing! Dessert nachos, sometimes called “chocodillas,” feature crispy tortilla chips topped with melted chocolate, whipped cream, and sometimes even ice cream. It’s the perfect treat for those who can’t resist a combination of salty and sweet flavors.
5. Have you ever wondered why your mouth might start watering when you see or smell nachos? It turns out that this reaction is indirectly linked to a part of the brain called the amygdala. This almond-shaped structure is responsible for processing emotions and connecting them to food. So, when you’re excited or anticipating something tasty like nachos, your amygdala gets into action, triggering that mouth-watering response!
Classic Dips
When it comes to enjoying nachos, classic dips are an absolute must. The creamy and tangy flavors of these dips perfectly complement the crunchy tortilla chips. The first dip that comes to mind is guacamole, a luscious concoction made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. The creamy texture of guacamole adds a delightful richness to the nachos, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
In addition to guacamole, salsa is another classic dip that deserves a spot on your nacho plate. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy salsa, the combination of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro adds a refreshing and tangy kick to your nachos. The burst of flavors provided by salsa takes your nacho experience to a whole new level.
And let’s not forget about sour cream. Its smooth and creamy texture provides a cooling effect to counterbalance the heat from the jalapenos and salsa. With a dollop of sour cream on your nachos, each bite becomes even more satisfying.
- Guacamole: luscious concoction made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro
- Salsa: combination of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro adds a refreshing and tangy kick
- Sour cream: smooth and creamy texture provides a cooling effect to counterbalance the heat
Refreshing Beverages
To complement the savory and crunchy nature of nachos, there are several refreshing beverages to choose from. An icy cold beer is a classic option, with its crispness and effervescence perfectly enhancing the flavors.
Alternatively, you can opt for a margarita or mojito, both of which bring a zesty and invigorating twist to your palate. The citrusy notes of these cocktails wonderfully enhance the flavors of the nachos, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, iced tea and lemonade are excellent choices. Their refreshing qualities help cleanse the palate, making every bite of nachos feel like the first.
In summary, here are some beverage options to consider when enjoying nachos:
- Icy cold beer
- Margarita or mojito
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
Tasty Side Dishes
While nachos themselves are a treat, having some tasty side dishes to accompany them can take your meal to new heights.
- Rice adds a fluffy and nutty element that nicely complements the crunchiness of the nachos.
- Beans, whether refried or black, bring heartiness and creaminess to the table. The smoothness of refried beans blends perfectly with the crunch of the chips, while the earthy flavors of black beans add a delightful contrast.
- Corn, whether in the form of grilled kernels or as a creamy corn salsa, provides a touch of sweetness and a burst of freshness. The natural sweetness of corn balances out the savory flavors of the nachos, creating a well-rounded taste.
- Coleslaw, with its tangy dressing and crunchy cabbage, can also be a surprising but delightful side dish for nachos. Its refreshing and slightly acidic qualities offer a palate-cleansing effect that pairs well with the richness of the toppings. The crunch of the cabbage adds a textural element that elevates your nacho experience.
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Remember, enhancing your nacho experience is all about exploring different flavors and textures. So next time you enjoy a plate of nachos, don’t forget to try these delicious side dishes!
Traditional Mexican Delights
To truly make your nacho feast authentic, including some traditional Mexican delights is a must. Empanadas, with their flaky crust and savory fillings, are the perfect addition to your nacho plate. The combination of crispy empanadas and crunchy tortilla chips creates a delightful contrast in textures. The fillings, whether it be spiced ground beef, shredded chicken, or cheese and vegetable, bring an explosion of flavors that complement the nachos perfectly.
Tacos, the beloved Mexican street food, are another traditional delight to consider. Whether you opt for soft or crunchy shells, the combination of seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy salsa adds a burst of flavors and textures that turn your nacho experience into a fiesta. The ability to customize each taco allows you to create your own perfect bite, adding even more depth to your meal.
Popular Mexican Main Courses
If you’re looking to turn your nachos into a hearty and complete meal, popular Mexican main courses can be the answer. Burritos, with their large tortillas stuffed with fillings like seasoned meat, rice, beans, vegetables, and salsa, provide a fulfilling and flavorful option. The mixture of all these ingredients creates a symphony of tastes that pairs beautifully with the crunchy nachos.
Additional Nacho Complements
In addition to the aforementioned accompaniments, there are a few more toppings and flavors to consider for your nachos. Chopped fresh cilantro brings a refreshing and herbaceous note that brightens up each bite. Sliced jalapenos, for those who enjoy a spicy kick, add a fiery touch to your nachos. And for cheese lovers, a generous sprinkle of melted cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, takes the nachos to a whole new level of indulgence.
When it comes to enjoying nachos, the key is to have a variety of delicious toppings and accompaniments. Whether it’s classic dips like guacamole and salsa, refreshing beverages like beer and margaritas, tasty side dishes like rice and beans, traditional Mexican delights like empanadas and tacos, popular main courses like burritos, or additional complements like cilantro and jalapenos, incorporating these flavors and textures will elevate your nacho experience to a whole new level of deliciousness. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on a nacho feast that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight!
Frequently Asked Questions
What other food goes well with nachos?
In addition to the suggested options, another food that pairs well with nachos is Mexican-style elote. This street corn on the cob is typically grilled and then smothered with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. The combination of the creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors complements the cheesy and crunchy nachos, creating a delicious contrast of textures and tastes. Whether served on the side or as a topping, elote adds a unique twist to the nacho experience, making it a perfect accompaniment.
What to serve with nachos at a dinner party?
For a delicious and satisfying dinner party, consider serving a variety of tacos alongside the nachos. Slow cooker pulled beef or chicken tacos provide a flavorful and tender protein option, while easy air fryer chicken tacos add a crispy twist. To balance the spice and add some freshness to the meal, the smoked guacamole would complement the nachos perfectly. Additionally, you could offer a side of easy cheesy beef empanadas, which would provide a savory and handheld option for guests to enjoy alongside their nachos. With this combination of dishes, your dinner party is sure to be a hit, offering a range of flavors and textures that will please everyone’s palate.
Can you have nachos as a meal?
Absolutely! You can definitely have nachos as a meal. While traditionally seen as an appetizer, nachos can be easily transformed into a filling and satisfying main course. With a variety of toppings such as seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, nachos can be customized to suit your taste buds. Whether it’s a quick dinner option or a fun and casual gathering with friends, serving nachos as a meal is not only convenient but also incredibly delicious. So go ahead, indulge in this ultimate comfort food and enjoy a delightful and flavorful meal!
What is the best way to eat nachos?
The best way to enjoy nachos is by using a technique I like to call “the nacho sandwich.” By placing a dry chip over a covered chip, you create a delicious nacho sandwich that keeps your fingers clean. This method allows you to savor both the crunchy chip and the delectable toppings, creating the perfect balance of flavors. With the nacho sandwich, you can effortlessly enjoy the nachos without any messy fingers, making it an ideal way to indulge in this tasty snack.