Tailgate Nacho Bar with Queso (Printable)
An ultimate game day crowd-pleaser: a customizable nacho bar with crisp chips, zesty toppings, and creamy homemade queso.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Queso Sauce
01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 - 1 cup whole milk
04 - 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)
12 - 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (optional)
→ For the Base
13 - 2 large bags (approximately 24 ounces total) tortilla chips
→ Protein Options (choose as desired)
14 - 2 cups (about 1 pound) cooked, seasoned ground beef or ground turkey
15 - 2 cups (about 1 pound) shredded rotisserie chicken
16 - 2 cups (about 15 ounces) cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
→ Recommended Toppings
17 - 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
18 - 2 cups diced ripe tomatoes
19 - 1 cup sliced black olives
20 - 1 cup pickled jalapeño slices
21 - 1 cup sliced green onions
22 - 1 cup sour cream
23 - 1 cup fresh guacamole
24 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
25 - 2 limes, cut into wedges
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously, to create a roux.
02 - Slowly whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form, and continue to cook until the mixture thickens, typically 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Incorporate the garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. If desired, stir in the finely diced jalapeño and the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies. Keep the queso warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
03 - Place the tortilla chips in a large serving bowl or spread them evenly on a spacious serving tray, ready for assembly.
04 - If using, warm any chosen protein options (ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans) as preferred. Transfer each protein into separate serving bowls.
05 - Arrange all the prepared toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, pickled jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro, into individual serving bowls for convenient self-service.
06 - Invite guests to construct their ultimate nachos by layering tortilla chips with their preferred proteins, a selection of fresh toppings, and a generous drizzle of the warm, creamy queso sauce. Offer lime wedges for an optional fresh squeeze.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Because it practically cooks itself while you enjoy the party, leaving you free to actually talk to your guests.
- It's a choose-your-own-adventure meal, guaranteeing everyone finds their perfect bite and comes back for more.
02 -
- Don't walk away from the queso! That gentle whisking is key to a silky-smooth sauce, especially when you're adding the cheese.
- The beauty of a nacho bar is its adaptability – don't be afraid to add or swap toppings based on what you have or what's seasonal.
03 -
- For the smoothest queso, make sure your cheese is freshly shredded from a block; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make it grainy.
- If you're making a large batch, keep the queso in a slow cooker on the 'warm' setting for continuous melty goodness, stirring occasionally.