Nachos are always a hit when entertaining family or friends, but the question of what to serve with nachos may leave you stumped. Whether you are hosting a party or just looking for a tasty meal, there are plenty of options to consider when pairing sides with nachos.
From classic snacks to flavorful dishes, there are many creative ideas for what to serve with nachos that will satisfy your taste buds.
What is the History of Nachos?
For many of us, nachos are a beloved snack at any sports bar or movie theater. Deciding what to serve with nachos may require some planning, so it is a bit ironic that the history of nachos involves a spontaneous recipe that led to one of the most popular appetizers.
The story goes that in the 1940s, a group of U.S. soldiers stationed in Mexico sought a tasty snack. They stumbled upon a restaurant in the Mexican city of Piedras Negras that was closed for the day. Still, the owner, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, decided to whip up something special for them using what he had on hand: tortillas, chips, and melted cheese. Thus, the first batch of nachos was born!
Today there are endless variations on the classic dish ranging from simple toppings like salsa and sour cream to more elaborate creations with meat, beans, guacamole, and more.
What Dips to Serve With Nachos?
What to serve with nachos? This is one question that often pops up in the minds of many people who are preparing this popular snack. While the main ingredient for nachos is tortilla chips, you can add several other ingredients to make them more delicious and satisfying.
Here are some ideas on what to serve with nachos:
- Guacamole dip is an excellent choice as it adds a creamy texture and a mild flavor that complements the spiciness of the chips. Plus, it adds a healthy dose of good fats and vitamins to your meal!
- Salsa dip, another great option, comes in different varieties ranging from mild to hot and spicy flavors, giving your taste buds a captivating experience. Try making your own using fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos.
- Sour cream is also an excellent addition, as its tangy taste balances out the saltiness of the tortilla chips.
- Don’t forget to add a generous amount of cilantro!
What Drinks Should be Served with Nachos?
Nachos are a staple snack food many enjoy, but what drinks should be served with them? Depending on the type of nachos being served, several options exist.
A cold beer is always an excellent choice for traditional cheese and jalapeno nachos. The carbonation in the beer will help cut through the richness of the melted cheese while complementing the spicy kick of the jalapenos.
My vote is a Margarita or Mojito. The perfect blend of sweet and sour pairs well with the saltiness and boldness of the flavors in the nachos.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade can be an excellent choice to accompany nachos. The sweetness in these drinks can help balance any spiciness from toppings such as salsa or hot sauce.
What Sides to Serve With Nachos
Though nachos are often considered an appetizer, adding sides and hearty toppings can make this popular snack a complete meal.
Rice and beans are also ideal partners for nachos. The crunch from the tortilla chips perfectly offsets the softer texture of rice and beans, and their mild flavors allow the bold flavors of the nachos to shine through.
Corn is another great side dish for nachos. Consider making a plate of sweet corn topped with queso fresco and crumbled cotija cheese.
For something a little different, try pairing nachos with coleslaw. You can make your own or buy a bag of shredded cabbage and carrots to keep things simple.
If you choose to serve nachos as a side dish or appetizer to any meal, consider empanadas, tacos, and burritos as the main dish. There are so many options to offer a variety of variations of these popular Mexican dishes.
There are many tasty and creative options to serve alongside nachos. Serve a mixture of fresh, chilled, and hot items to create an exciting and delicious platter that your guests will love. Consider the types of flavors you want and cater your choices accordingly.
Experiment with combinations and determine what works best for you and your guests when deciding what to serve with nachos. Many classic dishes such as guacamole, sour cream, chili con queso, salsa, and pico de gallo can be used together or individually to complete the ultimate nacho experience. Sides like Serving nachos are a great way to make your gathering feel special -- why not get creative and have fun?
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