how long to bake nachos

The baking time for nachos can vary depending on the toppings, the type of cheese used, and personal preference for crispiness. Here are some general guidelines:

Basic Nachos:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
• Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well) evenly over the chips.
• Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Loaded Nachos:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Add toppings such as diced chicken, beans, jalapeños, and diced onions.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Extra Crispy Nachos:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chips.
• Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on the nachos while they’re baking, as the cheese can go from melted to burnt quickly.
• Use a baking sheet with a rim to prevent the cheese from spilling over.
• If using a convection oven, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes.
• Consider using a pizza stone in the oven to help crisp up the tortilla chips.

Remember, the key to perfect nachos is to not overload the baking sheet, so make sure to leave some space between each chip for even cooking. Enjoy!