Ingredients
Chips and Cheese
- 12 ounces (350 grams) tortilla chips
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
Chili and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups leftover chili (beef chili or vegetarian chili)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the nachos.
- Layer Chips and Cheese: Arrange tortilla chips evenly in a single layer on a quarter sheet baking pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Then add another layer of chips followed by the remaining cheese, creating two layers.
- Bake Cheese Layers: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese melts, turns golden brown, and bubbly.
- Add Chili and Warm: Remove the pan from the oven and evenly spread the leftover chili over the cheesy chips. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 6-8 minutes to heat the chili through. If the chili is already warm, this step can be skipped.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and top with chopped fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- You can use either beef chili or vegetarian chili based on preference.
- If your chili is already hot, you can skip the second baking step.
- For extra flavor, add jalapeños or sliced olives as toppings.
- Use a quarter sheet pan for optimal layering and even baking.
- To keep chips crispy, avoid adding chili until just before serving if reheating the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
