Nachos are one of the most popular snacks out there.
If you’re hosting a party, nachos will be on your menu; if you’re looking for some afternoon munchies, it’s likely that nachos will catch your eye on the snack aisle.
They’re salty, cheesy, and crunchy – everything you might want in an appetizer or side dish.
However, after everyone has their fill of chips covered with cheese sauce and pickled jalapenos, what do you do with all of those leftovers?
You can’t just throw them away – they may not look as appetizing cold and congealed on the plate as they did hot out of the oven.
And despite being so delicious when freshly-made, many people report that cold nachos just don’t have the same taste as ones served hot.
Here are some great ideas to help you use those leftovers effectively.
Make a casserole
Once your nachos have completely cooled down, lay them out on a large flat-bottomed pan and stick them in the oven for a few minutes just to dry off any excess cheese sauce.
If you prefer softer chips, then skip this step.
Move your chips into an oven-safe dish and top with extra shredded cheese, salsa or sour cream if desired.
Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
Serve immediately for best results.
Make quesadillas
While these aren’t technically nachos, if you have leftover cheese sauce then this is the best way to use it.
Slather your chips with whatever amount of cheese sauce you desire and sprinkle on some other flavors for added taste – perhaps sautéed mushrooms or onions, sliced jalapenos, black beans, ripe olives or diced tomatoes.
Gently heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and spray with cooking oil.
Add your tortilla (flour works best) and cook until crispy on both sides.
Fill with desired ingredients and fold in half – enjoy.
Make baked potatoes
If you prefer more nutritious food options after the party’s done, try making baked potatoes.
Wash and dry your potato, prick the skin all over with a fork, and rub it down with some cooking oil or melted butter.
Once prepped, wrap it in aluminum foil and bake for one to two hours at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until tender on the inside.
For added flavor, top your steak with sour cream mixed with a bit of cheese sauce before wrapping – you won’t regret it.
Make quick nachos
If you have people coming back to the house after the party who want more snacks, break up your leftover chips into small pieces and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels briefly before tossing with spices such as chili powder or cayenne pepper or adding your favorite cheese sauce.
Serve hot with guacamole or salsa – perfect for impromptu guests.
Make casserole chips
Crumble up leftover nachos into pieces of any size and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days.
Use these bits to make a new dish out of them the next night by putting small handfuls at a time into your blender or food processor, pulsing quickly until they are processed down to crumbs about the size of salt grains.
Remove from machine and bake on a greased cookie sheet at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes until they’re crispy but not browned.
They will keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to four months so you can enjoy them even when it’s not nacho season.
Can you reheat leftover nachos?
Yes, you can reheat leftover nachos very quickly if you preheat the oven to 300°F first.
Put them in the oven for between 5 to 10 minutes.
The cooking time is up when they are warm and cheese has melted.
Can you refrigerate leftover nachos?
Yes, you can refrigerate leftover nachos.
Put them in an airtight plastic bag and store them in the refrigerator.
Be sure to remove the cold toppings before reheating them.
The best way to do it is to reheat them in the oven for 5 to 20 minutes. (source)
How long are leftover nachos good for?
Nachos have a short shelf life because the toppings, like cheese, can spoil quickly.
If you don’t store them in the fridge, they will only last for 2 days at most.
Can you leave nachos out overnight?
Yes, you can store nachos for 2-3 days.
However, they might not taste very good after being stored for more than 24 hours.
Make sure to remove the cold items like sour cream and avocado before refrigerating the nachos.
How do you make nachos less soggy?
You can make nachos less soggy by sprinkling cheese on them and baking them in the oven for a few minutes. (source)
Can you heat nachos in the microwave?
Yes, you can.
First, put the chips on a plate.
Then put the toppings on top of them.
Put it in the microwave for 60 seconds to 75 seconds or until everything is heated through and cheese is melted.
Now you can add any other toppings that you want. (source)
How do I make leftover nachos crispy?
Nachos are crunchy when you cook them in the oven.
To get crispy nachos, put them on a baking sheet.
Put aluminum foil over the nachos to make it easier to get them out later.
Heat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 15 minutes with the fan on low in a convection oven. (source)
How long do beef nachos last in the fridge?
Nachos cool after cooked and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Fresh tortilla chips won’t be crispy like when they were freshly made.
If you want to keep them crispy, you can pre-make the meat mixture and freeze using Ziploc bags for later use.
Can you reheat nachos in air fryer?
Yes, reheating nachos in an air fryer is a great way to heat them evenly without burning the cheese.
Preheat your air fryer at 320 degrees for 2-3 minutes, and cook your nachos until they are hot and bubbly.
Can you freeze nachos?
Yes, you can freeze nachos by storing them in individual serving bags at a temperature of 0 degrees or below for up to 6 months.
What kind of cheese do Mexican restaurants use on nachos?
The most common type of cheese used on nachos in Mexican restaurants is Oaxaca cheese.
However, some restaurants may use white American cheese instead.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a new way to enjoy your leftover nachos or are just in the mood for something different, these recipes will have you covered.
From breakfast to dessert, there’s something for everyone here.
So go ahead and give one of these recipes a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed.