Microwave Nachos
Microwave nachos are far superior to sheet pan nachos because each family member can customize their meal to meet their own preferences. Mix and match seasoned meats and vegetables for a quick dinner that cooks in 1 minute.
While I love the idea behind sheet pan nachos and serving that delicious appetizer as a fun family dinner, it can be difficult to serve up on plates and is an extra challenge for picky eaters.
We finally came up with the perfect solution! I arrange a "Build Your Own Nachos" station right on our kitchen counter and lay out bowls of a variety of leftover meats, vegetables, and toppings for my family to mix and match their own custom nacho plate.
Pop the plate into the microwave and dinner is ready in just 1 minute!
Why This is the Best Recipe
This is the best microwave nachos recipe because:
- Perfect for Busy Nights: This barely even counts as cooking! Everyone builds their plate and you can still all eat together.
- Uses Up Leftovers: I had leftover corn and pulled Cuban mojo pork the night we made this dish but it would work with countless varieties of leftover meats you need to stretch just a little farther.
- Fun and Kid-Friendly: Picky eaters can make their own dinners just the way they love. This would make a great party snack, too.
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Ingredients
When I set up the nacho station on the counter, I included:
- Tortilla Chips: Our favorites are that "hint of lime" flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: I had cheddar on hand but the Mexican blend melts really nicely in the microwave, too.
- Leftover Meat: I have tons of ideas, see my note below.
- Leftover Veggies: I had a bag of frozen corn I quickly microwaved before dinner. You could chop up the last of the cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, or whatever else you have lingering in the fridge.
- Salsa: Store bought or homemade
- Sour Cream
- Green Onions or Fresh Cilantro: These fresh ingredients really liven up the nachos
Best Protein Toppings for Nachos
You can absolutely make vegetarian or meatless nachos with just the cheese and veggie toppings.
However, nachos are a great way to use up a small amount of leftover meat that wouldn't stretch far enough into a whole dinner by itself.
If you find you have just a little meat leftover from a meal, you could freeze it in a container for nachos another night. Just warm it up before adding it to the assembly station!
Seasoned ground beef taco meat is an obvious choice, but you could also serve mojo Cuban pork, a shredded rotisserie chicken or my Instant Pot shredded chicken, or seasoned jerk chicken with bell peppers and onions.
How to Assemble the Nachos
To assemble the nachos, simply arrange the tortilla chips in an even layer on a microwave-safe plate.
Spread the meat and corn (if using) evenly over the top. I try to arrange it so that most bites have a little bit of meat and veg on each chip.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. This helps so that when the cheese melts, it will "glue" the meat and veg into place on the chips.
Microwave Cooking Instructions
Pop the plate into the microwave and cook on HIGH for 1 minute.
The cheese should be nice and bubbly hot.
Serving Suggestions
Once the hot nachos come out of the microwave, now it is time to load up any chilled toppings you want on top.
I love mine with sour cream, salsa, and chopped green onions.
You could also use chopped pico de gallo or cherry tomatoes. If you like things spicy, try a can of diced chiles or pickled jalapeños.
More Quick Mexican Recipes
Looking for something fresh for Taco Tuesday? Don't miss our other favorite dishes:
📖 Recipe
Microwave Nachos
Ingredients
- 2 cups tortilla chips
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup cooked meat like rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, seasoned ground beef, see post above for more ideas
- 1/4 cup frozen corn thawed
- Green onions chopped
- Salsa
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Place the tortilla chips on a microwave safe plate spread out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chips. If you are using meat or corn, add those to the chips before the cheese so that once it melts they stick to the chips.
- Place the plate in the microwave and heat on HIGH for 1 minute or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve immediately with your favorite cold toppings combination from green onions, salsa, sour cream, etc.
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