On October 21 we happily celebrate International Day of the Nacho by providing you with nacho recipes suitable for the grill. Nachos are versatile, capable of being paired with all kinds of foods and toppings, including guacamole, chili, black olives, and green onions. Read the brief history of the International Day of the Nacho, and then fire up your gas or charcoal grill to try out one or more of the delicious tex-mex recipes listed below.
History of the Nacho
According to tradition, nachos began in Piedras Negras, a city in Coahuila, Mexico, in the year 1943. A group of military wives were out shopping, and when they had finished, they were very hungry, but the nearby restaurants were all closed. The last restaurant they approached was called The Old Victory Club, and the man in charge, Ignacio Anaya, felt sorry for the women. He didn't have much food left, so he created something new: a "nacho special." Nacho is short for his name, Ignacio. His dish consisted of fried tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapenos, all heated in the oven for a few minutes. The following recipes are all tasty variations of the original nachos that were served at The Old Victory Club.
Creative Nacho Recipes You Can Try on International Day of the Nacho
Gas Grill Recipes
Pulled Beef Nachos
Tortilla strips, two cheeses, and Mexican pulled beef are topped with fresh guacamole and tomato salsa. This hearty and easy nacho recipe spends 20 minutes on the grill, and then it's ready to serve to your family. This is a great recipe to fill you up while still being festive enough to serve at a party.
Shrimp Nachos with Avocado-Tomato Salsa
Combine seafood and Mexican flavors in these homemade nachos that include shrimp, avocado salsa, corn, scallions, and more. You can cook it on a perforated grill pan, a cast-iron skillet, or a large disposable foil pan. The shrimp are seasoned with cumin, chipotle chili powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Our Expert Pick
This 69-in. natural gas grill from Weber is a great addition to your outdoor cooking area. It features an extra-large sear zone, a side burner, prep-and-serve side table, and Weber Crafted stainless steel cooking grates.
Charcoal Grill Recipes
Chicken and Pepper Nachos
These chicken nachos begin with grilling marinated chicken breasts on your charcoal grill. You also grill poblano chili peppers and red bell peppers. Follow this easy nacho recipe to complete the dish and serve it up with sour cream and tomato salsa.
Cheesy Nachos with Steak and Black Beans
Looking for the best nachos for a special occasion? Try this delicious nacho recipe that includes grilled skirt steak, cut and layered with tortilla chips, black beans, Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses, and your favorite tomato salsa. Dice an avocado for that extra splash of texture and flavor.
Our Expert Pick
You'll love the durability and classic style of this Weber charcoal grill with porcelain-enameled construction, built-in lid thermometer, and a one-touch cleaning system. Stainless steel rod cooking grates ensure even heat distribution across the entire grilling surface.
Related Questions
What is the best way to layer nachos?
Build your nachos on a large tray or pan. Spread layers evenly, but not too thickly. If you have more than one layer of cheese, melt the first layer quickly before building more layers on top.
Should I clean a charcoal grill after every use?
Yes, a simple cleanup process for charcoal grills includes brushing food particles off the grill with a grill brush or a wadded-up piece of foil, and then wiping down the grates with a paper towel soaked in cooking oil. Clean out the ashes and dust in the bottom of the grill and dispose of them properly.