If you’re craving a snack that perfectly captures the joy of outdoor cooking, look no further than this Campfire Nachos Recipe. It’s a heavenly stack of crunchy tortilla chips loaded with melty cheese, zesty jalapeños, and fresh toppings, all cooked right in a cast iron skillet over an open fire or grill. The magic lies in the layers of gooey cheese and flavorful ingredients melding together amid the smoky campfire atmosphere, making this dish the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any camping trip or backyard gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together simply but are absolutely essential to create the perfect balance of textures and flavors in your Campfire Nachos Recipe. Each item adds something unique — from salty crunch to creamy richness, spicy kick, and fresh brightness.
- 8 oz bag tortilla chips: The crispy foundation that holds all the toppings together and soaks up every bit of melted cheese.
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives: Adds a savory, slightly tangy pop that’s easy to mix into every bite.
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Offers a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color that brightens the dish.
- 2 cups shredded taco cheese blend: The star melt that brings everything together with gooey, satisfying cheesiness.
- 2 jalapeños (sliced, seeds removed): Provides gentle heat and crunch without overpowering the flavors.
- Cilantro (optional): A fresh herbal garnish that adds brightness and a pleasant aroma.
- Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole: Essential dippables that bring extra creaminess, spice, and zest on the side.
How to Make Campfire Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Layer the First Chips and Toppings
Start by spreading about one third of the tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of your cast iron skillet. This forms the crispy base layer that will hold up the melty cheese and toppings. Then sprinkle one third of the shredded cheese, half of the black olives, and half of the green onions right over the chips. This layering ensures every chip gets a perfect topping mix.
Step 2: Add the Second Layer
Next, add another third of the tortilla chips over your first layer of toppings. Follow this with another third of the shredded cheese. This middle layer helps create that irresistible gooey cheese pull we all love in nachos.
Step 3: Final Layer of Flavor
Top it off with the remaining third of chips and cheese, then scatter the remaining black olives and green onions evenly. Finally, add sliced jalapeños on top for a touch of heat. These peppers add a fresh crunch and mild spice that elevate the overall flavor beautifully.
Step 4: Cook Over the Fire
Loosely cover the skillet with foil to trap the heat and help the cheese melt perfectly. Place it directly over medium heat on your campfire grate or grill. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is sizzling and fully melted. The cast iron skillet is fantastic for distributing heat evenly, so you’ll get that fantastic bubbly cheese top without burning the chips.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for added freshness, then transfer your skillet to the table. Serve immediately with bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side to dip and dollop as you like.
How to Serve Campfire Nachos Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can take your Campfire Nachos Recipe to the next level. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbal brightness, while dollops of cool sour cream add creamy contrast to the spicy jalapeños. Salsa adds tangy zest, and guacamole delivers rich, velvety texture that complements all the layers beautifully.
Side Dishes
While these nachos stand great on their own, pairing them with a crisp green salad or fresh-cut veggies can balance the richness and keep things light. A side of grilled corn or a simple bean salad also fits nicely into the flavor profile, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your nachos family-style in a cast iron skillet for that rustic outdoor vibe. You might also present individual portions in small cast iron skillets or heavy-duty foil trays for easy handling around the campfire. Adding colorful bowls for each topping nearby encourages everyone to customize their own perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, let your nachos cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the chips may lose some crunch but the flavors will remain delicious.
Freezing
This Campfire Nachos Recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the chips losing their texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you want to prep in advance, consider chopping veggies and shredding cheese ahead, then assemble and cook just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, spread them out on a foil-lined pan and warm in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve some crispness; the oven method helps bring back a bit of that fresh-out-of-the-campfire feeling.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a cast iron skillet?
While a cast iron skillet is ideal for even cooking and heat retention, you can use any oven-safe or fire-safe vessel. Just be mindful that thin pans may burn the chips faster, so adjust cooking time and heat accordingly.
How spicy are the nachos with jalapeños?
The jalapeños add a gentle heat that’s manageable for most palates, especially after removing the seeds. Feel free to add more or fewer slices depending on your spice preference or substitute with milder peppers.
What’s the best cheese for campfire nachos?
A shredded taco cheese blend works beautifully because it melts smoothly and offers a mix of flavor from cheddar and Monterey Jack. You can also use just cheddar or add mozzarella for stretchier cheese if you like.
Can I prepare these nachos indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a campfire or grill, you can easily bake your layered nachos in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Are there vegetarian or vegan adaptations?
This Campfire Nachos Recipe is naturally vegetarian, but for a vegan version, swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative and omit sour cream or replace it with a vegan-friendly option. Double up on fresh veggies for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a snack that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing around a fire, this Campfire Nachos Recipe is a must-try. Whether you’re camping under the stars or just want a fun twist on nachos at home, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and pure deliciousness to every bite. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some unforgettable campfire memories.
Print
Campfire Nachos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Delicious and easy Campfire Nachos made with layers of tortilla chips, melted taco cheese, olives, green onions, and jalapeños. Perfectly cooked in a cast iron skillet over a campfire or grill, served with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a satisfying and flavorful snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Nachos
- 1 8 oz bag tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 2 cups shredded taco cheese (or your favorite blend)
- 2 jalapeños, sliced and seeds removed
- Cilantro for garnish (optional)
For Serving
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Layer the chips: Place 1/3 of the tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of a 10.5-inch cast iron skillet to form the first layer.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded taco cheese, half of the sliced black olives, and half of the sliced green onions over the chips.
- Second layer: Add another 1/3 of the tortilla chips on top of the first layer, followed by 1/3 of the cheese.
- Final layer: Finish by layering the remaining tortilla chips, cheese, olives, and green onions. Place the sliced jalapeños on top for heat and flavor.
- Cover skillet: Loosely cover the skillet with aluminum foil to retain heat during cooking.
- Cook: Place the skillet over the campfire or on a grill set to medium heat. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle cilantro on top if desired, and serve hot with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use a heavy cast iron skillet to ensure even heating over the fire or grill.
- Remove seeds from jalapeños to reduce spiciness if preferred.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavors.
- Keep the foil loose to prevent cheese from sticking while melting.
- If cooking indoors, preheat oven to 375°F and bake the assembled skillet for 10-12 minutes.
