Soccer Game Day Nachos Cheese (Printable Version)

Crispy tortilla chips with creamy cheese sauce, fresh tomato, jalapeños, cilantro, and avocado, perfect for casual gatherings.

# Ingredient List:

→ Tortilla Chips

01 - 10 oz tortilla chips

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
07 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Toppings

10 - 1 medium tomato, diced
11 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
12 - 1 to 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
13 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 0.5 cup sour cream
15 - 1 avocado, sliced or diced
16 - Lime wedges for serving

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
02 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
03 - Gradually whisk in milk and cook until mixture thickens, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat to low and add both cheeses, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce becomes smooth. Remove from heat.
05 - Warm chips in oven for 5 minutes, then remove.
06 - Pour hot cheese sauce evenly over chips.
07 - Top immediately with diced tomato, red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro.
08 - Dollop with sour cream and add avocado slices. Serve with lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cheese sauce comes together faster than a football play and tastes like you've been simmering it for hours.
  • It's the kind of dish where everyone gathers around the same plate, turning snacking into something communal and fun.
  • You can prep everything ahead except the sauce, so you're actually free to watch the game instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
02 -
  • If your cheese sauce breaks or looks grainy, remove it from heat immediately and whisk in a splash of cold milk to save it.
  • The timing between warming chips and pouring sauce matters more than you'd think—cold sauce on warm chips is disappointing, but warm sauce poured too early gets absorbed unevenly.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded if you have time, because it melts infinitely smoother without the anti-caking agents.
  • A pinch of smoked paprika in the sauce adds a layer of flavor that makes people ask what your secret is, and now it's yours.
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