Nachos are non-negotiable on game day. A pile of chips and cheese is fine, but why stop there when you can load them up with pulled pork, steak, or even tater tots? There’s no rule that says nachos have to be basic, and these recipes prove it. From BBQ-inspired stacks to over-the-top birria creations, these nachos go way beyond the usual. They’re messy, they’re overstuffed, and they’re exactly what game day snacks should be.
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Pulled pork and melted cheddar come together in these nachos for a great mix of flavor and texture. The pork adds a hearty, smoky bite, while toppings like pickled onions, black beans, and fresh cilantro give it some balance. They’re easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd on game day.
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Carne Asada Nachos
These nachos are packed with grilled carne asada, melted cheese, and fresh toppings like pico de gallo, guacamole, and jalapeños. The steak brings bold, rich flavor, while the toppings add freshness and a little heat. Everything sits on top of crispy tortilla chips, making them a great choice for a game day spread.
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Spring Lamb Nachos
Ground lamb, carrots, onions, and peas create a nacho dish that stands out from the usual options. Crumbled feta adds a salty contrast, while thinly sliced radishes bring a fresh crunch. The mix of ingredients makes this a bold and flavorful option for game day snacking.
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Brisket Nachos
Leftover brisket is the perfect topping for these loaded nachos. The slow-cooked meat pairs well with melted cheese and crispy tortilla chips, creating a hearty, flavorful dish. Add toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, and fresh tomatoes to round everything out. These nachos are a great way to turn leftovers into something that feels brand new.
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Buffalo Chicken Triscuit Nachos
These nachos swap traditional tortilla chips for Triscuits, creating a crunchy base that holds up well under layers of buffalo chicken, cheese, and celery. The buffalo sauce brings tangy heat, while the melted cheese balances everything out. They’re a great way to get all the flavors of buffalo wings without the mess.
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Butternut Squash Pita Nachos
Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and pancetta come together in this unexpected but flavorful take on nachos. Pita chips replace tortilla chips, giving them a sturdy base for the rich toppings. Caramelized onions and a sprinkle of cheese bring everything together, making these a hearty and flavorful choice for game day.
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Seared Steak Nachos
These nachos feature thinly sliced seared steak, melted cheese, and fresh chilies for a bold Tex-Mex-inspired dish. The steak adds a rich, savory bite, while the chilies provide a bit of heat. Serve with guacamole or salsa for extra flavor. They’re a perfect addition to any game day snack table.
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Blackened Baja Fish Nachos
These nachos are topped with seasoned, blackened fish for a fresh, seafood-based option. The crispy fish pairs well with crunchy tortilla chips, and toppings like shredded cabbage, lime crema, and fresh cilantro add brightness. If you’re looking for something a little different from the usual meat and cheese combos, this is a great choice for game day.
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Mexican Street Corn Nachos
These nachos take inspiration from classic Mexican street corn, combining roasted corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy, seasoned sauce over a bed of tortilla chips. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout option for game day snacking. Finish with a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
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Easy Shredded Chicken Nachos
Shredded chicken, black beans, and melted cheese make these nachos a simple but great option for game day. The chicken is seasoned and layered over crunchy tortilla chips, then baked until everything is hot and melted. Add salsa, sour cream, or jalapeños to customize the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shredded Chicken Nachos
Traeger BBQ Pork Nachos
These nachos start with slow-cooked BBQ pork made on a Traeger grill, giving them a deep, smoky flavor. The pork is piled onto tortilla chips and topped with cheese, jalapeños, and fresh onions for a mix of bold and tangy flavors. They’re a great choice for anyone who loves barbecue and wants an easy way to serve it on game day.
Get the Recipe: Traeger BBQ Pork Nachos
Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos
Smoked pulled pork is layered over tortilla chips, creating nachos with big, bold flavor. The meat pairs well with melted cheese, crunchy onions, and fresh jalapeños. They’re easy to make and work well for feeding a crowd during the game.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos
Smoked Shredded Beef Nachos
These nachos use smoked shredded beef for a deep, rich flavor. The smoky beef is layered with gooey cheese and crispy chips, making them a hearty and filling snack. Add toppings like pickled onions and fresh tomatoes for extra contrast and crunch.
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Avocado Corn Chicken Nachos
These nachos are loaded with shredded chicken, fresh avocado, and sweet corn for a mix of textures and flavors. The creamy avocado balances out the crunchy chips, while the corn adds a little sweetness. They make a great snack or meal option for game day.
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Irish Nachos
Thinly sliced potatoes replace tortilla chips in this loaded nacho dish. The potatoes are baked until crispy, then topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. This is a great alternative to traditional nachos if you want something a little different.
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Birria Nachos
These nachos take inspiration from birria tacos, layering slow-cooked, flavorful birria meat over tortilla chips. A side of rich, red consomé for dipping makes them even better. They’re bold, cheesy, and perfect for game day snacking.
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Leftover Smoked Chicken Nachos with Mango Salsa
Smoked chicken and mango salsa come together for nachos that balance smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. The fresh mango salsa adds brightness, while the chicken keeps it hearty. This is a great way to turn leftovers into a fresh game day meal.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Smoked Chicken Nachos with Mango Salsa
Totchos Loaded Tater Tot Nachos
Crispy tater tots replace tortilla chips in these loaded nachos. Melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions make them a great comfort food option for game day. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Totchos Loaded Tater Tot Nachos
BBQ Chicken Nachos
Shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and crispy chips come together for a nacho platter that works for any game day gathering. The tangy BBQ sauce adds extra flavor, and you can top them with jalapeños or onions to make them even better.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Chicken Nachos
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
