Nachos are one of the world’s most popular Mexican dishes, so we need to know what to serve with nachos.
The sheer range of ingredients and toppings you can pile on them makes it easy to customize your order exactly how you like it.
However, even though we know what to serve with nachos, we sometimes forget how important it is to select the right ingredients to serve with them.
1. Refried Beans
Refried beans are the first on our list of what to serve with nachos. To make refried beans start by heating a large pot over medium heat with vegetable oil.
Add onions and garlic and saute until softened, about 5 minutes. Next, add dry pinto beans, cover with water and simmer for 45-60 minutes.
Drain liquid from beans and mash them well before returning to the pot on low heat. Adding salt, pepper, cumin powder, chili powder, tomato sauce (optional), butter, or margarine to taste.
2. Southern Fried Corn
Nachos are a time-honored Tex-Mex favorite. Traditionally, nacho toppings are layered in rows on a plate or a deep dish and covered with melted cheese.
However, you can also make portions using tortilla chips instead of the classic flat chip. Regarding what to serve with nachos, use this Southern Fried Corn recipe as an irresistible accompaniment to your crunchy appetizer.
Corn doesn’t need to be cut off the cob; place a husk overtop, wrap with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
You’ll want to unwrap it afterward and sprinkle it with salt if desired before adding on your other toppings.
3. Avocado Rice
The creamy avocado and tangy lime are a perfect addition to your nacho experience. Using pre-made rice saves you time, but if you want to make it from scratch, try these ingredients:
- Ripe avocado pitted and peeled
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic clove, minced
- Rice, uncooked
- Water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all of the ingredients in a pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until water evaporates for about 15 minutes. Serve with chips or as a side dish for nachos!
4. Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Begin by skewering about six shrimp, alternating patterns, and a grape or cherry tomato. Add a tablespoon of lime juice and sprinkle them with fresh cilantro.
Cook these skewers on medium heat with a teaspoon of oil in a frying pan until they are pink and opaque.
Next, season them to taste with salt and pepper. Serve these skewers alongside your favorite nacho fixings to create the perfect pairing! Margarita grilled shrimp skewers are an excellent option for what to serve with nachos.
5. Bruschetta With Guacamole
Bruschetta with guacamole is an easy appetizer that pairs perfectly with nachos. To prepare:
- Dice up tomatoes and onions, then toss them in lemon juice and olive oil.
- Cook on a pan until charred.
- Mix in cilantro and season with salt and pepper before topping the tomatoes with slices of bread.
6. Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing
Most traditional nacho toppings are hearty and heavy, so to provide incredible contrast, try pairing your nachos with a lighter appetizer.
Like Thai Chicken Salad With Peanut Dressing. Are you looking for what to serve with nachos? Why not try thai chicken salad with peanut dressing?
This appetizer provides enough healthy ingredients and flavor to fill you up before your main course without filling you out.
Combine tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, red bell peppers, shredded carrots, fresh cilantro leaves, chopped peanuts, and chopped green onions in a bowl.
7. Salsa Chicken
Nachos are a perfect meal when you don’t know what to make, but I think they’re not that great without something to dip them in. With salsa chicken, a prevalent option, you already have what to serve with nachos.
The best thing about salsa is that it doesn’t take much time or effort to prepare, which makes it perfect if you’re pressed for time or want something simple.
8. Roasted Garlic Green Beans
Green beans are an ideal vegetable if you are looking for what to serve with nachos because they can be prepared in advance and paired with all different varieties of dips, like Sriracha Ranch or Traditional Salsa.
Roasting them beforehand is easy and only takes 20 minutes in the oven. Start by preparing a bed of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and drizzle it with olive oil.
Add whole cloves of garlic (3-5) into the mix, fresh lemon juice, salt (a pinch), and pepper (to taste). Lay green beans on top of the mixture, and add another sprinkle of salt. And pop in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes or until crisp.
9. Cowboy Baked Beans
There are many options for what to serve with nachos, and you are good to go with Cowboy Baked Beans.
They are a casserole with cream cheese, black beans, corn, and tomatoes in a garlic bread crumb topping.
The topping on this casserole contains garlic and onion, which is perfect because black beans have a subtle flavor that sometimes can go unnoticed if not paired well.
The garlic adds an extra flavor complemented by the subtle flavor of black beans, making them both stand out when eaten together.
10. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro and lime rice can be served with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or simply by itself. Rice is typically a traditional accompaniment to Mexican dishes; however, this cilantro lime version livens up the table.
And when you toss in some fresh tomatoes and cilantro with freshly squeezed lemon juice, sometimes life can’t get any better! With cilantro lime rice, you have what to serve with nachos.
11. Creamy Black Bean Curry
Did you know that it’s possible to have nachos without tortilla chips? Say goodbye to pre-packaged food because there are plenty of healthy options available.
Consider pairing your vegan nacho fix with a mild, creamy black bean curry. Saute onions, garlic, and peppers in oil until soft.
Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, and herbs. Add beans and enough water to cover them, plus an inch or two more.
Next, simmer until thickened and serve over brown rice or quinoa pilaf (topping them with fresh chopped cilantro). What could be better than that?
12. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread In An Iron Skillet
One of my favorite recipes is this Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread In An Iron Skillet. It’s easy to make and perfect if you want to serve with nachos! If you don’t have an iron skillet, you can use a 9×13-inch baking dish instead.
To make it, add your jalapeños and cheddar cheese to a food processor until finely chopped. Mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and butter in a large bowl until smooth.
Next, spread half of the batter into your iron skillet or baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top layer, then add the remaining batter.
13. Mexican Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is a delicious alternative to chips and dip, adding more flavor and heartiness to your nachos. Plus, it’s healthier than deep-fried corn on the cob!
And when it comes to what to serve with nachos, there’s nothing better than Mexican Grilled Corn.
The natural sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with cheese and guacamole. It also adds fiber and healthy fats, so you won’t feel guilty about indulging in this tasty dish.
14. Pinto Bean Soup
Pinto Bean Soup is a piquant option that partners well with the savory flavors of nachos. It can be purchased in a can or dried, whichever is more convenient.
But either way, you need to soak them in water overnight. Then strain and boil them in fresh water until they are very soft. Also, you can add a few cloves of garlic and some cumin if desired.
In addition, it contains protein from the beans, which will keep you feeling full for longer than other options like guacamole.
An excellent homemade salsa provides an extra layer of flavor to this soup, and sour cream or plain yogurt is mixed with lime juice as garnish.
15. Tortilla Soup
Every party is better with tortilla soup! We loved watching nacho lovers develop clever ways to serve tortilla soup at their parties.
Thanks to Tara Pletcher that is a creative idea and a fun interactive game. What to serve with nachos? Tortilla soup is just the perfect option.
Why Tortilla Soup? This might sound like a strange combo, but it works well. The tortilla soup brings heat, while the nacho provides that cooling element and everything in between!
We have a complete recipe below for those who haven’t tried this pairing yet so that you can give it a go!
16. Spicy Honey Roasted Peanuts
The perfect condiment for nachos is a mixture of homemade honey roasted peanuts and some dried red chili flakes.
They have this blend of crunchy and sweet from the sugar in the honey, but then you get that nice kick from all that red pepper.
17. Avocado Salad
An excellent pairing for nachos is avocados, chock-full of heart-healthy fats, and omega-3s. To make fresh guacamole, mash up a ripe avocado with lemon juice and one tablespoon of chopped onion. Next, stir in salt and ground cumin. Mash it all together to make it smooth.
18. Chunky Guacamole
What to serve with nachos than a healthy dose of guacamole? Luckily, it’s easy to make at home. If you’re pressed for time, purchase some fresh pre-made guacamole from your local grocery store.
Guacamole is a fitting complement to nachos, adding a flavorful boost to the classic snack.
With these two recipes, you’ll be ready to host your next nacho night or enjoy them as a late-night snack after Friday’s happy hour.
19. Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad
A party isn’t a party without nachos! Bringing out a dish like this Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad as an appetizer or what to serve with nachos is perfect for enjoying your nacho fix.
Adding some avocados to the mix will make it even more satisfying, and you can choose what type of cheese you want from jalapeno jack, pepper jack, cheddar, American, and more. It’s so easy to make and tasty – what are you waiting for?
20. Crackpot Corn & Jalapeno Dip
No nacho recipe would be complete without a crackpot corn and jalapeno dip serving. Crackpot corn is produced by boiling raw kernels in milk, water, and salt.
The milk serves as a binding agent to make this recipe smooth. Along with the corn, we grilled earlier. This dip has just enough creaminess to help cool down those spicy jalapenos. Another one of our favorite nacho additions: sour cream!
21. Mexican Slaw
Try this simple Mexican Slaw recipe with your nachos to freshen things up and add an unexpected flavor.
This recipe is perfect for a summer night or if you’re looking for what to serve with nacho that craves a healthier version of itself.
The crunchy cabbage pairs perfectly with this dish’s creamy avocado and chili sauce, bringing together two favorite foods that taste great!
21. Citrus Salad
For a side salad to go with your nachos, prepare this citrus salad with fresh cucumbers, avocado, and cilantro. Throw in a can of tuna or cooked chicken, and it becomes an easy weeknight meal.
Whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar with garlic powder and seasonings to make the dressing.
22. Fajita Veggies
Try adding fajita veggies to your nachos to take them to the next level. The combination of peppers and onions is a delicious addition if you want to serve it with nachos.
And the dash of spice gives the food an extra kick. In addition, the colorful vegetables make for a lovely show.
You’ll need;
- Peppers, onions, lime juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Slice the veggies into pieces about 1/2-inch thick and place in a bowl. Add half of the seasoning (paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper).
- Squeeze lime juice over them
- Mix it up with your hands or cover it tightly with plastic wrap so that they soak up all of that flavorful goodness.
23. Mexican Roasted Vegetables
Give your nacho plate a makeover with some hearty Mexican roasted vegetables. Roasting brings out the flavor of veggies and adds color to any dish, which is perfect for what to serve nachos.
Also, It’s one of the easiest side dishes to prepare, requiring only a little bit of prep work, and can be done in bulk if you’re feeding more than just two people.
Cut all veggies into small pieces and toss them in olive oil and seasonings like cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then roast them on a sheet pan at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they are cooked but still crisp.
24. Pico De Gallo
Preparing your homemade pico de gallo is easy and can take five minutes to prepare. Please choose your favorite salsa or a tomato-based sauce and add onions, peppers, and cilantro to flavor it. Serve this alongside corn chips or nacho chips (like Fritos).
25. Moroccan Carrot & Chickpea Salad
There are so many tasty ways to serve up nachos, but if you want something different and healthy, this Moroccan Carrot & Chickpea Salad recipe is just what you’re looking for.
Whether trying to keep it vegan or dairy-free, this simple carrot and chickpea salad provide a great alternative.
26. Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes
This is an excellent option if you want to serve with nachos. For The Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash and cut Brussels sprouts in half.
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
So next time you’re looking for an exquisite partner for your nachos, give roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes a try.
Not only will they complement all of those different flavors perfectly, but they’ll also fill you with plenty of healthy vitamins and minerals.
27. Stuffed Mini Peppers
This is what to serve with nachos. If you’re looking to serve up finger food that has a taste of something new and exciting, these Stuffed Mini Peppers are just what you need.
Adding an unexpected twist to an old favorite, this appetizer is perfect for impressing party guests or enjoying it with your family.
All of these ingredients are readily available in grocery stores and markets. So, whether you decide to make them ahead of time or cook them on the spot, you’ll find that these stuffed mini peppers will satisfy all of your hungry guests.
28. Mexican Pozole
Traditional Mexican Pozole is a hearty and healthy soup that pairs perfectly with nachos. Commonly made with pork, hominy, vegetables, and spices, pozole can be altered to suit your preferences or swapped out entirely to create a vegan or vegetarian alternative.
29. Broccoli Salad
This recipe features an easy three-step process: cook your bacon, toast your pecans, and steam your broccoli. Broccoli salad is easy to make and perfect for what to serve with nachos!
Cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy (about 10 minutes). Remove bacon from the pan, and set it aside.
Combine mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk together until blended. Add vinegar and whisk again.
Next, add broccoli; toss well to coat. Let cool before serving. Toast pecans by throwing them in a frying pan on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until they’re golden brown and fragrant (make sure you observe them, so they don’t burn!).
Prepare a steamer basket by filling it with water and bringing water to a boil on the stovetop.
Conclusion
Nothing brings people together like the perfect serving of nachos. A staple snack or appetizer in many homes, nachos are loved by most and hated by few (though we’re sure there are some out there).
While any good nacho connoisseur knows it’s essential to use a quality side dish, many aren’t aware of what to serve with nachos.
Mix up your nacho night by pairing them with a great drink. Be sure to have plenty of nachos and beverages on hand, no matter your choice, so everyone can create their plate!
