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Ultimate Flavorful Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe with Smoked Queso and Pickled Jalapeños Made Easy

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A delicious and easy sheet pan nachos recipe featuring smoky, creamy queso and tangy pickled jalapeños, perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) sturdy tortilla chips
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) smoked cheddar, shredded
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) Monterey Jack, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) pickled jalapeños, drained and sliced
  • 1 cup (170 grams) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) diced tomatoes or salsa
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced avocado, fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until a smooth roux forms and turns pale golden.
  3. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup whole milk or cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add 6 ounces shredded smoked cheddar and 6 ounces Monterey Jack, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  5. Spread 12 ounces sturdy tortilla chips evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Scatter 1 cup black beans and 1 cup diced tomatoes or salsa evenly over the chips.
  6. Drizzle the warm smoked queso sauce generously over the chips and toppings.
  7. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until edges of chips turn golden brown and queso bubbles slightly. Avoid overbaking to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños, 2 sliced green onions, and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro over the nachos.
  9. Add optional dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Shred cheese fresh for best melting. Use a roux to keep queso smooth and prevent separation. Spread chips in a single layer to avoid sogginess. Reheat queso gently if it separates. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan nachos, smoked queso, pickled jalapeños, easy nachos, game day snack, smoky cheese sauce, quick nachos