My famous loaded nachos recipe with tortilla chips, salsa con queso, shredded cheddar, spicy chorizo, jalapenos, fresh avocado, and tomato, a party favorite! My friends can't get enough of these late night nachos.
Mike's Late Night Nachos Recipe (Loaded Nachos with Chorizo!)
This recipe has been around in the Madness household for over 20 years. It started back in Northern Illinois University where we met in college, but it evolved and took solid root in our very first home several years later.
We've always been party people. We LOVE throwing parties and having gatherings in our home.
Often times those parties run a bit late, so we like to have extra "late night" food on hand when the inevitable cravings begin.
People start getting hungry again and they want something to munch on. What better late night munchie food than nachos? NACHOS!
This, my friends, is "Mike's Late Night Nachos". A new recipe is born. I'm not even sure how the name was coined. It probably started when someone asked, "Hey, how about Mike's late night nachos?" The name stuck, and here we are.
This is super easy to make.
It got so well known in our neighborhood that Patty decided to make me a handmade "Mike's Late Night Nachos" platter at a local crafting store.
She painted the platter herself. She complains that she isn't happy with the results, but I LOVE it.
Just look at this thing? Perfection, I say.
It's AWESOME! Great job, Patty! Our nachos now have their own platter. I use this every time we make them now.
This dish can be done in about 15 minutes or so. Truly. Nice and quick! There are hungry people waiting!
Let's talk about how to make Mike's Late Night Nachos!
Mike's Late Night Nachos Ingredients
The full ingredients list is listed with measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Tortilla Chips. Use your favorite.
- Salsa con Queso. Use your favorite brand, or try my queso dip recipe.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese.
Mexican Chorizo. - TOPPINGS
- Jalapeno Peppers.
- Tomato.
- Avocado. Or use guacamole.
- Chopped Cilantro.
- Sour Cream or Mexican Crema. Optional.
How to Make Mike's Late Night Loaded Nachos - The Recipe Method
To get started, dump a bag of chips into a large platter. The platter should easily hold the entire bag.
Pour the salsa con queso over the chips and mix them up a bit.
Next, shred cheddar cheese over the top. You can use other cheeses, like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any other yellow-white cheese, as long as it is nice and melty, but cheddar is the original.
Heat your oven to 220 degrees while you cook your chorizo.
There is argument to how much chorizo should be included. I normally only include 6 ounces, but if you're extra hungry and have meat-loving friends, double the amount.
Sometimes chorizo can overpower, though, so be careful and test to your own preference.
Crumble the cooked chorizo over the top of the cheeses and bake the whole thing about 8 minutes, or until the cheeses are nicely melted through.
Chop up your toppings while the cheese is melting. Pull the nachos out of the oven and top with chopped jalapeno peppers, chopped tomato, and fresh avocado.
Looks gorgeous, right? Are you ready to dig in?
Carry it out to the party and take a big step back. Seriously, watch out! You don't want to lose a hand in there!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- If serving these at a party, cook the chorizo, shred the cheese, and chop your toppings ahead of time. That way, you can quickly assemble and bake the nachos for fast serving.
- Try my homemade nacho cheese sauce in place of the salsa con queso for a great variation. You can make this ahead of time, too.
- Instead of diced avocado, try my homemade guacamole for topping. This is another recipe you can make ahead.
- Instead of chorizo, try it with seasoned taco meat. I make it this way when I'm out of chorizo, and it's delicious.
- These are great for parties, of course, but consider them for game day or tailgating for sure. I mean, NACHOS! Come on!
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover nachos will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container, though the tortilla chips usually get soggy.
You can reheat the nachos on a baking sheet in the oven, or use your air fryer or toaster oven. Try layering on extra crispy tortillas to enjoy again.
It is very likely you won't have any leftovers.
Patty's Perspective
All I have to say is, you better be close when these arrive and ready to dig in. They disappear like CRAZY, and for good reason. This has become such a favorite among our friends that they have "acquired" the recipe and now make it on their own.
If they alter one thing, they get yelled at! I'm glad Mike is finally sharing this with the world. Enjoy.
Try Some of My Other Popular Nacho Recipes
I hope you enjoy them! Let me know how they go over at your next party.
If you try this recipe, please let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #ChiliPepperMadness on Instagram so we can take a look. I always love to see all of your spicy inspirations. Thanks! -- Mike H.
Mike's Late Night Nachos Recipe (Loaded Nachos with Chorizo!)
Ingredients
- 1 14 ounce bag corn tortilla chips
- 1 15 ounce jar salsa con queso
- 4-6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese + extra as desired
- 6 ounces Mexican chorizo or 12 ounces if you want it meatier
TOPPINGS
- 2 jalapeno peppers chopped or sliced into rings
- 1 large ripe avocado peeled, pitted and diced (or use guacamole)
- Fresh tomato diced
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream or Crema if desired
Instructions
- To a large oven-safe dish, add tortilla chips and spread them out. Pour salsa con queso over the top and mix well.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Heat a small pan to medium heat and add chorizo. Cook about 8-9 minutes, or until chorizo is cooked through. Crumble over the top of the cheeses.
- Heat oven to 220 degrees and bake the dish until the cheeses melt through.
- Remove from oven and top with fresh jalapeno slices, avocado, tomato, and chopped cilantro, with crema if desired.
- Serve immediately and step back!
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 9/6/24 to include new information, photos, and video. It was originally published on 10/19/16.
Kenrick Fearn says
Hi Mike
Making this again tonight as a treat …not the healthiest of recipes lol…but a little of what you fancy as they say !
I just wanted to heap my praise on Patty’s nacho dish …being married to a lady who produces bespoke mosaics for herself and others I know how self-critical she can be about her work … artists/ artisans can be this way as they tend to be their own worse critics …
I am the same with my cooking !
I look at some of my wife’s work as do others and think they are awesome …
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks so much, Kenrick. Patty will definitely appreciate hearing this!
Connie Hoffman says
Is Chorizo better to use than hamburger meat?
Mike Hultquist says
I prefer chorizo, but hamburger meat (especially taco meat) is great, too! Enjoy!
Maggie Unzueta says
Incredibly delicious. I have to make this soon!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
It's very popular in my neighborhood!
Molly says
Looks so good . I can't wait to try it !! Yummy
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Molly! I hope you like it!
Christine @ myblissfulmess says
This looks like something my husband would fall in love with! I can't wait to surprise him with it. Thanks for the share!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Awesome, yes!