nachos

Nachos are a popular snack or light meal consisting of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and often jalapeño peppers. They are commonly served as an appetizer or shareable dish and may include a range of toppings such as refried beans, ground beef or chicken, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, olives, and cilantro.

The dish originated in 1943 in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. Ignacio Anaya Garza, a maitre d'hotel at the Victory Club, created nachos after a group of American military wives arrived after closing time and asked for a snack. He prepared tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and jalapeño peppers, calling them Nachos Especiales; the dish later came to be known by his nickname, Nacho.

Preparation commonly involves heating the chips and cheese until the cheese melts, using either an oven or microwave, and adding toppings that can include beans, meat, and fresh produce. Variants include nachos con carne (with meat) and nachos supreme (with multiple toppings). Some recipes feature a cheese sauce such as queso rather than melted shredded cheese, and regional versions may emphasize different toppings.

Beyond Mexico, nachos became popular in the United States during the mid-20th century and are now widely served in restaurants, bars, and sports venues around the world. The concept has also evolved into many regional and fusion styles, reflecting local ingredients and tastes.