Campfire Nachos Recipe

These Campfire Nachos are the ultimate outdoor snack—crispy tortilla chips loaded with gooey melted cheese, fresh veggies, and all your favorite toppings, cooked right over the fire. Whether you’re camping, grilling, or just enjoying a backyard bonfire, these nachos are quick to prepare and perfect for sharing. Plus, they’re customizable with endless topping combinations to suit everyone’s taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make outdoors – Just layer, cover, and cook over a fire or grill.
• Customizable toppings – Add your favorite proteins, veggies, or extra cheese.
• Perfect for sharing – Ideal for camping trips, BBQs, or backyard get-togethers.
• Quick and simple – Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Crispy, cheesy, and flavorful – Every bite is loaded with melty cheese and crunchy chips.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Tortilla chips (sturdy, restaurant-style for best results)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Black beans (drained and rinsed)
• Diced tomatoes or salsa
• Jalapeños (sliced)
• Red onion (finely chopped)
• Black olives (sliced)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Optional proteins: cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo

Directions

1. Prepare your cooking setup:
   • Place a cast-iron skillet or a disposable aluminum pan over your campfire grill grate or on a BBQ. Lightly grease with cooking spray or oil.
2. Layer the nachos:
   • Spread a layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of the skillet.
   • Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese, followed by black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, and olives.
   • Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
3. Cook the nachos:
   • Cover the skillet with aluminum foil to trap the heat and help the cheese melt evenly.
   • Place the pan over medium heat on the grill or campfire for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Rotate the skillet occasionally for even cooking.
4. Garnish and serve:
   • Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and any other desired toppings.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy straight from the skillet for that perfect campfire experience!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6 servings
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Meat Lover’s Nachos: Add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or crumbled chorizo between the layers.
• Spicy Nachos: Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Vegetarian Nachos: Load up on extra beans, corn, bell peppers, and avocado for a hearty veggie option.
• BBQ Nachos: Use BBQ chicken or pulled pork for a smoky twist, and drizzle with barbecue sauce.
• Breakfast Nachos: Add scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a campfire breakfast version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as the chips can become soggy.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as nachos tend to lose their crispness when frozen and reheated.

FAQs

Can I make these nachos without a campfire?

Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

What’s the best cheese for campfire nachos?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work best because they melt smoothly and offer great flavor.

Can I use a disposable pan instead of a cast-iron skillet?

Yes, a heavy-duty disposable aluminum pan works well for easy cleanup, especially when camping.

How do I prevent burnt chips on the bottom?

Keep the heat medium and rotate the pan occasionally for even cooking. You can also place a layer of foil between the fire grate and the pan.

Can I add fresh veggies after cooking?

Yes, fresh toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, or lettuce can be added after cooking for extra freshness.

Are these nachos gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free tortilla chips and double-check other packaged ingredients.

Can I prep these nachos ahead of time?

You can layer the ingredients in a pan ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate until ready to cook. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time if chilled.

How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?

Use thick, sturdy chips and avoid adding too much moisture-heavy ingredients (like watery salsa) before cooking. Add fresh toppings just before serving.

What’s the best way to serve campfire nachos?

Serve them straight from the skillet with plenty of napkins and your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

Can I make vegan campfire nachos?

Yes, use vegan cheese, skip the meat, and load up on veggies and beans for a plant-based version.

Conclusion

These Campfire Nachos are the ultimate easy-to-make, shareable snack for your next outdoor adventure. With gooey cheese, crispy chips, and all your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd around the fire. Whether you’re camping, grilling, or just craving a fun and flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering!

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