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The 10 Best Sauces for Nachos

Are you looking for the perfect sauce to top off your nachos?

Nachos are a classic snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Whether it’s an afternoon snack or late-night munchies, everyone loves nachos!

But if you want to take your nacho game up a notch, then you need the right sauce.

From creamy cheese sauces to spicy salsas and beyond, there are so many delicious options out there.

In this article, I’ll share my top 10 favorite sauces for nachos – all guaranteed to make your next plate of chips even more delicious!

Read Also: What To Do With Leftover Nachos (5 Ideas)

Why Pair Nachos with Sauce?

5 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce

Nachos are a classic snack food that can be enjoyed on their own, but they’re even better when paired with sauce.

Here are three reasons why:

  • Flavor – Sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to nachos, making them more interesting and enjoyable to eat. Whether it’s a spicy salsa or creamy cheese dip, the combination of flavors will bring out the best in your nacho dish.
  • Texture – The crunchy texture of chips is complemented by the smoothness of sauces like guacamole or sour cream. This contrast creates a unique and satisfying experience for your taste buds as you enjoy each bite!
  • Variety – With so many different types of sauces available, you can mix and match to create endless combinations that will keep your palate entertained every time you indulge in some nachos!

The 10 Best Sauces for Nachos

Nachos are a delightful snack, but they can be even more delicious when paired with the perfect sauce.

Here are ten sauces that will take your nacho game to the next level:

1. Salsa

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Salsa is a type of sauce or dip made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other ingredients.

It originated in Mexico and has become popular all over the world.

The word salsa means “sauce” in Spanish.

  • How to Make It: Start by chopping up some fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapenos (or any other peppers you like), cilantro leaves, lime juice, salt and pepper. Mix everything together in a bowl until it’s well combined. You can also add additional seasonings such as chili powder or cumin for extra flavor if desired.
  • Customizations: There are many ways to customize your homemade salsa depending on your taste preferences. For example, you can use different types of tomatoes such as Roma or cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor; add more jalapenos for an extra kick; substitute the cilantro with parsley or basil; use white vinegar instead of lime juice; or even add some diced mangoes for sweetness!

2. Guacamole

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Guacamole is a Mexican dip or spread made from mashed avocados, lime juice, salt, and other ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, jalapeños and chili peppers.

It is usually served as an accompaniment to nachos or tacos.

  • How To Make It: Start by mashing the avocado with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Then add in the lime juice and salt to taste. Finally mix in any additional ingredients you’d like – diced tomatoes, onions, garlic cloves (minced), cilantro leaves (chopped), jalapeños (diced) and/or chili peppers (seeded and minced).
  • Customizations: Try adding different herbs such as parsley or oregano; spices such as cumin or paprika; vegetables such as bell peppers or corn; fruits such as mangoes or pineapple; cheeses such as feta or queso fresco; nuts such as almonds or walnuts; beans such as black beans or pinto beans; and even proteins like shrimp or chicken!

3. Sour Cream

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Sour cream is a dairy product made from cream that has been fermented with lactic acid bacteria.

It has a thick, creamy texture and a tangy flavor.

It is often used as an ingredient in recipes or as a topping for dishes such as nachos, tacos, burritos, and baked potatoes.

  • How to Make It: To make sour cream at home, you will need heavy cream and buttermilk. Start by combining the two ingredients in a bowl and whisking them together until they are well blended. Then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours until it thickens into sour cream.
  • Customizations: You can customize your homemade sour cream by adding herbs or spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, chives, parsley flakes or cilantro to give it extra flavor. You can also add lemon juice or vinegar to give it more of a tangy taste.

4. Queso Dip

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/155796468351810018/

Queso dip is a creamy, cheesy dip made with melted cheese and other ingredients.

It is often served as an appetizer or snack alongside chips, nachos, tacos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

  • To Make It: To make queso dip, start by melting some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add diced onion and jalapeno pepper (if desired) to the pan and cook until softened. Next, stir in flour until combined and cook for 1 minute more. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth then bring to a simmer while stirring constantly. Finally, reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese until melted before serving warm with chips or nachos.
  • To Customize: Queso dip can be customized with different types of cheeses such as cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra flavor; spices like chili powder or cumin; vegetables like bell peppers or corn; proteins like ground beef or chorizo; herbs like cilantro or parsley; and even beer!

5. Enchilada Sauce

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Enchilada sauce is a spicy, flavorful sauce made from chiles, tomatoes, and spices.

It is used to top enchiladas or other Mexican dishes such as tacos and burritos.

The sauce can be mild or hot depending on the type of chiles used in its preparation.

  • To Make It: To make enchilada sauce at home, start by heating oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic and cook until softened. Then add ground cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, tomato paste and chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Simmer for 10 minutes before adding chopped green chilies or jalapenos if desired. Cook for an additional 5 minutes before removing from heat and blending with an immersion blender until smooth.
  • To Customize: To customize your enchilada sauce you can add different types of peppers such as chipotle peppers or roasted red peppers to give it more flavor. You can also add different herbs like cilantro or parsley to give it a fresh taste. If you want to make it spicier you can add more chili powder or jalapenos; if you want to make it milder you can reduce the amount of chili powder or omit the jalapenos altogether.

6. Pico de Gallo

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Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca or salsa cruda, is a Mexican condiment made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños (or other chiles), lime juice and salt.

It is typically served with tacos and nachos but can be used as a topping for almost any dish.

  • To Make It: To make pico de gallo at home, start by finely chopping the tomatoes and onions into small cubes. Then add the cilantro leaves to the mixture and stir in some freshly squeezed lime juice. Finally, season with salt to taste. For an extra kick of heat, you can add diced jalapeños or other chiles to the mix.
  • To Customize: Once you have mastered the basic recipe for pico de gallo, feel free to customize it according to your own tastes! You can experiment with different types of tomatoes such as cherry or grape tomatoes; try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil; substitute red onion for white onion; use different types of chiles such as serrano peppers; or even add fruit like mangoes or pineapple for a sweet twist on this classic condiment!

7. Chipotle Mayo

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Chipotle mayo is a condiment made from mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, and other seasonings.

It has a creamy texture and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with nachos or tacos.

  • To Make It: To make chipotle mayo, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (depending on how spicy you want it). Add 1 teaspoon of lime juice and mix until combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as desired.
  • To Customize: You can customize your chipotle mayo by adding different herbs or spices such as cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, or cilantro. You can also add honey for sweetness or hot sauce for extra heat.

8. Cheese Sauce

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3870349670618576/

Cheese sauce is a creamy, cheesy condiment made from melted cheese and other ingredients such as butter, milk, cream, and seasonings.

It’s often used to top nachos or macaroni and cheese dishes.

  • To Make It: To make cheese sauce, start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add flour and whisk until it forms a paste. Then slowly add milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Add grated cheese of your choice (cheddar is most commonly used) and stir until it melts completely into the sauce. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • To Customize: Cheese sauce can be customized with different types of cheeses for different flavors – try adding blue cheese for a tangy flavor or Gruyere for an earthier flavor. You can also add spices like garlic powder or cayenne pepper to give it some kick!

9. Mango Salsa

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/83387030594722491/

Mango salsa is a fresh, sweet and spicy condiment made with diced mangoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice and salt.

It’s a great accompaniment to Mexican dishes such as nachos or tacos.

  • To Make It: To make mango salsa, start by dicing one ripe mango into small cubes. Then dice half of an onion and one jalapeno pepper (seeds removed). Add the diced ingredients to a bowl along with 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro leaves. Squeeze the juice from half of a lime over the mixture and season it with salt to taste. Stir everything together until combined.
  • To Customize: If you want your salsa spicier, add more jalapeno peppers or leave some of the seeds in for extra heat. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic or bell peppers for additional flavor. For sweetness, try adding some honey or agave syrup to balance out the spice from the jalapenos.

10. Avocado Crema

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/110760472077610564/

Avocado Crema is a creamy, tangy sauce made from avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and cilantro.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to nachos or tacos and adds a delicious flavor to any dish.

  • To Make It: To make avocado crema, combine one ripe avocado with 1/2 cup of sour cream in a food processor or blender. Add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro leaves. Blend until smooth. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed with salt and pepper.
  • To Customize: You can customize your avocado crema by adding different herbs or spices such as garlic powder, chili powder, or smoked paprika for an extra kick of flavor. You can also add diced jalapenos for some heat or diced tomatoes for added texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nachos are a delicious snack that can be made even better with the right sauce.

There are many different sauces that can be used to make nachos even more flavorful and enjoyable.

The best sauces for nachos are salsa, guacamole, sour cream, queso dip, enchilada sauce, pico de gallo, chipotle mayo, cheese sauce, mango salsa, and avocado crema.

All these sauces provide a unique flavor and texture that can elevate your nacho experience.

So, the next time you’re making nachos, be sure to experiment with different sauces to find the perfect flavor combination.

Sauces

The 10 Best Sauces for Nachos

I'm a huge fan of nachos – they're my go-to snack when I'm looking for something quick and delicious. But I'm always looking for ways to spruce them up and make them even better. In this article, I'm sharing my top 10 sauces for nachos that are guaranteed to take your snack game to the next level. From classic favorites like guacamole and sour cream to more unique options like salsa verde and vegan queso, I'm sure you'll find something to satisfy your cravings.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dipping Sauce, Sauce
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 people
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Sour Cream
  • Queso Dip
  • Enchilada Sauce
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Chipotle Mayo
  • Cheese Sauce
  • Mango Salsa
  • Avocado Crema

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a sauce recipe in 30 minutes or less!
jenny happy muncher
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.