What Sauces Go With Nachos? BEST List!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Thinking about tucking into a plate of crunchy nachos for dinner tonight, but need a little inspiration when it comes to sauces? 

I’ve got you covered! 

Whether you’re in the mood for a satisfyingly spicy salsa, a mild and creamy guacamole, or something more creative and unique, you’re in the right place. 

In this guide, we’re going to take a look at the best sauces for nachos, from the traditional to the more unusual.

Let’s get going!

What Sauces Go With Nachos?

Some of the most delicious sauces to serve with nachos include: 

  • Cheese sauce
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Queso
  • Street corn sauce
  • Fruit based sauces, e.g. pineapple with jalapeños and lime juice
  • Beer cheese sauce
  • Mexican style white sauce
  • Protein based sauces, e.g. chicken, beef, or shrimp

Keep reading to find out more, including easy to follow recipes to make these sauces at home, as well as some garnish and topping ideas to really take your nachos to another level! 

(Be sure to also take a look at my guide to what to serve with nachos, for side dish and accompaniment inspiration!) 

Cheese Sauce

A nacho platter is incomplete without a delicious cheese sauce!

The most common choice for nachos is a nacho cheese sauce made from a roux of butter and flour, mixed with milk and melted cheddar or American cheese.

To create your own cheese sauce, follow these steps:

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to create a roux.
  2. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
  3. Add grated cheese, continuing to stir until fully melted and incorporated.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Remember to adjust the thickness of the sauce to your preference by adding more or less milk.

Salsa

Salsa is another classic accompaniment for nachos, providing a tangy and refreshing contrast to the richness of cheese.

Homemade salsa is an excellent way to control the flavours and spices to your liking.

A simple salsa recipe can include:

  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Finely diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped coriander
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin

Mix your ingredients well and let the flavours meld for an hour or so in the fridge before serving.

Guacamole

Guacamole, made from creamy avocados, is a popular and refreshing dip that goes brilliantly with nachos.

To make your own guacamole, you’ll need:

  • Ripe avocados
  • Lime juice
  • Finely chopped red onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped coriander
  • Salt and pepper

Mash the avocados and mix with the other ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistency. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

Queso

Queso, a Tex-Mex favourite, is a smooth and creamy white sauce made from a combination of cheeses, including queso fresco and cheddar.

To create your own queso, gently melt your chosen cheeses over low heat and add some diced tomatoes or salsas for a burst of flavour. You can also use sour cream in place of milk to add richness and tang to the sauce.

If you like things spicy, this this spicy queso dip recipe. 

Creative and Unique Sauces

Street Corn Sauce

You’ve probably come across delicious street corn (also known as elote) as a scrumptious snack, but have you ever thought about turning it into a sauce for your nachos?

With a blend of corn, onions, cotija cheese and a dash of lime juice, you can create a creamy and zesty sauce that will pair perfectly with the crunchy goodness of nachos.

Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of paprika on top for an added kick!

To make the street corn sauce:

  • Cook corn and onions in a pan until they have a charred appearance
  • Mix with cotija cheese, lime juice, and your preferred seasoning
  • Adjust the texture to your liking by adding more lime juice or cheese if necessary

Fruit-Based Sauces

Introduce a fruity twist to your nacho recipes by experimenting with fruit-based sauces such as pineapple or mango salsa.

These sauces add a refreshing and smooth contrast to the hearty savoury flavours of your nachos.

Feel free to mix and match your favourite fruits and seasonings to create your own unique combinations!

Here are a few tasty fruit-based sauce ideas:

  • Pineapple with jalapeños and lime juice
  • Mango with red onions and coriander
  • Strawberry with jalapeños and balsamic vinegar

Beer Cheese Sauce

For a truly indulgent nacho dish, try adding beer cheese sauce to the mix.

The combination of cheddar cheese, beer, and jalapeños creates a rich and creamy sauce with a slightly tangy taste that will elevate the flavour of your nachos.

To make the beer cheese sauce:

  • Melt cheddar cheese in a saucepan and slowly pour in beer, stirring continuously
  • Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick
  • Let the mixture simmer until it achieves your desired texture – boil gently for a thicker sauce or cook longer for a smoother finish

Pro tip: Feel free to mix in different types of beer or cheese to further customise the taste.

Mexican-Style White Sauce

To give your nachos a true Mexican flair, why not try a Mexican-style white sauce?

Typically made with a sour cream base, this sauce can be enhanced with ingredients such as garlic, jalapeños, and fresh coriander.

Its creamy and tangy nature is perfect for balancing the bold flavours of nachos!

To make the Mexican-style white sauce:

  • Combine sour cream, minced garlic, finely chopped jalapeños, and lime juice
  • Add salt and pepper to taste
  • Stir in chopped fresh coriander for a burst of vibrant flavour

Protein-Based Sauces

Chicken-Based Sauce

A delicious and protein-packed chicken-based sauce can take your nacho game to the next level.

Start by cooking diced chicken in a little oil until it’s browned and cooked through.

Add some beans to the mix for added flavour, fibre, and nutrients. Season with salt, a hint of hot sauce, and cayenne pepper for some heat. To make it saucier, add a splash of chicken broth and let everything simmer until the flavours meld together.

Optional ingredients can be diced tomatoes and/or potatoes for an extra hearty sauce.

You could serve the final dish on top of nachos with a side of Spanish rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Beef-Based Sauce

For a delicious beef-based sauce, try making a homemade chili.

In a large pot, cook ground beef until browned, then add diced onions, minced garlic, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.

Don’t forget to season it well with salt, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about an hour so the flavours can deepen.

To take it a step further, you could make it a pulled beef sauce.

Once your chunk of beef is cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it and stir it into the chili mixture.

For some cheesy goodness, add a handful of grated Colby Jack cheese and let it melt in the sauce. This beef-based sauce would be mouthwatering on a plate of nachos, accompanied by some homemade guacamole.

Shrimp-Based Sauce

For a seafood twist, try creating a tempting shrimp-based sauce.

Start by cooking peeled and deveined shrimp in a little oil until pink. Season with salt, some hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne for a touch of heat. You could also add some fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.

To make it saucier, add a little white wine or shrimp stock and let it simmer until the flavours meld together.

To complement the shrimp, consider adding sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a pinch of garlic to the mixture. This shrimp-based sauce would be fantastic on nachos, either on their own or paired with other proteins like fried chicken or pulled pork.

Nacho Toppings and Garnishes

When it comes to nachos, the right toppings and garnishes can elevate your dish to the next level.

In this section, we’ll explore both essential and alternative options that you should consider when preparing your nachos.

Essential Toppings and Garnishes

You’ll find that some toppings are a must when preparing nachos, regardless of your preferences or dietary needs:

  • Shredded Cheese: A combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar works beautifully, melting evenly over the tortilla chips.
  • Refried Beans: A staple for adding creamy texture and a hint of savoury flavour.
  • Vegetables: Popular options include diced tomatoes, onions, peppers, and lettuce, adding crisp freshness to contrast your loaded chips.
  • Pico de Gallo: This bright salsa brings together tomatoes, cilantro, onions, jalapeños, and lime juice, offering a fresh and zesty burst of flavour.
  • Jalapeños: For a kick of heat, sprinkle sliced jalapeño peppers over your nachos.
  • Cilantro: Finely chop some cilantro and scatter it across your finished plate for a subtle hint of freshness.
  • Green Onions or Scallions: These thinly sliced veggies deliver a pop of colour and a mild onion flavour.

Alternative Toppings and Garnishes

If you’re looking to experiment and try something different, here are some alternative topping ideas for your tortilla chips:

  • Warm Cheese Sauce: Swap shredded cheese for queso, drizzling it over your tortilla chips for a smooth and creamy finish.
  • Chili Con Carne: For added depth, spoon chili onto your nacho plate, blending the flavours together.
  • Black Bean Soup: A lighter alternative to refried beans, this option introduces an earthy, rich flavour to your dish.
  • Olives: You can either choose black or green olives for a salty tang, enhancing your nachos’ taste profile.
  • Avocado: For a splash of colour and a creamy texture, dice an avocado and mix it throughout your nachos. Leaving your avocado at room temp before cutting it ensures an even, smooth consistency.

Feel free to mix and match your toppings and garnishes to create new and exciting combinations, catering to your own personal tastes and preferences. 

Final Tips and Tricks

In this section, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect sauces for your nachos. Follow these suggestions to impress your guests with delicious flavours and textures.

  1. Experiment with flavours: Don’t be afraid to try new sauce recipes and combinations. You can create unique and mouthwatering mixes by combining different sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
  2. Control the consistency: A good nacho sauce should have the right thickness. If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a bit of milk or butter. On the other hand, if it’s too thick, add a small amount of water or broth to thin it out.
  3. Add seasoning: Enhance the flavour of your sauce with the right balance of seasoning. Depending on the sauce, you may want to add salt, pepper, chilli powder or paprika to achieve the desired taste.
  4. Boil and simmer: For some sauces, such as cheese sauce, it’s essential to boil the mixture first, then reduce the heat and let it simmer to get the desired consistency and flavour.
  5. Pro tip: Keep the chips crisp: No one enjoys soggy nachos! To keep your chips crispy, avoid layering the sauce directly on top. Instead, serve the sauce on the side or drizzle it over the chips just before serving.

Remember, the key to great nachos is the perfect balance of flavours, textures, and presentation. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare your sauces, and your nachos will be a hit at your next gathering.

Enjoy!