Description
Shrimp Nachos with Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Nachos:
2 cups tortilla chips (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
(optional)
For the Cheese Sauce:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
.
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and fully cooked
. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat
. Add garlic powder and cook for 30 seconds.
Slowly add the milk, stirring to combine
. Once the milk is heated, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth
.
Season with salt to taste.
Assemble the Nachos:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a baking sheet, arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer
.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the chips
.
Add chopped onions and sliced jalapeños (optional)
.
Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly
.
Serve the Nachos:
Remove the nachos from the oven and top with the cooked shrimp
.
Drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the top and serve immediately!
Enjoy Your Shrimp Nachos!
These crispy, cheesy shrimp nachos are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or a fun meal. Enjoy the creamy cheese sauce and juicy shrimp!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect nachos every time. First, prep your shrimp: pat them dry to ensure they sear properly. Heat your skillet until the oil shimmers before adding the shrimp. Cook them just until opaque; overcooking makes them rubbery. For the cheese sauce, use low heat to prevent the milk from scalding and add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly for a silky texture. When assembling, use a rimmed baking sheet and layer chips, cheese, and toppings in two thin layers instead of one thick pile to ensure every chip gets coverage. Bake until the cheese is just melted, then add the hot shrimp and sauce immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your nachos with creative sides and toppings. Serve alongside a fresh mango salsa or a cooling avocado crema to cut through the richness. For a complete spread, pair with Mexican street corn (elote) or a simple black bean salad. These nachos are perfect for game day, a casual gathering, or a festive family dinner. For beverages, a crisp lager, a citrusy margarita, or a sparkling agua fresca complements the flavors beautifully.
How-to Summary
Quickly summarize the process: Season and sauté shrimp until pink. Create a smooth cheese sauce by melting cheese into warm milk and butter. Layer tortilla chips with shredded cheeses, onions, and jalapeños on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. Top the melted nachos with cooked shrimp and drizzle generously with the warm cheese sauce. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prep components ahead, but assemble just before serving. Cook the shrimp and make the cheese sauce, storing them separately in the fridge. Reheat gently and bake the chip base fresh to maintain crispness.
What are the best shrimp to use? Medium to large (31/40 or 21/25 count) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp are both excellent choices.
How can I prevent soggy nachos? The key is to layer properly and add wet toppings like shrimp and cheese sauce only after baking the chip base. Also, ensure your shrimp are patted dry before cooking.
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. For the sauce, a combination of cheddar and pepper jack adds spice. For melting on the chips, Oaxaca or Asadero cheese are authentic, delicious alternatives.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat sparingly in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F to restore some crispness. Microwaveing will make the chips very soft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: 1. Overloading the baking sheet, which leads to unevenly melted cheese and soggy chips. 2. Baking the nachos with the shrimp on top, which overcooks the shrimp. 3. Using high heat for the cheese sauce, causing it to break or become grainy. 4. Skipping the step of patting the shrimp dry, which introduces excess moisture. 5. Letting the assembled nachos sit before serving, as they lose their ideal texture quickly.
Conclusion
These Shrimp Nachos with Cheese Sauce transform a classic snack into a show-stopping dish. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common errors, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of crispy chips, juicy seafood, and creamy, decadent cheese. This versatile recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion, offering a delicious and impressive combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love.