Nachos for dinner? Why not? Super simple nachos with gluten free nacho cheese sauce are made with just four ingredients (and no flour!) plus an optional protein. They take less than 20 minutes to prepare and you can load them up with all of your favorite toppings to create a balanced meal. This kid-friendly gluten free nachos recipe is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. Kids love tacos…but this mom is sick of the same old same. Let’s switch it up with nachos.
Nacho Tuesday has a nice ring to it…let’s get cooking!
Nachos are made for topping
My kids love a toppings bar and nachos are made for topping! Here are a few worth trying for loaded nacho night.
- Sour cream is a classic. It’s cuts the spice and creates the perfect creamy texture when paired with the cheese.
- Shredded lettuce gives the nachos a fresh crunch. I like to buy bagged shredded romaine lettuce to cut down on time.
- Chopped tomatoes
- A dollop of guacamole or smashed avocado with salt.
- Sliced black olives add a salty olive flavor that I love. My kids? Not so much. But that’s what’s great about a topping bar. If you don’t like it, leave it off.
- Fresh sliced jalapeños bring the spice. I’ve kept this recipe pretty mild to keep the whole family happy but a few sliced jalapeños will keep the spice-lovers in your family happy. Remove the seeds and membrane to cut down on the spice or keep them in if you like it hot!
- Drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans for added plant-based protein.
- A little extra spice – When I’m cooking for my family, I like to keep this gluten free nacho cheese sauce pretty mild for the younger kids who are sensitive to spices. I add taco spice to the toppings bar to sprinkle on top for those who wants a little extra. My favorite taco seasoning is Kinders The Taco Blend.
Vegetarian nachos using gluten free nacho cheese sauce
Want to turn this gluten free nacho cheese sauce recipe into a meatless Monday meal? Sauté onions and diced red, orange or yellow bell peppers in oil before adding the cheese, green chilis and condensed milk to the pan. Since you’re skipping the ground beef, add a can of drained and rinsed black or pinto beans directly to the cheese sauce or to the toppings bar.
What’s in gluten free nacho cheese sauce?
- Ground beef – Optional for added protein
- Yellow or white American cheese – I buy it at the deli counter and rough chop it before adding it to the pan so that it melts quickly. I personally prefer the taste of white American cheese but Yellow American cheese gives this nacho cheese the classic yellow color.
- 12 ounces evaporated milk – Gives it an extra creamy texture
- Diced green chilis – I put the entire can in there!
- Taco spice – All taco seasonings are different so rather than suggesting you throw in an entire packet, I suggest starting with a tablespoon, tasting and adding more as needed.
- Optional toppings: The possibilities are endless! Shredded lettuce, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, drained and rinsed can of black beans or pinto beans.
Looking for more easy gluten free recipes?
- Cream cheese and jalapeño taquitos
- 30 Minute PF Changs Lettuce Wraps
- One skillet Italian Parmesan chicken
Gluten Free Nacho Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound yellow or white American cheese sliced and rough chopped
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 4 ounce can of diced green chilis
- taco spice to taste All taco seasonings are different so start with 1/2 tablespoon and add more to taste.
- shredded lettuce, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives, sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, drained and rinsed can of black beans or pinto beans optional toppings
Instructions
- Add the cheese, evaporated milk, can of green chilis and taco spice to a medium saucepan. Simmer on medium-low heat while stirring with a whisk until all ingredients are combined.
- Serve over tortilla chips with optional toppings.
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