Save A festive, crowd-pleasing nacho platter arranged and decorated to resemble a football field—perfect for game day gatherings.
This nacho platter has become a hit at every party I've hosted, bringing everyone together over delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
- Chips: 400 g (14 oz) tortilla chips
- Cheese & Toppings: 250 g (9 oz) shredded cheddar cheese, 250 g (9 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 can (400 g/14 oz) black beans drained and rinsed, 150 g (5 oz) sliced black olives, 3 ripe avocados, 1 lime juiced, 1/2 tsp salt, 200 g (7 oz) sour cream, 3 medium tomatoes diced, 1 small red onion finely chopped, 1 jalapeño thinly sliced (optional), 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped, 200 g (7 oz) salsa
- Optional Protein: 250 g (9 oz) cooked and shredded chicken seasoned or 250 g (9 oz) cooked ground beef seasoned
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- Arrange the tortilla chips in an even layer on a large rectangular baking sheet or platter to form the field.
- Step 3:
- Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chips.
- Step 4:
- Distribute black beans and olives over the cheese. Add cooked chicken or beef if using.
- Step 5:
- Bake in the oven for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6:
- While baking, mash avocados with lime juice and salt to make guacamole.
- Step 7:
- In a small bowl, mix diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro for a fresh pico de gallo.
- Step 8:
- Remove nachos from the oven. Using a spatula, spread guacamole in two thick lines at each short end to represent end zones.
- Step 9:
- Fill a piping bag or zip-top bag with sour cream, snip the tip, and pipe lines across the field to depict yard markers and a midfield line. Add small dots for hash marks.
- Step 10:
- Place salsa bowls at either end as goal posts, and scatter jalapeño slices and extra cilantro as garnish.
- Step 11:
- Serve immediately with extra salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.
Save My family loves gathering around this platter; it always sparks fun conversations and plenty of smiles.
Notes
For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and sour cream. Add corn pickled jalapeños or diced bell peppers for extra flavor. For a spicier version include hot sauce or extra jalapeños. Pair with light Mexican lagers or classic margaritas.
Required Tools
Large rectangular baking sheet or platter Oven Mixing bowls Spatula Piping bag or zip-top bag (for sour cream lines)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese sour cream). If adding meat may contain gluten or soy depending on seasoning. Contains avocado (latex-fruit syndrome risk). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Save This platter brings both flavor and fun to the table making any game day special and memorable.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do I create the football field design?
Arrange tortilla chips in a rectangular shape on a large platter, then use guacamole lines for end zones and sour cream to pipe yard and midfield lines.
- → Can I make this platter vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken or beef and rely on cheese, beans, olives, and fresh toppings for a satisfying vegetarian option.
- → What cheeses work best for melting?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melt smoothly and provide excellent flavor and texture for this dish.
- → How can I add more spice to the platter?
Include jalapeño slices, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños to increase heat and flavor complexity.
- → What are good serving accompaniments?
Serve with extra salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and consider light Mexican lagers or classic margaritas to complement the flavors.