101+ Nacho Toppings for the Ultimate Nacho Bar

A huge list of nacho toppings, from classic favorites to bold twists. Create the ultimate nacho bar for game day or special occasions with these ideas.

Indulge in the ultimate nacho experience with over 100 flavorful toppings! Pile on classic favorites like melted cheese and salsa, or explore unique options like pickled jalapeños and fruit salsas. There’s something to satisfy everyone.

You can turn your get-togethers into amazing nacho parties with inspiration from this list. Gather tortilla chips and your choice of tasty toppings, and you have a nacho bar that is sure to impress.

Gear up for nacho night with these irresistible toppings ideas.

Flavor Filled Meats

• Seasoned ground beef
• Ground turkey with taco seasoning
• Shredded chicken
• Grilled chicken, sliced
• Pulled or diced pork
• Chorizo (seasoned pork sausage)
• Bacon bits
• Grilled steak, sliced
• Shredded roast beef
• Carnitas (Mexican slow-cooked pork)
• Seasoned shrimp
• Coconut shrimp
• Sloppy joe meat (aka slush burgers)
• Thick chili
• Pepperoni

Proteins take nachos from a snack to a satisfying meal. If we are fixing nachos for a simple dinner, we’ll just use one meat (typically, ground beef with taco seasoning to make nachos supreme). However, if we are hosting a nacho party—we will include at least three meat options.

Shredded and Melty Cheeses

• Nacho cheese sauce (of course!)
• Melted cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Queso fresco
• Queso blanco
• Shredded cheese
• Pepper jack
• Colby jack cheese
• Cotija cheese
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Chile con queso
• Feta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan

Yes, cheese goes without saying when making nachos, but there are so many tasty options. From queso and nacho cheese sauce to shredded pepper jack and cotija cheese, you can add a full spread of cheesy choices to your nacho bar.

Veggies

• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes – hot house or Roma
• Chopped white or yellow onions
• Green bell peppers
• Red peppers
• Yellow peppers
• Orange peppers
• Black olive slices
• Green olives
• Kalamata olives
• Avocado, diced or slices
• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Chopped romaine lettuce
• Green onions
• Red onions
• Roasted corn
• Radishes, sliced

Classic veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocados, and black olives are must-have toppings for us. You can include bell peppers, roasted corn, green olives, and radish slices for a little more adventure.

Fruits

• Pineapple chunks
• Mango cubes
• Watermelon chunks
• Peaches, diced
• Fresh lime wedges

Lime wedges are a very common addition to Mexican dishes like nachos and tacos to squeeze a little lime juice on for delicious flavor. Other fruits like pineapples and mangos are not as standard but can add a sweet contrast to savory nachos.

Beans

• Refried beans
• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Kidney beans

You can use beans as-is, mix several kinds together, or season and sauce them up. Our go-to is pinto beans inspired by a version served at Cafe Rio (our all-time favorite restaurant for nachos).

Herbs and Spices

• Fresh cilantro
• Chives
• Parsley
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Oregano

Chopped fresh cilantro, chives, and parsley are all great garnish options for nachos. The spices listed above can be sprinkled on quesos, sour cream, and other sauces and dips for added flavor.

Pickled Toppings

• Pickled jalapeños
• Pickled red onions
• Pickled banana pepper
• Dill pickles, diced

Add some zest and tangy flavor to your chips and cheese with various pickled toppings, from dill pickles to pickled onions, peppers, and jalapenos.

Extras

• Tortilla chip strips
• French fried onions
• Caramelized onions
• French fries
• Tater tots
• Mushrooms

These extra topping ideas are a bit more unusual and bold (but delicious!), especially when paired with other toppings. For example, fried onions go well with barbecue pulled pork nachos. And french fries can be used as a fun topping for cheeseburger nachos topped with ground beef, diced pickles, and cheese.

How to Set Up a Nacho Bar

Hosting a nacho bar lets you be creative and cater to various preferences. Here’s a simple guide to help you make a yummy nacho bar:

1. Gather Your Supplies

• Start by collecting all the necessary supplies, including:
  • Nacho base – tortilla chips, tater tots, roasted potatoes
  • A variety of toppings – we recommend using a few from each category (cater to different tastes, including vegetarian and dietary restrictions).
    • Meats
    • Cheeses
    • Veggies
    • Fruits
    • Salsas
    • Sauces and dips
    • Beans
    • Herbs and spices
    • Pickled
    • Extras
  • Serving platters, bowls, and utensils
  • Warmers or crockpots to keep cheese and meats warm
  • Plates, napkins, and utensils for guests

2. Prepare Your Ingredients

• Cook and prepare your proteins and toppings in advance. Keep them warm in serving dishes or slow cookers.
• Place your cheeses in microwave-safe containers for easy melting.
• Dice and chop all fruits, veggies, and herbs. We love to use a chopper to save time.

3. Set Up the Nacho Station

• Choose a spacious table or countertop for your nacho bar.
• Place stacks of plates and napkins near the beginning of the nacho bar.
• Next, place large bowls or baskets of tortilla chips and any other “base.”
• Set up the warmers or crockpots for your cheese and protein options next.
• At the end, line up your bowls with additional toppings. Include any sauces (for drizzling) and garnishes at the very end.
• Offer utensils or tongs for guests to serve themselves.
• Arrange the toppings in an organized manner so guests can easily build their nachos.
• Label each topping with small signs for clarity.

4. Keep the Spread Stocked and Enjoy!

• Let your guests have fun building their own nachos, and enjoy the delicious combinations they create.
• Keep the nacho bar well-stocked throughout your event, and be prepared for some creative and tasty nacho creations!

Occasions Perfect for a Nacho Bar

A nacho bar can be a hit at various occasions and gatherings. Here are some occasions where a nacho bar is typically well-received:

• Game day parties like the Super Bowl, college football gatherings, or any other game day celebration.
• Birthday parties: Whether it’s a kids’ birthday party or an adult celebration, nacho bars offer a customizable and crowd-pleasing food option.
• Cinco de Mayo: This Mexican holiday is an obvious choice for a nacho bar, given the popularity of nachos in Mexican cuisine.
• Cocktail parties: Miniature nacho cups or elegant nacho platters can add a unique touch to cocktail parties and upscale gatherings.
• Weddings: Some couples opt for a late-night snack bar at their wedding receptions, and nacho bars can provide a fun and savory option.
• Family reunions: Nacho bars are easy to set up and serve a large number of people, making them suitable for family reunions and picnics.
• Office parties: Whether it’s a casual office lunch or a holiday party, nacho bars can accommodate a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
• Movie nights: Hosting a movie night at home or in your backyard? Nachos can be a great casual snack option for guests.
• Graduation parties: Celebrate a graduate’s achievements with a nacho bar, where guests can customize their nachos to their liking.
• Summer BBQs: Alongside traditional BBQ fare, a nacho bar can offer a unique and tasty addition to summer cookouts.
• Holiday gatherings: Consider adding a festive twist to your nacho bar with holiday-themed toppings for events like Christmas or Halloween parties.
• Fundraisers: Nacho bars can be a hit at school fundraisers, charity events, or community gatherings.

Printable Toppings List

Download this huge list of nacho toppings to keep on hand for easy reference. Plus, we’ve included a guide on how to create the ultimate nacho bar for game day or special occasions.