Celebrate National Nachos Day with 10 Fun and Fall-Inspired Nacho Recipes!

Celebrate National Nachos Day with 10 Fun and Fall-Inspired Nacho Recipes!

Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy night in, or tailgating, nachos are the ultimate shareable snack. This National Nachos Day, get creative with unique fall-inspired recipes that feature Select Brands’ appliances, making your nacho-making experience easy and delicious! Let’s dive into 10 fun nacho recipes perfect for any occasion.

National Nachos Day, celebrated annually on November 6th, has roots that date back to the origins of nachos themselves, a dish born out of improvisation and resourcefulness. In the early 1940s, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, a maître d' at a restaurant in Piedras Negras, Mexico, created the first nachos when a group of hungry American military wives visited his restaurant after hours. With limited ingredients on hand, Anaya quickly prepared a dish of fried tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and jalapeños. The creation was a hit, and he named it "Nachos Especiales" after his own nickname.

The dish gained popularity across the border in Texas and quickly spread through the United States. As its fame grew, nachos became a staple in American cuisine, especially for sports events, parties, and gatherings. To celebrate this beloved snack and its creator, November 6th was later established as National Nachos Day, giving people a reason to enjoy creative variations of this iconic dish each year.

Today, National Nachos Day serves as a celebration of both culinary creativity and cultural exchange, encouraging fans to experiment with unique nacho recipes and pay homage to Anaya’s quick-thinking invention that became an international favorite.

1. Pumpkin Spice Dessert Nachos

Equipment: Toastmaster 2.6 Quart Air Fryer

Add a fall twist to your dessert with these crispy, pumpkin spice nachos. Toss cinnamon-dusted tortilla chips in the air fryer for a light, crunchy base, then top with a creamy pumpkin drizzle and whipped cream. Sprinkle with candied pecans for the ultimate autumn dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips (or regular tortilla chips dusted with cinnamon sugar)
• ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned is fine)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• ¼ cup candied pecans, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chips: If using regular tortilla chips, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar evenly on both sides.
2. Air Fry: Place the chips in the air fryer for about 3-4 minutes at 350°F, just until warm and crispy.
3. Pumpkin Drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and maple syrup until smooth.  Use the TRU Cordless Rechargeable 2 Speed Immersion Blender with Whisk Attachment to make it even easier! 
4. Assemble: Layer the warm chips on a plate, drizzle with the pumpkin sauce, and add whipped cream. Sprinkle with candied pecans and serve immediately.

Quick Hack: Use pre-made cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips & canned pumpkin puree for extra convenience.

2. BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

Equipment: Kitchen Selectives 1½-Quart Slow Cooker Color Series

Nothing says fall like a hearty BBQ flavor! Use the 1.5-quart slow cooker to prepare tender pulled pork with a hint of maple. Layer the pork over tortilla chips with shredded cheese, jalapeños, and BBQ sauce for a cozy, savory nacho experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pre-cooked pulled pork (found in the refrigerated section or deli)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, for added fall flavor)
• Tortilla chips of choice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1-2 jalapeños, sliced
• Green onions and sour cream, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Warm Pulled Pork: Place pre-cooked pulled pork in the 1.5-quart slow cooker with BBQ sauce and maple syrup. Heat on low for 1-2 hours until warmed through and flavors meld.
2. Assemble Nachos: Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with shredded cheese, followed by the BBQ pulled pork, and sprinkle with sliced jalapeños.
3. Bake: Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and nachos are hot.
4. Serve: Garnish with green onions and a dollop of sour cream.

Quick Hack: Use pre-cooked pulled pork for quick prep and just reheat it with sauce.

3. Apple and Cheddar Nachos

Equipment: TRU Cordless Rechargeable Chopper and Party Blender Combo Set

For a sweet and savory twist, try apple and cheddar nachos! Use the food chopper to dice fresh apples, then layer them over chips with sharp cheddar. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and bake in the oven until the cheese is melty. Drizzle with honey for the perfect touch!

Ingredients:

• 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a tart-sweet flavor)
• 1 bag tortilla chips (or pita chips for extra crunch)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1-2 tbsp honey or caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Chop Apples: Use the food chopper to dice the apple into small, even pieces.
2. Assemble: Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and sprinkle diced apple evenly over the chips. Add a light sprinkle of cinnamon.
3. Bake: Broil in the oven at 400°F for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and apples are slightly softened.
4. Finish: Drizzle honey or caramel sauce over the nachos for a sweet touch before serving.

Quick Hack: Opt for pre-diced apples or use apple pie filling (diced) for a faster prep time.

4. Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Equipment: TRU Triple Slow Cooker with Three 2½ Quart Inserts Stainless

Tailgating? The triple slow cooker lets you cook the buffalo chicken, queso, and warm the chips all in one place. Combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese, and let it cook low and slow. Serve it over crispy tortilla chips with blue cheese crumbles and green onions.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb rotisserie chicken, shredded
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• Tortilla chips
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Blue cheese crumbles and sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Buffalo Chicken: In one compartment of the triple slow cooker, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and cream cheese. Stir well and cook on low for 1-2 hours, until everything is well blended.
2. Warm Queso: In the second compartment, add shredded cheddar cheese and a splash of milk. Stir occasionally until melted into a queso dip.
3. Warm Chips: Use the third compartment to keep tortilla chips warm (optional).
4. Assemble Nachos: Layer the warm chips on a serving platter, top with buffalo chicken and queso, then garnish with blue cheese crumbles and green onions.

Quick Hack: Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add a rich flavor to the buffalo mix.

5. Loaded Chili Nachos

Equipment: Toastmaster 7-Quart Digital Slow Cooker with Locking Lid

Perfect for fall nights, these loaded chili nachos use the digital slow cooker to make a rich, homemade chili. Layer it over nachos with cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Bonus: keep the chili warm in the slow cooker for extra helpings!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans (or any preferred beans)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• Tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Sour cream and sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chili: In the slow cooker, combine ground meat, beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Stir and cook on low for 4-5 hours (or high for 2-3 hours) until flavors meld.
2. Assemble Nachos: Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet or large plate. Spoon the chili over chips, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
3. Serve: Top with sour cream and green onions, and serve with extra chili on the side for dipping.

Quick Hack: Use pre-cooked ground beef or turkey (from the deli section or leftovers) to reduce cooking time.

6. Spicy Sweet Potato Nachos

Equipment: Toastmaster Extra Large 48L Capacity Oven with Convection and Pizza Function

Using the Toastmaster Extra Large Toaster Oven, switch out chips for thinly sliced sweet potatoes for a healthier option!! Roast the sweet potatoes until crisp, then top with black beans, melted cheese, and avocado. Add a sprinkle of paprika for that autumn spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 avocado, diced
• Paprika or chili powder, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Sweet Potato Chips: Use the mandoline slicer to thinly slice sweet potatoes. Toss slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Roast: Bake in the Toastmaster Oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the slices are crispy.
3. Assemble Nachos: Layer the sweet potato chips on a plate, top with black beans, shredded cheese, and diced avocado.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle with paprika or chili powder for a spicy kick.

Quick Hack: Use pre-cut sweet potato crisscut chips (found in the fridge/freezer section at the grocery store) for quicker prep.

7. Butternut Squash and Sage Nachos

Equipment: Toastmaster Air Frying Toaster Oven with Convection

A sophisticated spin on nachos! Roast butternut squash in the toaster oven until golden, then layer it on chips with a creamy sage sauce. Top with goat cheese and a dash of fresh ground pepper for a fall-inspired flavor profile that’s bound to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butternut squash, diced small
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Tortilla or pita chips
• ½ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1-2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• Fresh ground pepper, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Roast Squash: Toss diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a toaster oven tray. Roast at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, until golden and tender.
2. Assemble Nachos: Arrange chips on a serving plate, top with roasted butternut squash, and sprinkle with goat cheese crumbles.
3. Finish with Sage: Sprinkle chopped sage and fresh ground pepper over the top.

Quick Hack: Look for pre-diced butternut squash in the produce section to save time on chopping.

8. Harvest Nachos with Cranberry Salsa

Equipment: Toastmaster 3-Cup Chopper with 2 Speed Control

Fresh and fruity! Use the chopper to create a cranberry salsa with diced cranberries, jalapeños, and green onions. Spoon over tortilla chips with melted brie cheese and add chopped pecans for a crunch that screams autumn.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 jalapeño, seeded
• 2 green onions
• 1 tbsp honey
• Tortilla chips
• 1 cup brie cheese, cubed or shredded
• ¼ cup pecans, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare Cranberry Salsa: Use the chopper to finely dice the cranberries, jalapeño, and green onions. Transfer to a bowl, mix in honey, and set aside.
2. Melt Brie: Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, sprinkle with brie cheese, and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
3. Assemble Nachos: Spoon the cranberry salsa over the warm chips, then top with chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Quick Hack: Swap fresh cranberries for a can of whole-berry cranberry sauce (drain excess liquid) to simplify the salsa.

9. Maple Bacon Breakfast Nachos

Equipment: Toastmaster 10" x 20" Electric Griddle

Enjoy nachos any time of day with these maple bacon breakfast nachos. Cook crispy bacon on the griddle, then layer over hash brown-style chips with scrambled eggs, cheese, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect for a brunch celebration!

Ingredients:

• 6 strips bacon
• 1 package frozen hash brown patties (cut into smaller bit size pieces to mimic nachos)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Cook Bacon: Preheat the griddle and cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.
2. Prepare Hash Browns: Cook hash brown patties on the griddle until golden and crispy. Break into smaller pieces to act as the “chips.”
3. Scramble Eggs: On the same griddle, scramble the eggs until just set.
4. Assemble Nachos: Layer the hash browns on a serving plate, top with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.
5. Finish with Maple Drizzle: Drizzle maple syrup over the nachos and serve warm.

Quick Hack: Use pre-cooked bacon to save time, and microwave or bake hash browns for easier prep.

10. Pecan Pie Nachos

Equipment: Toastmaster 2.6 Quart (2.5L) Air Fryer

Wrap up with a decadent dessert! Air-fry cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips, then top with a gooey pecan pie topping made from brown sugar, butter, and chopped pecans. Add a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy fall dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions:

1. Warm Chips: Place cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips in the air fryer and heat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, until just warm.
2. Make Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans.
3. Assemble Nachos: Arrange warm chips on a plate and spoon the pecan pie topping over them.
4. Serve: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent fall dessert.

Quick Hack: Use pre-made caramel sauce as a topping instead of making the pecan mixture.

Celebrate National Nachos Day with Select Brands!
Each of these recipes brings a unique twist to traditional nachos, perfect for enjoying all fall season. Select Brands’ products make it easy to create everything from savory bites to sweet treats. Which recipe will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!