Cheesy tortilla chips loaded with jalapeños, beans, tomatoes and guacamole – there’s no better excuse to gather with friends and tuck into the ultimate sharing dish.
Nachos can be spicy, cheesy, messy, crunchy – sometimes all at once. But one thing never changes: they’re absolutely delicious and loved throughout the world. From small-town kitchens in Texas to stadium snack bars, nachos have earned their iconic status.
So it’s only fitting that they have a day of their own. Welcome to National Nachos Day – it’s time to celebrate.
History of National Nachos Day
The origins of nachos can be traced back to Piedras Negras in Mexico, just across the border from Texas. As with many great food inventions, the dish came about almost by accident.
In 1943, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya was working at a local restaurant when a group of American soldiers’ wives came in after closing time. With limited ingredients left in the kitchen, he improvised by cutting tortillas into pieces, topping them with shredded cheese and sliced pickled jalapeños, and heating the dish until the cheese melted.
The women loved it. When they asked what it was called, Ignacio named it “Nacho’s Especiales.”
The idea spread quickly across Texas and the Southwest. Ignacio later worked at the Moderno Restaurant (which still uses the original recipe) and eventually opened his own restaurant, “Nacho’s Restaurant,” in Piedras Negras. His recipe was published in the 1954 St. Anne’s Cookbook – securing its legacy.
In 1976, a new version emerged when businessman Frank Liberto introduced nachos made with cheese sauce and pre-made chips at sporting events in Texas. These became known as “ballpark nachos” – and the snack’s popularity skyrocketed.
Today, nachos can be simple or fully loaded, baked or unbaked, with toppings ranging from meat and beans to avocado, peppers and salsa. However they are served, they’ve earned their day of celebration.
How to Celebrate National Nachos Day
There are plenty of fun ways to get involved:
Go Out for Nachos
Restaurants of all kinds now offer nacho platters. Head somewhere local and indulge in a classic cheesed-up pile of tortilla chips.
Visit Piedras Negras
For a truly authentic experience, travel to the birthplace of nachos. The town even hosts an International Nachos Festival, complete with a contest for the world’s largest nacho.
Host a Nachos Party
Invite friends round, stock up on chips and toppings, decorate with a fiesta theme, and enjoy a relaxed, social evening centred around great food.
Watch Nacho Libre
This light-hearted film starring Jack Black has little to do with the dish itself, but it’s the perfect accompaniment to a nacho-filled movie night.
Make Your Own Nachos
The simplest and perhaps most satisfying option is to whip up a tray at home.
Simple Homemade Nachos Recipe (Serves 4)
Ingredients:
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One large bag of tortilla chips (10–12 oz)
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8 oz Jack cheese
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8 oz Cheddar cheese
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One large jar of salsa
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Pickled jalapeño slices
Method:
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (or use a moderate oven setting).
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Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer in an ovenproof dish.
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Grate and mix the cheeses, then sprinkle generously over the chips.
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Spoon the salsa evenly across the top and scatter with jalapeños.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
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Allow to cool for one minute to avoid burning your mouth – then enjoy while warm.