Nachos have always been the ultimate party dish. Whether they’re piled high for a game day snack spread, served as a party appetizer or enjoyed as a late-night snack, there’s something magical about them. I mean, what’s not to love about chips covered in different melting cheeses? Every other topping is a bonus in my mind.
Lately, nachos have been stepping outside their comfort zone. I’ve seen so many examples on social media of people swapping in unexpected bases and borrowing flavors from other cuisines. It’s a masterclass in creativity, and I’m here for it. My local gastropub even makes poke bowl-inspired nachos, and sometimes I order that appetizer as my entree.
The next time you want to mix things up, use fries instead of chips, substitute pesto and Parmesan for guacamole and Cotija or rethink the protein you top the nachos with. Here are some ideas to get you started.
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Waffle Nachos
If you love loaded fries and nachos, then this mashup is basically a dream come true. Waffle fry nachos (or “wachos”) swap waffle fries for traditional tortilla chips, creating a sturdy base that can handle plenty of toppings. This trendy twist combines the best parts of two beloved snacks. Try building yours with your favorite taco toppings, like sour cream, onions, cilantro or jalapenos.
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Charcuterie Nachos
It was only a matter of time before the charcuterie board trend made its way to nachos. This elevated version turns the classic snack into a perfectly shareable appetizer filled with a mix of textures and flavors. Anything that you would put on a snack board is fair game: think cured meats, a variety of cheeses, seasonal fruits, nuts and jams. The result is a nacho spread that feels a little fancy but is still easy to assemble and customize.
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Italian Nachos
This version is perfect for anyone who thinks mozzarella is a nonnegotiable (like me, for instance). Instead of classic Mexican-inspired toppings, Italian nachos feature ingredients like pesto, Italian cheeses, pepperoni, marinated artichoke hearts, sausage, banana peppers and more. It’s a great way to get creative and clean out your fridge of any leftovers from your last pasta night.
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![Overhead horizontal image of loaded sweet potato nachos. The sheet pan of chips is topped with black beans, tomatoes, green onions, and sliced jalapeños, and drizzled with a cream sauce. A bowl of tomato salsa and small pitcher of sauce are also in the shot. | [Original] Eye level horizontal image of loaded sweet potato nachos in a metal baking pan. The nachos are topped with black beans, jalapenos, chopped tomatoes and onions, cilantro, green onions, and a creamy sauce.](https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Sweet-Potato-Nachos_FT26_282842_EC_0506_6.jpg?fit=700%2C1024)
Sweet Potato Nachos
Is there anything better than a sweet potato? It has to be one of the most versatile and satisfying foods that exists. These sweet potato nachos, like the waffle fry version, are proof that the base you choose can completely change the nacho experience. Replace traditional chips with thin slices of sweet potato and pile on the shredded chicken, black beans, cheese and avocado. If you’re looking for a nacho recipe that feels a little different but still delivers all the cheesy goodness, this one is worth trying.
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Buffalo Chicken Nachos
What if you combined two classic party appetizers into one? Enter: Buffalo chicken nachos. Start with tortilla chips, then add shredded chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce, plenty of cheddar and blue cheese, plus celery and red onion. You could drizzle ranch and blue cheese on top, or keep them on the side for guests to pick their favorite. It’s a winning combo that you can enjoy any time you want—even if your team isn’t actually winning.
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Cheeseburger Nachos
You’ll notice that a lot of these nacho twists are all about combining two good dishes into an even greater one. And cheeseburger nachos are no exception. Instead of a bun, crispy waffle fries create the base, topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. A drizzle of your favorite burger sauce, ketchup or mustard brings the whole thing together.
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Mediterranean Hummus Nachos
This version highlights bright Mediterranean flavors and plenty of texture. The combination feels lighter while still delivering all the satisfying crunch and layers of flavor that make nachos so fun. Start with pita chips, then add creamy hummus, cucumbers, olives, peppers, fresh herbs and other flavorful toppings. You can even skip the beef to keep it vegetarian-friendly. These Mediterranean nachos are about to be my go-to dish for summer hosting!
