Ingredients
- Tortilla Chips: Approximately 1 large bag (about 12-16 ounces) of sturdy tortilla chips. Choose thick-cut chips to hold up well under the toppings without getting soggy. Look for a variety that is baked or lightly salted for a healthier option.
- Shredded Cheese: 2 cups of your favorite cheese blend. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend work wonderfully. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
- Mango: 2 large ripe but firm mangoes, diced into small cubes. Ripe mangoes provide sweetness and flavor, but firm ones hold their shape in the salsa. Look for mangoes that yield slightly to pressure but are not mushy.
- Red Onion: ½ medium red onion, finely diced. Red onion adds a sharp, slightly pungent flavor that balances the sweetness of the mango. Finely dicing ensures it distributes well throughout the salsa.
- Jalapeño: 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference). Jalapeños provide a kick of heat. Removing the seeds and membranes reduces the heat level. For milder salsa, use only half a jalapeño or omit it entirely.
- Cilantro: ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the salsa. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with flat-leaf parsley, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Lime Juice: Juice of 2 limes. Fresh lime juice is essential for the bright, citrusy flavor of the salsa. It also helps to prevent the mango from browning.
- Black Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained. Black beans add protein and a hearty texture to the nachos. Rinsing removes excess sodium and canning liquid.
- Corn: 1 cup of frozen or canned corn, thawed or drained if canned. Corn adds sweetness and a pleasant texture. Frozen corn should be thawed before adding to the salsa. Canned corn should be drained to remove excess liquid.
- Bell Pepper (Optional): ½ bell pepper (any color), diced. Bell pepper adds a crisp texture and mild sweetness. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are visually appealing and slightly sweeter than green bell peppers.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for melting the cheese without burning the chips. If you prefer a crispier cheese topping, you can also broil the nachos for a minute or two at the end, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Mango Salsa: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced mango, finely diced red onion, minced jalapeño (remember to seed it if you prefer less heat!), chopped fresh cilantro, and the juice of 2 limes. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch of salt or a touch more lime juice depending on the sweetness of your mangoes and your personal preference. Allow the salsa to sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for developing the best flavor.
- Prepare the Black Bean and Corn Mixture: In a separate small bowl, combine the rinsed and drained black beans and corn. You can lightly season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired, but it’s not strictly necessary as the salsa and cheese will provide plenty of flavor. Set aside.
- Assemble the Nachos: On a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet, spread out a single layer of tortilla chips. Avoid overcrowding the chips, as this will prevent them from baking evenly and becoming crispy. If you have a lot of nachos to make, you may need to work in batches.
- Layer the Toppings: Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla chips. This base layer of cheese will melt and help to hold the other toppings in place. Next, evenly distribute the black bean and corn mixture over the cheese. Spoon the prepared mango salsa generously over the black bean and corn mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the mango salsa. Ensure all areas of the nachos have some cheese for a delicious, cheesy bite in every serving.
- Bake the Nachos: Place the platter or baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortilla chips are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the nachos to prevent burning, especially if your oven runs hot. For extra crispy cheese, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch them very carefully as they can burn quickly under the broiler.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the nachos from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a minute or two before serving. Mango Salsa Nachos are best enjoyed immediately while the chips are crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream or guacamole (optional, see serving suggestions below) before serving. Serve and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of your homemade Mango Salsa Nachos!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g