The excitement of the holiday season fills the air, and there’s nothing quite like gathering friends and family around the table to celebrate. One bite of these Christmas nachos, bursting with flavor and laden with savory toppings, will instantly elevate your festive spirit. Picture this: crispy tortilla chips smothered in gooey melted cheese, generous sprinkles of crispy bacon, and juicy sausage meatballs all layered with rich cranberry sauce. It’s a delightful mix of sweet and savory that perfectly captures the essence of the holidays.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy evening spent experimenting in the kitchen, wanting to create a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that breaks away from traditional fare. What emerged was a nacho masterpiece that effortlessly combines festive indulgence with the comfort of home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging in a lazy night in, these Christmas nachos are sure to be the star of the show. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavor-packed recipe and bring a little jingle to your table!
Why Make Christmas Nachos This Year?
Deliciously indulgent flavors: The symphony of sausages, bacon, and cheese creates an irresistible taste sensation that will leave everyone craving more.
Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes of cook time, you can whip up this festive treat without spending all day in the kitchen.
Crowd-pleasing fun: Perfect for holiday gatherings, everyone will love digging into this shared dish filled with layers of festive goodness.
Uniquely festive twist: Cranberry sauce adds a delightful sweetness that distinguishes these nachos from the usual party fare.
Versatile serving option: Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, these nachos cater to every appetite and occasion.
Christmas Nachos Ingredients
Get ready to create a festive treat that will brighten everyone’s holiday spirit!
For the Toppings
- 1 red onion – finely chopped for a zesty crunch that balances the richness of the cheese and meats.
- 1 lime – freshly squeezed to enhance the flavors and provide a zesty kick.
- pinch of sugar – helps to bring out the natural sweetness in the onions and balances acidity.
- 4 sausages – a savory base, choose your favorite type for maximum flavor.
- 6 rashers streaky bacon – crispy bacon adds texture and a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the nachos.
- 200g tortilla chips – crunchy layers that hold all the delicious toppings and create that classic nacho experience.
- 200g cooked chicken – adds another layer of heartiness, making these Christmas nachos even more satisfying.
- 100g cranberry sauce – a sweet, tart addition that embodies the festive spirit and pairs delightfully with savory toppings.
- 150g melty cheese – a generous amount of cheese ensures gooey goodness with every bite.
- 1 tsp olive oil – to crisp up the sage leaves, adding a fragrant finish.
- small bunch of sage – fried till crispy, sage adds an aromatic touch that elevates your nacho experience.
Gather these ingredients and get ready for a delightful, flavor-packed adventure in the kitchen!
How to Make Christmas Nachos
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Mix the red onion, lime juice, sugar, and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl. This zesty mixture sets the tone for your nachos, so give it a good stir and set it aside to let those flavors develop.
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Heat your grill to medium-high and line a large baking tray with foil. Roll the sausagemeat from its skin into small meatballs, aiming for 5-6 per sausage. Grill the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway until they’re beautifully browned and cooked through. Tip them into a dish and keep warm.
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Arrange the bacon on the same baking tray and grill until crisp, about 5 minutes on each side. After cooking, move them onto a plate to cool and set aside. Turn off the grill and get your oven ready at 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
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Layer the nachos by pouring away any excess juice or fat from the baking tray (no need to wash it!). Spread half the tortilla chips, followed by half the sausage balls, cooked chicken, dollops of cranberry sauce, and half the cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is gooey and melted.
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Fry the sage leaves in a pan with olive oil over medium-high heat until crispy. When ready to serve, scatter your nachos with the pickled red onions, fried sage leaves, and crumbled crispy bacon for that finishing touch.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Christmas Nachos?
To create a festive feast that’s sure to impress, consider pairing delicious sides and drinks alongside your nachos.
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Zesty Guacamole: The creamy, tangy flavor of guacamole complements the savory nachos perfectly, and its freshness adds a wonderful contrast.
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Chili Con Queso: Rich and velvety, this cheesy dip crowned with spicy chili elevates your nacho experience to a whole new level of indulgence.
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Crisp Garden Salad: A refreshing salad with light dressing provides a crunch that balances the richness of the nachos while adding a pop of color to your table.
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Spiced Hot Chocolate: Delightful warmth in every sip, this drink offers a cozy sweetness that harmonizes with the savory, festive flavors without overshadowing them.
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Roasted Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts and carrots, add a wholesome element that cuts through the heaviness and complements the overall meal beautifully.
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Cranberry Mimosa: A splash of bubbly and cranberry juice creates a festive toast, perfectly echoing the cranberry notes in the nachos.
Each of these pairings contributes a unique flavor or texture that elevates your holiday gathering, making it joyous and unforgettable!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Nachos
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Fridge: Keep leftover Christmas nachos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness and melt the cheese evenly.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled nachos (without toppings) in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
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Reheating: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), then place thawed nachos on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes, removing the foil in the last 5 minutes for a crispy finish.
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Topping Considerations: Store toppings like bacon and pickled onions separately to maintain their texture. Add them just before serving for the best flavor experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas nachos are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the zesty onion mixture (step 1) up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The sausage meatballs (step 2) can be grilled, cooled, and then refrigerated for up to 3 days. On the day of serving, layer the tortilla chips, meatballs, chicken, cranberry sauce, and cheese as instructed in step 4, and simply bake until bubbly and melty. This way, you’ll have all the festive flavors ready with minimal effort, ensuring your Christmas nachos are just as delicious when served!
Christmas Nachos Variations
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect version of Christmas nachos!
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Vegan Delight: Swap sausages and bacon for plant-based alternatives. Use facon and lentil meatballs for that hearty texture.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or chopped serrano peppers between the layers for a zesty heat that plays beautifully with the cheese.
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Cheesy Bliss: Experiment with different cheese varieties, like pepper jack for a spicy twist or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
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Barbecue Flair: Drizzle your nachos with barbecue sauce instead of cranberry for a smoky sweetness that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Loaded Veggie: Add bell peppers, black olives, or corn for extra color and crunch. This twist rounds out the dish with more hearty goodness.
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Crispy Onions: Top with crunchy fried onions for an extra layer of flavor and delightful texture. They add a holiday crunch that everyone will love.
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Herb Infusion: Infuse the nachos with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of sage for a different but equally aromatic experience.
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Festive Fruit: Toss in some pomegranate seeds after baking for a festive pop of color and juicy sweetness, perfectly offsetting the savory toppings.
Expert Tips for Christmas Nachos
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Perfectly Grilled Meatballs: Ensure even cooking by turning the sausage meatballs halfway through grilling. This will prevent them from burning and keep them juicy.
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Layer Wisely: To avoid soggy nachos, layer the tortilla chips with toppings carefully. Start with chips, then proteins, sauces, then cheese, and follow with another layer on top.
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Crispy Bacon Bliss: Let the bacon cool slightly before crumbling; this ensures it stays crispy when sprinkled on the nachos at the end.
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Flavor Balance: Adjust the acidity by tasting the pickled onions. A little more lime juice can boost their brightness, balancing the richness of the cheeses and meats.
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Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the baking time! Melted cheese is the goal, but burning can ruin your Christmas nachos experience.
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Garnish for Fun: Add fresh herbs or sliced jalapeños for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Christmas Nachos with Sausages and Bacon Recipe FAQs
What type of tortillas are best for nachos?
I recommend using thick and sturdy tortilla chips for nachos, as they hold up better under the weight of the toppings. Look for brands that mention “restaurant-style” or “thick-cut” for that perfect crunch.
How should I store leftover Christmas nachos?
Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes to get the chips crispy and the cheese gooey again.
Can I freeze assembled nachos?
Absolutely! For freezing, I suggest assembling your nachos without the toppings first. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight, then add fresh toppings and bake as usual.
What if my sausage meatballs aren’t cooking evenly?
If you find your sausage meatballs are cooking unevenly, ensure you’re turning them frequently during grilling. If they still seem undercooked after the recommended time, you can finish them off in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
Are nachos safe for pets?
Generally, the ingredients of Christmas nachos—especially cheese and onions—aren’t great for pets, especially dogs. If you’re looking to share with your furry friends, consider preparing a pet-safe version with just plain tortilla chips (without salt) or some cooked chicken without seasoning.
What can I substitute for cranberries if I’m allergic?
If you have an allergy to cranberries, you can use a similar sweet and tangy sauce as an alternative. Try a mango salsa or a peach chutney instead! These will keep that festive flair while being safe and delicious for everyone.
Ultimate Christmas Nachos with Sausages and Bacon Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix the red onion, lime juice, sugar, and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside to let flavors develop.
- Heat your grill to medium-high and line a large baking tray with foil. Roll the sausagemeat into small meatballs and grill for 8-10 minutes.
- Arrange the bacon on the baking tray and grill until crisp, about 5 minutes on each side. Move to a plate to cool.
- Layer nachos by spreading half the tortilla chips, followed by half the sausage balls, chicken, cranberry sauce, and half the cheese. Repeat layers and bake for 15 minutes.
- Fry the sage leaves in olive oil until crispy. Scatter the nachos with pickled red onions, fried sage leaves, and crumbled bacon.