Pan Trader Joe’s Nachos Recipe

This crispy, cheesy Trader Joes Nachos Recipe is made with organic corn chips and unexpected cheddar and ready in 20 minutes. Pulling the sheet pan out of the oven reveals perfectly melted cheese bubbling around spicy soy chorizo. I rely on this combination whenever I need a quick weekend snack.

What Makes This Version Different

I used to grab whatever random cheese and chips were on sale for nacho night. Then I discovered the power of combining Trader Joe’s unexpected cheddar with their hearty corn dippers. The thicker chips actually hold up to the heavy toppings without getting soggy.

I once tried using thin restaurant-style chips with these ingredients, and the whole pan turned to mush. The unexpected cheddar provides a sharp, aged flavor that melts beautifully alongside the heavily seasoned soy chorizo.

Trader Joes Nachos Recipe Ingredients

• 1 bag Trader Joe’s Organic Corn Chip Dippers
• 2 cups Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, grated
• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo
• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar
• 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
• 1/4 cup sour cream

How To Make Trader Joes Nachos Recipe

1. Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Cook the chorizo: Squeeze the soy chorizo out of its casing into a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy.
3. Layer the chips: Spread the corn chip dippers in a single, even layer across the prepared baking sheet.
4. Add cheese and meat: Sprinkle half the grated unexpected cheddar over the chips. Add the cooked soy chorizo evenly, then top with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake and garnish: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling. Remove from the oven and top with Cowboy Caviar, jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream.

Recipe Tips

• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that prevents smooth melting. Grate the unexpected cheddar fresh from the block.
• Use sturdy chips: The corn chip dippers are thick enough to support the heavy cheese and meat without breaking.
• Layer evenly: Make sure every chip gets a bit of cheese so there are no dry spots on the pan.

What To Serve With Trader Joes Nachos

Pair this loaded tray with a batch of cold margaritas or a light Mexican beer. A side of fresh homemade guacamole adds a cool contrast to the spicy chorizo.

How To Store

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore some crispness, though they will never be quite as crunchy as day one.

FAQs

Can I use real meat instead of soy chorizo?

Yes, Trader Joe’s traditional pork carnitas or cooked ground beef work perfectly as substitutes.

How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?

Avoid adding wet ingredients like salsa and sour cream until right before serving. Only bake the dry chips, cheese, and cooked meat.

Can I make this in the microwave?

The oven is best for melting the cheese evenly and keeping the chips crispy. A microwave will make the chips soft and chewy.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Protein: 16g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joes Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
• Trader Joes Pulled Chicken Recipe
• Trader Joes Chicken Shawarma Bowl Recipe

Trader Joes Nachos Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

This Trader Joes Nachos Recipe features crispy corn chips and perfectly melted unexpected cheddar in just 20 minutes. Packed with savory soy chorizo and cowboy caviar, it is an effortless sheet pan meal for casual weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 bag Trader Joe’s Organic Corn Chip Dippers

• 2 cups Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, grated

• 1 package (12 oz) Trader Joe’s Soy Chorizo

• 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar

• 1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeños

• 1/4 cup sour cream

Directions

• 1. Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
• 2. Cook the chorizo: Squeeze the soy chorizo out of its casing into a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy.
• 3. Layer the chips: Spread the corn chip dippers in a single, even layer across the prepared baking sheet.
• 4. Add cheese and meat: Sprinkle half the grated unexpected cheddar over the chips. Add the cooked soy chorizo evenly, then top with the remaining cheese.
• 5. Bake and garnish: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling. Remove from the oven and top with Cowboy Caviar, jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream.