Mega Nacho Dip
Mega Nacho Dip Recipe - Avocado, Olives, Cheddar, Beans, and More from Mexico
Introduction
Mega Nacho Dip is a delicious and indulgent appetizer that is perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests. This cheesy and flavorful dip is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
History
The origins of nachos can be traced back to Mexico, where they were created by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya in the 1940s. Anaya, who worked at a restaurant in Piedras Negras, Mexico, whipped up the snack using what he had on hand - tortilla chips, cheese, and jalapenos. The dish was a hit and quickly spread in popularity, eventually making its way to the United States where it has been adapted and transformed into various versions, including this Mega Nacho Dip.
Ingredients
- 2 smashed avocados (peeled and mashed with a fork)
- 0.5 cup black olives
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked red kidney bean paste (cooked beans mashed with a fork and 2 tbsp milk, salt, and pepper to taste)
- 0.5 cup chopped green onions
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can diced tomatoes (most of the juice drained)
- optional: chopped jalapenos
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
- In a small casserole dish or other deep oven-safe dish, spread half of the sour cream to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the diced tomatoes on top of the sour cream, followed by half of the bean paste.
- Spread half of the avocado on top of the previous layer and cover with the remaining sour cream.
- Place half of the cheese on top of the avocado layer.
- Layer the remaining diced tomatoes, green onions, black olives, remaining bean paste, and remaining smashed avocados.
- If desired, add jalapenos and top it all off with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese has browned slightly on top.
- The entire dish won't be piping hot, but it will be warm enough for the cheese to melt and the dip to be heated through.
- If desired, bake for a longer time.
- Serve and enjoy!
Variations
- Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a meatier version of the dip.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Top the dip with fresh cilantro, diced red onions, or a dollop of salsa for added freshness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture in this dip.
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or even cooked ground beef.
- For a spicier kick, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dip.
- Serve the dip with a side of tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mega Nacho Dip with a side of tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping. It also pairs well with a cold beer or margarita.
Cooking Techniques
Make sure to layer the ingredients evenly in the dish to ensure that each bite has a good mix of flavors.
- Bake the dip at a low temperature to melt the cheese without burning it.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have black olives, you can use sliced green olives or omit them altogether.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version of the dip.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the Mega Nacho Dip up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Mega Nacho Dip in a colorful casserole dish or a cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
This rich and cheesy dip pairs well with a variety of beverages such as beer, margaritas, or even a fruity sangria. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Mega Nacho Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dip in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through, or microwave it in short intervals until heated.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
250
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
Fats
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 8g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 10% DV
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
Alergens
Contains dairy (cheese and sour cream)
Summary
This Mega Nacho Dip is a rich and indulgent appetizer that is high in fat and calories. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.
Summary
Mega Nacho Dip is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and gooey cheese, this dip is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Serve it with your favorite dippers and enjoy the delicious flavors of this indulgent dish.
How did I get this recipe?
:
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Mega Nacho Dip. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her amazing culinary skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the delicious aroma of spices and cheese. Martha greeted me with a warm smile and said, "I have a new recipe to try today, and I think you're going to love it."
She pulled out a large bowl and started mixing together all the ingredients for the dip. As she worked, she explained to me how she had come up with the recipe after trying it at a party and falling in love with the flavors. She had tweaked it over the years, adding her own special touch to make it truly unique.
I watched in awe as Martha added layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the bowl. She then topped it all off with a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream. The colors and textures were so vibrant and enticing that I couldn't wait to dig in.
As we sat down to enjoy the dip with a basket of crispy tortilla chips, Martha told me about how she had learned to cook from her mother, who had passed down family recipes for generations. She shared stories of cooking with her grandmother as a young girl, learning the tricks and techniques that set their dishes apart from the rest.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy as Martha spoke so fondly of her family's culinary traditions. My own grandmother had never been much of a cook, and my mother was always too busy with work to spend much time in the kitchen. I had picked up a few basic recipes over the years, but nothing compared to the expertise and passion that Martha possessed.
After finishing our delicious snack, I asked Martha if she would be willing to teach me how to make the Mega Nacho Dip. She smiled and agreed, saying that she would be honored to pass on the recipe to me. Over the next few hours, she patiently walked me through each step, explaining the importance of seasoning and layering to build the perfect flavor profile.
I took notes diligently, soaking up every bit of knowledge that Martha shared with me. She showed me how to brown the ground beef to perfection, how to create a velvety cheese sauce from scratch, and how to layer the ingredients in a way that ensured each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors.
As we finished cooking, Martha handed me a spoonful of the dip to taste. I closed my eyes and savored the explosion of flavors on my tongue - the richness of the beef, the creaminess of the cheese, the sweetness of the corn, and the tanginess of the tomatoes. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I felt a surge of pride knowing that I had helped create it.
From that day on, the Mega Nacho Dip became a staple at all of my family gatherings and parties. I would proudly serve it to my guests, telling them the story of how I had learned to make it from Martha. They would always rave about how delicious it was, and I would smile, knowing that I had finally found my signature dish.
Years passed, and Martha and I remained close friends, bonding over our shared love of cooking and good food. We would exchange recipes and tips, always eager to learn from each other and improve our culinary skills. The Mega Nacho Dip became a symbol of our friendship, a reminder of the day that Martha had opened my eyes to the world of possibilities in the kitchen.
As I look back on that fateful summer day, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that Martha gave me. Not just the recipe for the Mega Nacho Dip, but the passion and inspiration to become a better cook. I may not have a long lineage of family recipes to draw from, but I have Martha, and that's more than enough.
So the next time you find yourself craving a delicious and satisfying snack, why not whip up a batch of Mega Nacho Dip? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe you'll create your own culinary masterpiece and pass it down to the next generation, just like Martha did for me. Bon appétit!
Categories
| Avocado Recipes | Black Olive Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Dip Recipes | Mexican Recipes | Red Kidney Bean Recipes | Sour Cream Recipes | Tomato Recipes |