Sheet Pan Nachos

Name: Sheet Pan Nachos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 13-ounce bag tortilla chips; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 2 bell peppers (diced); 1 small sweet onion (diced); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups shredded cheese; 1 15-ounce can refried beans; 3 cups chopped or shredded chicken; ½ cup diced tomatoes; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; optional toppings: guacamole (sour cream, jalapeños, salsa)

These loaded sheet pan nachos a go-to when you're wanting a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer or dinner. With two layers of chips, chicken, beans, peppers, onions, and topped with all your favorite fixings. Just layer, bake, and enjoy- this sheet pan nacho recipe is ready in 30 minutes!

sheet pan nachos on a baking sheet with toppings.

You'll Love These Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos

Quick and easy- on the table in 35 minutes!
The perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or dinner
These are loaded nachos; 2 layers with your favorite add-ins
An easy recipe, one that little hands can help with too

Grab These Ingredients

This sheet pan nachos recipe is very forgiving- I often modify the ingredients slightly each time I make them depending on what I have on hand. I've included the variation that we make most often:

Tortilla Chips: Because these tortilla chips are loaded, you want to have a harder, thick and sturdy tortilla chip that won't fall apart.
Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this nacho recipe QUICK. You could also use leftover chicken or even cooked ground beef.
Beans: We love using refried beans but you can also use black beans, just make sure they are drained and rinsed.
Bell Pepper: You can use any type of bell peppers that you prefer, I usually use red and green as they are slightly sweeter.
Onion: You need a small onion- sweet, white or red onion works.
Cheese: I usually use a combination of a mild cheddar cheese and colby jack cheese for the best flavor. Feel free to use pre-shredded or block.
Tomatoes: Any type of tomatoes work, though I prefer larger slicing tomatoes (like you use on sandwiches.) If you don't love tomatoes, you can leave them out.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for some added flavor.
Toppings: You can add whatever toppings that you prefer like guacamole, sour cream, fresh or pickled jalapeños, or even a drizzle of queso.

sheet pan nacho ingredients in bowls on a white table.

Overview: How To Make Sheet Pan Nachos

The full printable recipe is outlined below but let's first walk through it. Before you get started I find it's easiest to prep the ingredients that way you can layer quickly and easily.

Sauté the Peppers & Onions: Cook the peppers and onions until just softened. Since there's not much baking time, this helps prevent the moisture from softening the chips.
Assemble the First Layer: Place half the tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheese evenly on top.
Bake: Bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Assemble the Second Layer: Add half the refried beans (in dollops), chicken, and peppers/onions on top. Then, sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheese. Finally, add the second layer of chips and sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining refried beans, chicken, and peppers/onions on top. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
Bake: Bake until the cheese is melted throughout, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, cilantro and desired toppings.

tortilla chips on a baking sheet topped with shredded cheese.

tortilla chips on a baking sheet topped with melted shredded cheese and toppings.

tortilla chips on a baking sheet topped with toppings and shredded cheese.

loaded sheet pan nachos on a baking sheet topped with melted cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, and jalapeños.

#1 Success Tip: The Order To Assemble Nachos

Many don't know that there is right way to assemble nachos. It's important to create a barrier between the chips so the moisture from the toppings don't cause the chips to get soggy. Because no one likes soggy chips.

close up of loaded sheet pan nachos with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes, and sour cream.

FAQ

How do you keep sheet pan nachos from getting soggy?

There are 2 tricks to this: 1) use a sturdier tortilla chips, and 2) place the cheese on top of the chips before you add toppings so it creates a protective barrier.

How many layers should nachos be?

The best type of nachos... there are 2 layers.

What is the perfect chip for nachos?

It's important to use chips that are crispy and sturdy, that can withstand layers of cheese and toppings. You want a milder corn flavor that allows the toppings to shine.

What is the best cheese for nachos?

The best cheese for nachos is one that has enough flavor and melts evenly and easily like cheddar, monterey jack, pepper jack or queso blanco.

What order do you assemble nachos?

You start with tortilla chips, then cover evenly with shredded cheese and toppings, followed by a 3-5 minutes in the oven to quickly melt the cheese. Finally, repeat with the last layer.