Loaded Potato Nachos with Zesty Cilantro Sour Cream
Indulge in these Loaded Potato Nachos, a fun and hearty dish perfect for game day gatherings or cozy nights in! Featuring crispy, golden-brown potato slices topped with creamy queso blanco, fresh pico de gallo, rich cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon, each bite delivers warmth and flavor. The addition of zesty cilantro-infused sour cream adds a refreshing punch that balances the richness perfectly. Customize the heat level with your choice of peppers, or make it a more substantial meal by adding seasoned ground beef or chicken. This recipe serves two but easily scales up or down, making it ideal for any occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
2 large (peeled and sliced into 1/8-inch slices)
Queso Blanco
1 (15 ounce) jar (prepared for drizzling)
Pico de Gallo
1/4 cup (fresh)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Crumbled Fried Bacon
3 tablespoons (cooked and crumbled)
Green Onion
1-2 tablespoons (chopped)
Pepperoncini Peppers
1-2 tablespoons (sliced)
Sour Cream
1/4 cup (for mixing)
Cilantro
1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
Lime Juice
1/8 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine sour cream, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
2
In a deep fryer or a heavy pan, heat about 1/4 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the sliced potatoes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
3
On a large serving platter, pour approximately 1/4 cup of queso blanco as the base. Arrange the fried potato slices on top in an overlapping pattern.
4
Drizzle additional queso blanco over the stacked potatoes, followed by a generous topping of pico de gallo, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and pepperoncini slices.
5
Serve the loaded nachos warm, accompanied by the cilantro sour cream on the side for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy the customizable flavors and adjust the toppings according to your preference!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Loaded Potato Nachos?
Loaded Potato Nachos are a hearty dish featuring crispy, golden-brown potato slices instead of chips, topped with cheese, bacon, and fresh ingredients.
How do I prepare the potatoes for this recipe?
Peel two large potatoes and slice them into thin 1/8-inch slices before frying.
What is the recommended frying temperature?
Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a heavy pan or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should I fry the potato slices?
Fry the potatoes in batches for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
How do I prevent the potatoes from being too greasy?
Remove the fried potatoes with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
What ingredients are in the zesty cilantro sour cream?
The sauce consists of 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon finely chopped cilantro, and 1/8 teaspoon fresh lime juice.
How do I assemble the nacho base?
Pour about 1/4 cup of queso blanco on a large serving platter and arrange the fried potato slices on top in an overlapping pattern.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of liquid queso blanco for drizzling and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I make these nachos vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the crumbled bacon.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to serve two people but can be easily scaled up or down.
What kind of bacon is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of bacon that has been cooked and crumbled.
What adds a spicy kick to these nachos?
The heat comes from 1-2 tablespoons of sliced pepperoncini peppers.
What is the purpose of the lime juice in the sour cream?
The lime juice adds a refreshing punch that balances the richness of the fried potatoes and cheese.
How should I prepare the green onions?
The green onions should be chopped, using about 1 to 2 tablespoons for the topping.
Can I add meat to make this a full meal?
Yes, you can add seasoned ground beef or chicken to make the nachos more substantial.
How do I ensure the flavors meld in the sour cream?
Mix the sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice first and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
How should I layer the toppings?
Drizzle queso blanco over the potatoes, then add pico de gallo, shredded cheddar, bacon, green onions, and pepperoncini.
What is the best way to serve the cilantro sour cream?
Serve it on the side for dipping or drizzle it directly over the warm nachos.
What is pico de gallo?
It is a fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers; this recipe uses 1/4 cup.
Should I fry all the potatoes at once?
No, fry the potatoes in batches to ensure the pan is not overcrowded, which helps them stay crispy.
What makes these nachos a good game day snack?
Their customizable nature, hearty ingredients, and easy-to-share format make them perfect for gatherings.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While the recipe specifies large potatoes, most starchy varieties like Russets will work well for frying.
Is the queso blanco pre-made?
The recipe suggests using a 15-ounce jar of prepared queso blanco for convenience.
How thick should the oil be for frying?
You only need about 1/4 inch of oil in your pan to fry the potato slices properly.
Are the potatoes peeled?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify that the potatoes should be peeled before slicing.
What is the texture of the finished potatoes?
The finished potato slices should be golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Can I adjust the amount of cilantro?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, you can adjust the amount based on your preference for cilantro flavor.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include potato nachos, game day food, loaded nachos, appetizer, snack, and comfort food.
How should the nachos be served?
They should be served immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Is this recipe easy to customize?
Absolutely, you can adjust the heat level with different peppers or swap out cheeses to suit your taste.