Deluxe Nacho Platter
A flavorful, cheesy nacho platter layered with seasoned rice, fresh tomatoes, olives, and melted cheese, topped with sour cream — perfect for sharing at parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1 pkg. Lipton rice and sauce (Spanish) ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 7 oz. corn tortilla chips ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced, pitted ripe olives ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter and cook onion and bell pepper over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in water, rice and Spanish sauce and cumin; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup cheese and chilies until cheese is melted.
- Let cool slightly in a large round shallow broiler-proof baking dish.
- Layer half of the chips, rice mixture, tomatoes, olives, and 1 cup cheese.
- Repeat layering with remaining ingredients, ending with cheese on top.
- Broil 1 minute or until cheese is melted.
- Top with sour cream before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of cumin. You can substitute the bell pepper with jalapeños for a spicy kick. If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the cheese and use a plant-based cheese alternative. For a crunchier texture, try baking the chips before layering. This dish is perfect for entertaining, alongside other Mexican recipes like Layered Dip or Stuffed Tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Deluxe Nacho Platter with a side of sour cream and guacamole for extra creaminess. Pair it with a refreshing salsa or pico de gallo for a burst of flavor. This dish is ideal for game days or casual gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with 5-Minute Mex-Cheese Snacks for a fun appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deluxe Nacho Platter contains roughly 1194 calories, with 32g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (208% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (99% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1726mg per serving (75% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this nacho platter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture and layer the nachos in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to broil. Just remember to add the cheese on top just before broiling to ensure it melts perfectly. This is a great way to save time when entertaining.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
You can substitute Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese shreds that melt well, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious platter.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make the Deluxe Nacho Platter gluten-free, ensure that the corn tortilla chips are certified gluten-free. Most brands are, but it's always good to check the packaging. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).