Nachos Facts for Kids

Nachos with cheese and jalapeños

Nachos are a super popular snack food! They are made with crispy tortilla chips, usually covered in melted cheese. Sometimes, people add other yummy toppings like spicy jalapeños, different kinds of sauce, or even meat. They are a favorite at parties, sports games, and restaurants all over the world.

The Story of Nachos
Different Kinds of Nachos
What's in Nachos?
Images for kids
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The Story of Nachos

Nachos were first made in 1943 by a man named Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya. He worked at a restaurant called the Victory Club in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. One evening, some wives of soldiers from a nearby army base arrived at the restaurant after it had closed.

Ignacio wanted to make them a quick snack with what he had. He cut some tortillas into triangles, fried them until they were crispy, and then topped them with shredded cheese and sliced pickled jalapeño peppers. He heated them up quickly so the cheese would melt.

When the women asked what the dish was called, Ignacio simply said, "Nacho's especiales" (which means "Nacho's specials"). As the snack became more famous, people dropped the "specials" part, and it became known simply as "nachos."

Nachos with lots of melted cheese

The idea of nachos quickly spread from Mexico into Texas and other parts of the Southwestern United States. The first time the word "nachos" appeared in an English book was in 1950.

Later, in 1976, a man named Frank Liberto started selling a new kind of nachos at Texas Rangers baseball games. These "ballpark nachos" used a special cheese sauce and pre-made tortilla chips. They became super popular at sports stadiums.

A famous sportscaster named Howard Cosell loved the name "nachos" and talked about them often during his TV broadcasts in 1978. This helped make nachos even more famous across the country.

Ignacio Anaya, the inventor of nachos, passed away in 1975. To honor him, a special bronze plaque was put up in Piedras Negras. Also, October 21st is now celebrated as the International Day of the Nacho!

Different Kinds of Nachos

Nachos come in many different styles, from simple to "loaded" with toppings.

Traditional Nachos: The original nachos, as made by Ignacio Anaya, are just tortilla chips with melted cheese and jalapeños. Simple and delicious!
Modern Nachos: Today, nachos often have many more toppings. Common additions include guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and sometimes even lettuce.
Ballpark Nachos: These are the quick and easy nachos you find at sports games. They usually have tortilla chips covered with a warm, pump-able cheese sauce.
Loaded Nachos: Sometimes called "super nachos" or "epic nachos," these are packed with toppings! They often include refried beans, different meats (like ground beef or chicken), and lots of shredded cheese. After melting the cheese, cold toppings like tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños are added. These are often served as an appetizer at restaurants.
Dessert Nachos: Believe it or not, there are sweet versions too! These can be anything from pita chips with cinnamon and sugar to "s'more nachos" with marshmallows and chocolate on graham crackers. They are a fun, sweet twist on the classic.