National Nachos Day is celebrated every year on November 6th, dedicated to one of the most beloved shareable snacks around: crispy tortilla chips loaded with cheese, toppings, and endless variations.
History of National Nachos Day
Nachos were invented in 1943 in Piedras Negras, Mexico, by a maître d’ named Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya. According to popular accounts, a group of U.S. military wives crossed the border looking for a bite to eat after the kitchen at their usual restaurant had already closed. Anaya, working with limited ingredients, quickly improvised by topping tortilla chips with shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños, then melting it all together. He named the dish “Nachos Especiales” after himself, and the simple creation quickly grew into one of the most beloved snacks in North America.
What started as an improvised late-night snack has since evolved into countless regional and creative variations, showing up on menus from casual sports bars to upscale restaurants, and become a staple at movie theaters, stadiums, and parties across the country.
How to Celebrate National Nachos Day
- Make a batch of homemade nachos loaded with your favorite toppings
- Try a new nacho variation you’ve never made before
- Host a nacho bar for friends or family, letting everyone customize their own
- Order nachos from a local Mexican restaurant instead of making them at home
- Share your nacho creation on social media using #NationalNachosDay
Popular Nacho Variations to Try
- Classic Nachos: Tortilla chips, melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and sliced jalapeños, exactly as Ignacio Anaya originally created them.
- Loaded Nachos: Classic nachos topped with seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, black beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and diced tomatoes.
- Breakfast Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage or bacon, cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, melted cheese, ranch or blue cheese drizzle, and sliced green onions.
- Loaded Vegetarian Nachos: Black beans, corn, bell peppers, red onion, cheese, and avocado, skipping the meat entirely without sacrificing flavor.
- Birria Nachos: A trendier variation featuring slow-braised birria meat, melted cheese, and a side of consommé for dipping, inspired by the popular birria taco trend.
- Dessert Nachos: A sweet twist using cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips topped with melted chocolate, caramel, and fresh fruit instead of savory toppings.
Fun Facts About Nachos
- Nachos were invented in 1943 by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in Piedras Negras, Mexico.
- The original nachos recipe used only three ingredients: tortilla chips, cheese, and jalapeños.
- Nachos have become a staple concession stand food at sports stadiums and movie theaters across North America.
- The dish’s name comes directly from its creator’s nickname, “Nacho,” a common Spanish nickname for Ignacio.
- Nachos have inspired countless regional variations worldwide, from Tex-Mex loaded nachos to entirely new fusion versions blending different cuisines.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Nachos Day?
National Nachos Day is celebrated annually on November 6th.
Who invented nachos?
Nachos were invented in 1943 by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in Piedras Negras, Mexico, and were originally called “Nachos Especiales.”
What’s the best cheese for nachos?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is a popular choice for nachos, since both melt smoothly and offer a good balance of sharpness and creaminess.
How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?
Layer chips and toppings in batches rather than piling everything on one layer, and add wetter toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole after baking rather than before.