Nachos Day

Sometimes they’re spicy and hot. Sometime they’re cheesy. And sometimes they make a mess. One thing is clear, they’re delicious, and a favorite throughout the world!

Nachos, that’s what we’re talking about. What food deserves a holiday more than nachos? Von the kitchens of Texas to the Rose Bowl Stadium, nachos have earned their reputation.

They also have their own day, which is Nachos Day. It’s time to celebrate!

History of Nachos Day

Nachos are believed to have originated in Piedras Negras, Mexico, across the border from Texas in the United States. As a matter of fact, this was an accident, which is how a lot of great things are discovered.

In 1943, when the wives of several American soldiers stationed nearby came into the restaurant of the man running it, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, he had to prepare food for them. The problem was that it was already past closing time, so there wasn’t much left in the kitchen. Due to the lack of ingredients leftover, Ignacio created a conglomerate of what he did find: a few tortillas, a bit of shredded cheese, and some pickled jalapenos.

Becoming creative, “Nacho” cut up the tortillas in some pieces, sprinkled what he had over top, and baked them for a few moments to melt the cheese. When the women asked Ignacio what it was called, he replied “Nacho’s Especiales”.

Army wives quickly spread the word about this hot new snack across Texas and the Southwest of North America! The original recipe is still being used today at the Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras, where Ignacio Anaya himself once worked.

Later on, he opened his own restaurant, called “Nacho’s Restaurant, ” located in Piedras Negras. Furthermore, Anaya’s original Nachos recipe was published in the 1954 St. Anne’s Cookbook. Even though the discovery was somewhat accidental, it was an important one.

In 1976, businessman Frank Liberto marketed a modified version of the original dish with cheese sauce and prepared tortilla chips at various sporting events in Arlington, Texas. The dish became known as “ballpark nachos”.

You can bake or not bake nachos. You can make them simple or loaded. They can be served hot or cold. With beans, peppers, and meat. It doesn’t matter how they are served or eaten, Nachos are certainly worthy of celebration and adoration on this day!

How to Celebrate Nachos Day

Nachos Day can be a lot of fun! Come up with your own creative ideas or try the following:

Go Out for Nachos

Today, you can find Nachos on the menus of many Mexican, Tex-Mex, and other style restaurants. Get yourself some tasty tortilla chips drenched in cheese and deliciousness at a restaurant (or ballpark!) that serves them.

Enjoy Nachos in Piedras Negras

The place where it all began-the restaurants in Piedras Negras, Mexico-is the perfect place to celebrate Nachos Day. Ignacio Anaya definitely won’t be there anymore, but his memory will live on. You can find them at the Moderno Restaurant, where Anaya used to work, or you can find them at just about any other restaurant in town.

Those who are committed to the cause might want to time their visit to coincide with the International Nachos Festival in town. They even have a competition for the Biggest Nacho in the World, which at one time was in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Throw a Nachos Day Party

Grab a bag of chips and some toppings, and let’s celebrate Nachos Day together! It’s super easy. Decorate with pinatas and other south of the border decorations to go all out with the theme. Then, invite your guests to dress up in their favorite Mexican sombreros, serapes, or costumes. It will be a wonderful reason to celebrate and to eat plenty of delicious nachos.

Watch Nacho Libre

A Catholic monk and loves Lucha libre and moonlights as a freestyle wrestler. A silly movie filled with silly antics (as most Jack Black films are), this one features the main lead caractor , Ignacio (played by Black). He is a Catholic priest who adores Lucha libre, and even secretly moonlights as a freestyle wrestler fighter.

The story doesn’t have a whole lot to do with authentic Nachos, except for the identity of the main lead character. But gathering a few friends, piling up a platter full of nachos and enjoying the film together would be a wonderful way to celebrate!

Make a Nachos Recipe

There is no more enjoyable way to celebrate Nachos Day than to make some good old-fashioned nachos yourself. Although there are many varieties and toppings, here is a simple and quick yet delicious method for homemade nachos:

Ingredients for Nachos:

(serves 4 packs)

  • 1 big (10-12 oz) bag of corn or tortilla chips
  • 8 oz Jack cheese
  • 8 oz Cheddar cheese
  • A large jar of your favorite salsa
  • A handful of pickled jalapeno slices

The oven should be preheated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. In a real oven, the chips are much crispier than in a microwave. Place the chips in an oven-safe dish. The more room there will be for cheese and the less “disappointing” nachos you will have with little to no toppings as you spread out the chips.

Next, grated both types of cheese and mixed them well. Distribute the grated cheese evenly over the chips. Distribute the salsa over the cheese-covered ships, then sprinkle the jalapeno slices on top. Make sure the nachos don’t burn around the edges by baking until the cheese has melted and is bubbling, about 10-12 minutes.

When you remove them from the oven, wait about one minute before you dig in. Waiting may seem torturous, but it is still much better than burning your mouth, tongue, and throat with nearly boiling cheese. Serve while it is still warm and enjoy!