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Homemade Cheesy Nacho Bites Recipe

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4.2 from 74 reviews

These homemade cheesy nacho bites are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with classic nacho flavor. Made with crushed tortilla chips, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, cream cheese, and simple seasonings, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or a fun snack. Baked to golden perfection, these bite-sized snacks are easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 bites

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: diced jalapeños or green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the nacho bites don’t stick and bake evenly.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed tortilla chips with shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, the egg, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a uniform mixture.
  3. Form Bites: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture per bite and roll it gently between your hands to form small, bite-sized balls. If desired, mix in diced jalapeños or green onions at this stage for added flavor.
  4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the formed bites onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow heat to circulate and crisp the edges.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bites turn golden brown and are set, indicating they are cooked through and crispy on the outside.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the nacho bites cool slightly before serving. This helps them firm up a bit so they hold their shape when eaten.

Notes

  • Use finely crushed tortilla chips for better binding and a smoother texture.
  • For an extra crunchy exterior, lightly spray the bites with cooking oil before baking.
  • These nacho bites pair wonderfully with dipping sauces such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free