Cheesy Nachos with Zatar

Cheesy Nachos with Zatar

These Cheesy Nachos with Zatar take your regular nachos to the next level by adding a Middle Eastern flair with zatar seasoning. The crunchy chips are topped with melted cheese, a sprinkle of zatar, and fresh garnishes, making for a perfect savoury snack!

Ingredients:

For the Nachos:

  • 200g (7 oz) tortilla chips

  • 200g (7 oz) grated mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)

  • 2 tablespoons zatar (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling)

  • 1 small red onion, finely diced (optional, for garnish)

  • 1 small tomato, diced (optional, for garnish)

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes (for some heat)

  • Jalapeños, sliced (for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Prepare the Nachos Base

  • On a large baking sheet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer. Make sure the chips are spread out flat so they get evenly covered with cheese and zatar.

3. Add the Cheese

  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (and cheddar, if using) evenly over the chips. Make sure to cover the chips generously with cheese, as this will melt and bind everything together.

4. Sprinkle with Zatar

  • Lightly sprinkle the zatar over the cheese. You can add a little extra if you want more of that aromatic herbal flavour.

  • Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil over the chips before baking. This helps the cheese melt more evenly and adds richness to the dish.

5. Bake the Nachos

  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the chips start to crisp up.

  • Keep an eye on the nachos to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.

6. Garnish and Serve

  • Once the nachos are done baking, remove them from the oven and top with freshly diced red onion, tomato, and chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh, crunchy contrast.

  • If you like a little extra richness, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

  • For a spicy kick, top with sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.

7. Serve

  • Serve your Cheesy Nachos with Zatar immediately, with extra sour cream or yogurt on the side if desired. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a fun, flavorful snack!

Tips:

  • Make it Vegan: To make this dish vegan, you can substitute the cheese with dairy-free cheese, and use tahini or a vegan yogurt as a topping.

  • Extra Toppings: Add more Mediterranean-inspired toppings, such as olives, roasted red peppers, or even grilled chicken, for a more substantial meal.

  • Baked vs. Air-fried Chips: If you prefer air-fried chips, you can pre-cook the chips in an air fryer for extra crispiness, then follow the same steps to top and bake.

Cheesy Nachos with Zatar are a fun, flavorful fusion of classic nachos and Middle Eastern spices. The zatar adds a wonderful depth of flavour that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese and crunchy chips. It’s a delicious snack, appetizer, or party dish that’s sure to impress your guests!

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