The Best Temperature To Bake Nachos For Cheesy, Crispy Results

Temperature matters a great deal with baked nachos. It's the final piece that brings all those vastly different ingredients together, the fine line between golden, melty nachos and a burnt, disappointing mess. Get it right, and you'll have pure heaven on a plate, the kind that crackles beautifully with every ooey-gooey bite. It's a good thing the answer is quite simple. Somewhere between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit — that's the temperature range your sheet pan nachos needs to reach its full potential.

Different baking temperatures will yield slightly different results, so it all comes down to your personal preference and the ingredients. Baking at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes is a foolproof starting point, especially if you're a novice and don't want to risk overcooking your nachos. This is also great for nachos assembled in thick layers, so that the cheese can fully melt through everything without burning at the top. Those who like their nachos ultra-crisp and topped with bubbling cheese might prefer to kick it up to 375 or 400 degrees instead. At this point, all it takes is a quick bake for the chips to get that toasted edge and the cheese to melt beautifully without the extra broiling.

The oven can only do so much; you must also know how to prevent soggy nachos to get that crispy outcome. A common trick to start with is pre-baking the chips first, typically at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, with a sprinkle of shredded cheese. This will create a protective layer between the chips and the toppings, preventing them from getting soaked later on. And of course, use the thickest, sturdiest chips you can find. Thinner varieties will easily turn soggy when exposed to the melted cheese and various toppings.

Speaking of which, be mindful of the topping amounts and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. If you're piling the nachos up with meat, veggies, thick sauces, and other creative nachos toppings, give everything enough time and heat to fully warm through. A more simplistic approach, only with cheese and a few slices of jalapeños, for example, might call for a lower temperature and shorter bake time.

The oven setting also plays a huge role in turning out crispy nachos. Always bake your nachos in convection mode. It will help the hot air to circulate more evenly and ensure no part of the dish is dry or soggy. The broiler, on the other hand, is perfect for achieving that coveted crispy top — provided you keep a careful eye on the oven to keep it from burning.