Here’s how to make killer nachos over a charcoal grill — crispy, smoky, melty, and way better than any oven version.
Gear You’ll Need
- Charcoal grill (chimney starter recommended)
- Cast-iron skillet, disposable aluminum pan, or heavy-duty foil “boat”
- Bag of thick, sturdy tortilla chips (restaurant-style or homemade thick ones)
- 2–3 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Oaxaca, or a mix)
- Your toppings (choose what you like):Common winners:
- Seasoned ground beef, grilled chicken, carnitas, or chorizo
- Black beans or refried beans
- Grilled onions & peppers
- Pickled or fresh jalapeños
- Corn (grilled off the cob is 🔥)
- Whatever else you love
- Guacamole, sour cream, salsa/pico, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce
Step-by-Step (Charcoal Grill Method)
- Fire up the grill Light a chimney of charcoal. Once the coals are mostly ashed over, dump them on one side of the grill (two-zone fire). You want medium-high heat (about 400–450 °F) on the hot side and an indirect cooler zone.
- Prep everything ahead Have all toppings cooked and ready. Nachos go fast once they hit the heat.
- Assemble the nachos in layers (critical for even melting)
- Bottom layer: single layer of chips in your skillet/pan/foil boat
- Sprinkle cheese + some protein + beans + veggies
- Repeat 2–3 layers, ending with a generous cheese layer on top Pro move: Lightly drizzle a tiny bit of water or beer around the edge before the final cheese layer — creates steam and helps melt everything.
- Grill time Option A – Indirect (easiest, most even melt) Place the pan on the cool side (no coals underneath), close the lid, vents open. Cook 8–12 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Chips on the bottom get toasty from the pan.Option B – Direct (faster, smokier, riskier) Put the pan directly over the coals for 4–6 minutes, lid off or on. Watch like a hawk — chips can burn fast. Rotate if needed.Option C – Hybrid (my favorite) Start indirect with lid on for 6–8 min to melt everything, then slide over direct heat for 60–90 seconds to blister the top cheese and crisp the edges.
- Finish & serve Pull it off, hit it with cold toppings (guac, sour cream, etc.), squeeze of lime, and serve straight from the pan.
Bonus Smoky Upgrades
- Toss a handful of wood chips (hickory, mesquite, or apple) on the coals right before you put the nachos on for extra smoke.
- Grill the jalapeños, onions, and corn first for real deal flavor.
- Use smoked cheddar or add a sprinkle of chipotle powder in the layers.
That’s it — the best damn nachos you’ll ever eat, with real charcoal flavor baked right in. Enjoy! 🔥🧀
