Grilled Nachos Recipe with a Smoky Kamado Twist

There’s nothing quite like nachos—crispy, cheesy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. But have you ever tried grilling them on a kamado grill? This method transforms your classic snack into a smoky, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for backyard BBQs, tailgates, or even a cozy night in. The even heat distribution of a ceramic kamado grill ensures that the cheddar cheese melts perfectly, while jalapeños take on a slight char, intensifying their flavour. Whether you're craving a cheesy grilled nachos recipe or experimenting with your kamado grill setup, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort.

If you're new to kamado-style cooking, check out our beginners guide to char grilling to learn how these grills elevate your everyday dishes.

Ingredients for Baked Nachos with Cheddar and Jalapeños

• 1 bag of sturdy tortilla chips (preferably whole-grain)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1–2 fresh jalapeños, sliced

• Optional toppings:

• Black beans (1/2 cup, drained and rinsed)

• Diced tomatoes (1/2 cup)

• Sliced black olives

• Diced red onions

• Corn kernels

• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)

• Sour cream or guacamole (for serving)

Tip: Use a cast iron skillet or cooking grid for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Set your kamado grill to 375°F (190°C) using indirect heat. Use a heat deflector to prevent direct flames from burning your nachos. Browse our grill parts and accessories if you need the right tools for this setup.

Step 2: Assemble the Nachos

On a cast iron skillet or grilling tray, spread a generous layer of tortilla chips. Top with cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and any of your optional toppings. Make sure to layer them evenly so every bite is flavour-packed.

Step 3: Grill the Nachos

Place the skillet or tray on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cheese to turn bubbly and slightly golden. This indirect method ensures even cooking without burning the chips.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove the nachos from the grill carefully and top with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with sour cream or guacamole on the side.

Want to learn more about indirect cooking? Read our upcoming guide on [How to setup for Roasting].

Nutritional & Gut Health Benefits

While nachos might seem indulgent, they can be balanced with healthy tweaks. Jalapeños contain capsaicin, a compound known to help with digestion and metabolic support. Adding veggies like tomatoes, corn, and onions boosts the fibre and antioxidant content of this dish.

Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free options to cut down on saturated fat. Whole-grain tortilla chips offer more fibre and nutrients compared to regular varieties. And the best part? Cooking on a kamado grill like our Vessils Mini Kamado Grill locks in natural flavour, meaning you can skip excess oils or heavy toppings.

Quick Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Nachos: Use black beans and corn for added texture and plant-based protein.

• Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or a cheese blend for more flavour complexity.

• Heat Levels: Add diced green chilies or your favourite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Need more tips? Don’t miss our future blog on Tips for Grilling with Cheese.

Ready to Grill?

Try this cheddar and jalapeño nacho recipe at your next get-together and experience the magic of grilling snacks. Have your own twist on grilled nachos? Share your creations with us!

Want more? Explore our all grills collection for the perfect setup or visit our recipes section for more crowd-pleasers. Don’t forget to check out our premium grill parts and accessories for easy, flavourful cooking every time.

Happy grilling!