8 Reasons You Take Nachos More Seriously Than Probably Anyone

The big game is upon us, and while not all of us may speak the language of touchdowns and fumbles and interceptions, we can all agree on one thing (besides the commercials): nachos.
Cowboy Nachos

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

The big game is upon us, and while not all of us may speak the language of touchdowns and fumbles and interceptions, we can all agree on one thing (besides the commercials): nachos. If you're a true nacho lover, you don't just devour this mountainous dish at the bar. You make nachos at home — and you do so like a total and complete expert. But what separates you, a true nacho connoisseur, from the rest? We've got eight unabashed ways that prove you know your nachos (and the cheesy, crunchy, meaty recipes to back it up).

1. You take the handcrafted, from-scratch approach.

If you're a bona-fide nacho lover, you know that this loaded dish is a whole lot more than a greasy bar snack. Take The Pioneer Woman's approach, for example. She starts her Cowboy Nachos by cooking marinated beef brisket for hours until it's fall-apart tender. Because, when it comes to nachos, only the best will do.

Six-Foot Nachos

Food Network Kitchen's Six Foot Nachos, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

2. You make them taller than the average adult.

With a literal rainbow of topping, these supersized 6-foot nachos can take on even the hungriest football fans. Forget about using plates. Pile a massive heap of tortilla chips onto your kitchen counter or table, then start layering on the good stuff. Here's how to make the biggest nacho spread ever, step by step.

Super Nachos

Super Nachos: Rachael Ray

Photo by: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

Tara Donne, Tara Donne

3. You douse your nachos in the homemade cheese sauce they deserve.

From the beef-and-bean topping to the homemade pico de gallo, there are a lot of things that make Rachael Ray's Super Nachos, well, super. But it all comes down to the cheese. Instead of doing a sprinkle situation, she cooks up a melty pepper Jack cheese sauce that clings to each and every chip.

Nacho Chicken Drumsticks

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Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop Stylist: Paige Hicks

Photo by: Johnny Miller

Johnny Miller

4. You bring the nacho treatment to something other than nachos.

Bring on cheesy, spicy nacho flavor to something more substantial than crunchy chips: chicken. To make Food Network Magazine's Nacho Chicken Drumsticks, melt grated cheddar over breaded drumsticks, then top them off with crushed tortilla chips and all the fixings.

Chili Dog Nachos

FN_Chili_Dog_Nachos

Chili dog nachos

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012,Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Marshall Troy, 2012,Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

5. You're down with mashing them up with another favorite.

For those of you who just can't decide on a game-day menu, use your indecision as a strength, not a weakness. Rachael's meaty, 25-minute Chili Dog Nachos have the goodness of two splurgeworthy favorites all in one dish. With a quick chili, hot dog pieces and all the nacho goods you'd expect, it's a combination you'll just have to trust Rachael (and the hundreds of home cooks who have already made it) on.

Guy-talian Nachos

6. You aren't afraid to ditch the Tex-Mex approach every now and again.

Nachos may be born out of Tex-Mex, but Guy Fieri gives them the Italian treatment for his aptly named Guy-talian Nachos. Topped off with ricotta, mozzarella, salami, pepperoncini, basil, an Italian-style "salsa" and more toppings than we can even list in one breath, this Mediterranean twist will keep the football fans (even those who think they've seen it all) on their toes.

Nacho-Topped Chili Pot

rachael-ray-nacho-topped-chili-pot-recipe_s4x3

7. You make an entire meal out of nachos — even after the big game.

If you're really serious about nacho-eating, you know that nachos deserve to be their very own meal. This Nacho-Topped Chili Pot turns chili into a partyworthy main dish made for dipping.

Bobby Flay and Nachos

8. You're like Bobby Flay, and you name your cat Nacho.

Because, if you aren't naming your cat after nachos, are you even trying?

Not watching the game at home? Find out where you can eat great nachos from coast to coast.

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