Denny’s Zesty Nachos

If you like the recipe, Please Share it!

Who doesn’t love to enjoy nachos with vegetables, beef, creamy sauce, and cheese? For years, I’ve enjoyed Denny’s Zesty Nachos. They serve the best Zesty Nachos, packed with delicious flavors.

I made these Zesty Nachos inspired by Denny’s, and honestly, the recipe was easy and not complicated at all. What I love most about this recipe is that I can add extra vegetables that I love and leave out the ones I’m not too fond of.

The copycat recipe turned out perfectly—cheesy, and hearty, and every bite has a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and cozy textures that I enjoy. My husband made his own version with chicken, but I prefer the classic one with ground beef inspired by Denny’s.

You can enjoy these Denny’s Zesty Nachos for dinner or as a snack. I love trying different sauces from my refrigerator with them; each sauce gives the nachos a deliciously different taste, from creamy to spicy.

What is Denny’s Zesty Nachos?

Denny’s Zesty Nachos are a plate of crunchy tortilla chips topped with vegetables, ground beef, and creamy cheese. These nachos are a popular dish at Denny’s restaurant. The nachos contain lots of ingredients. and can be enjoyed for dinner or as a snack that will give you a crunchy and creamy flavor in every bite. You can enjoy these zesty nachos at Denny’s or even make them at home using a copycat recipe.

Ingredients

  • Tortilla chips (1 bag)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups)
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup)
  • Cooked ground beef (1 pound)
  • Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • Diced tomatoes (1 cup)
  • Sliced jalapeños (1/4 cup)
  • Sliced black olives (1/4 cup)
  • Sour cream (1 cup)
  • Guacamole (1 cup)
  • Salsa (1 cup)
  • Chopped green onions (1/4 cup)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large baking sheet
  • Oven
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large spoon

how to Make Denny’s Zesty Nachos?

Step 1:

Turn on the oven to make it warm. Lay out the crunchy tortilla chips on a big baking tray.

Step 2:

Sprinkle the yummy shredded cheese all over the chips. The cheese melts and gets super gooey.

Step 3:

Put the cooked beef on top of the cheese. Spread it out so every chip gets some tasty beef.

Step 4:

Scatter the black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños (if you like spicy), and olives over the beef and cheese.

Step 5:

Put the tray in the oven and wait about 10 minutes. to make sure the cheese gets melty.

Step 6:

When it’s done, take the tray out carefully. Let it cool a bit so you don’t burn your tongue on hot cheese.

Step 7:

Put on spoonfuls of any sauce you like, guacamole (if you like avocado), or even salsa. and Enjoy.

Some Tips!

  • Try to Spread out the toppings evenly so every chip gets a bit of everything.
  • Keep an eye on the oven while baking to make sure the cheese melts just right.
  • Since you make this copycat recipe at home, you can use other toppings like corn, bell peppers, or even pineapple for a new flavor.
  • You can Skip the beef and add more beans and veggies for a vegetarian version.

How to Store Leftovers?

If you have any nachos left, you can save them. Put them in a container with a lid and keep it in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 2 days. To eat them later, spread them out on the baking and put them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

What to Eat with Denny’s Zesty Nachos?

You can enjoy your Denny’s Zesty Nachos with some Mexican rice or refried beans, and sides like salad with avocado or buttered corn will add a nice balance to the nachos. But I always pair any nachos I made with some sauces like Chicago Mild Sauce for a milder kick. And if I want something sweet and fruity and a little bit hot I spread some of the Strawberry Hot Sauce on top of the nachos that adds a delicious twist to each bite of nachos. As for drinks, I always prefer fruity iced tea to complement the zesty flavors.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can use any cheese you like. Mozzarella or even a spicy cheese.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

No problem! You can skip the jalapeños and use mild salsa instead.

Can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Just leave out the ground beef and add extra beans or some sautéed veggies.

How do I make guacamole?

Mash up some ripe avocados and mix in a bit of lime juice, salt, and diced tomatoes.

What other toppings can I add?

You can add corn, bell peppers, onions, or even pineapple, You have endless options.

Can I make these nachos in the microwave?

For me, the oven works best, But you can use the microwave. Just be sure to watch them closely so the cheese melts but doesn’t burn.

How do I keep the nachos from getting soggy?

Serve them right away after baking, and don’t add too many wet toppings.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make a delicious copycat recipe of the famous Denny’s Zesty Nachos! I hope you enjoy making and eating these tasty nachos as much as I did. they are perfect for a snack with your favorite sauce, Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to my blog for more awesome recipes.

Denny’s Zesty Nachos

Recipe by CourtneyCourse: Snacks, AppetizersCuisine: American, MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

350

kcal
Total time

25

minutes

Denny's Zesty Nachos are a delicious, easy-to-make dish featuring crispy tortilla chips loaded with melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and colorful toppings, perfect for a snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

  • Tortilla chips (1 bag)

  • Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups)

  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup)

  • Cooked ground beef (1 pound)

  • Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)

  • Diced tomatoes (1 cup)

  • Sliced jalapeños (1/4 cup)

  • Sliced black olives (1/4 cup)

  • Sour cream (1 cup)

  • Guacamole (1 cup)

  • Salsa (1 cup)

  • Chopped green onions (1/4 cup)

Directions

  • Turn on the oven to make it warm. Lay out the crunchy tortilla chips on a big baking tray
  • Sprinkle the yummy shredded cheese all over the chips. The cheese melts and gets super gooey.
  • Put the cooked beef on top of the cheese. Spread it out so every chip gets some tasty beef.
  • Scatter the black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños (if you like spicy), and olives over the beef and cheese.
  • Put the tray in the oven and wait about 10 minutes. to make sure the cheese gets melty.
  • When it's done, take the tray out carefully. Let it cool a bit so you don’t burn your tongue on hot cheese.
  • Put on spoonfuls of any sauce you like, guacamole (if you like avocado), or even salsa. and Enjoy.

Notes

  • Try to Spread out the toppings evenly so every chip gets a bit of everything.
  • Keep an eye on the oven while baking to make sure the cheese melts just right.
  • Since you make this copycat recipe at home, you can use other toppings like corn, bell peppers, or even pineapple for a new flavor.
  • You can Skip the beef and add more beans and veggies for a vegetarian version.
If you like the recipe, Please Share it!
Avatar photo

Courtney (Mamas)

This blog is all about delicious easy-to-make recipes. I aim to make cooking enjoyable, especially for those who, like me, may not be expert chefs but have a love for trying new things in the kitchen.