For Alex P. Taylor, food has always been about more than what is on the plate. It is about bringing people together, creating a moment, and having fun while doing it. Taylor, known as the “Nacho King,” is the author of Totally Nachrageous: Next-Level Nacho Recipes for Parties, Game Days & Crowd-Pleasing Fun, a nationally published cookbook featuring approximately 70 original recipes. The book takes nachos far beyond the traditional combination of chips and cheese, with creative recipes designed for entertaining, holidays, game days, and gatherings of all kinds. Friendsgiving Nachos are especially personal. Every year, Taylor gathers around 20 of his closest friends on the Saturday before Thanksgiving for a celebration that has become one of his favorite traditions. He even had a wall removed between his living room and dining room so everyone could sit together around one long table. The next day, Thanksgiving leftovers become the perfect excuse to gather again.
Friendsgiving Nachos
Serves 4 to 6
Nachos:
2 bags yellow corn tortilla chips
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1½ cups shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided
3 cups diced or shredded cooked turkey
1 cup cooked stuffing
1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
½ cup diced white onion
½ cup prepared turkey gravy
½ cup pico de gallo
Cranberry Honey BBQ Sauce:
1 cup BBQ sauce
½ cup jellied or whole cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon honey
Sour Cream Companion:
16 ounces sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the tortilla chips evenly in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet. Distribute half of the cheddar and pepper Jack over the chips, followed by the turkey, stuffing, jalapeño, and onion. Drizzle the gravy over the toppings and add the remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
While the nachos are baking, combine the sour cream, rosemary, and sage in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, cranberry sauce, and honey. Remove the nachos from the oven, top with pico de gallo, drizzle with the Cranberry Honey BBQ Sauce, and serve with the Sour Cream Companion on the side.
Totally Nachrageous is available wherever books are sold, including local bookstores and major online retailers. You can find purchase options here: https://www.quarto.com/books/9781577158356/totally-nachrageous
Be sure to follow Alex P. Taylor on social media for more nachos, food, travel, cookbook updates, appearances, and behind-the-scenes fun:
Instagram: @alexptaylor1
TikTok: @alexptaylor1
Facebook: Alex P. Taylor
YouTube: Alex P. Taylor
Instagram: @totallynachrageous