There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a plate of nachos. But not just any nachos – we’re talking about Santa Fe Nachos. This dish, hailing from the vibrant and culturally rich city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a culinary delight that promises to tantalize your taste buds with its unique blend of flavors. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, becoming a beloved staple in both local homes and restaurants. What sets Santa Fe Nachos apart is the use of summer sausage – a delightful twist that adds a new dimension to the traditional nachos we all know and love. The sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese provides the perfect creamy counterpoint to the spicy jalapeno peppers, while the black olives give a much-needed tangy contrast. And let’s not forget the guacamole and chopped tomatoes, bringing a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s not just a dish; it’s an experience. From the moment you start layering the chips and toppings, to the anticipation of the cheese melting in the microwave, and finally, the joy of sharing and devouring them with loved ones – Santa Fe Nachos are a true celebration of food and togetherness. So, are you ready to make your own Santa Fe Nachos? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- summer sausage
- sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Tortilla Chips
- jalapeno peppers
- black olives
- guacamole
- chopped tomatoes
Microwave Method
- Top tortilla with cheese. Place a slice of sausage on each chip. Microwave until cheese melts. Garnish with peppers and olives. Serve with guacamole and tomatoes.
Calorie: 560
Total cooking time: 15 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy

The Chronicles of the Santa Fe Nachos
Hello there, my fellow foodie fanatics! Today, let me take you on a wild gastronomic journey, a tantalizing trip down the bustling streets of New Mexican cuisine. We’re about to whip up some Santa Fe Nachos, and boy, are you in for a treat. Or a mess. Possibly both.
A Symphony of Ingredients
To start this savory symphony, we need our band of ingredients. Our lead players are the ever-so versatile **Tortilla Chips** and the bold and beautiful **summer sausage**. For those who are still wondering, no, summer sausage is not made out of summertime dreams and sunshine; it’s a tasty sausage that’s smoked and cured to perfection.
Then we have the backup singers – your choice of **sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese** (or both if you’re a cheesy daredevil like me), **jalapeno peppers** (for that spicy kick that makes you question your life choices), **black olives** (just because they look cool), **guacamole** (because, duh), and finally, **tomatoes** to make you feel like you’ve included something healthy in this stack of delicious sin.
The Nacho Assembly Line
Now comes the fun part. Just think of it as adult edible legos. There’s no right or wrong here unless you forget the cheese. That’s just criminal. Lay out your tortilla chips like little soldiers ready for battle. Top each chip with a generous portion of your chosen cheese. I would recommend choosing a cheese based on your current emotional state. Feeling sharp? Go for cheddar. Want some smooth vibes? Monterey Jack it is.
Next, place a slice of summer sausage on each cheese-topped chip. It’s like a tiny meaty blanket for your cheese. If you have vegetarian guests, just tell them it’s a meatless summer sausage. They’ll never know… unless they read this blog.
Microwave Magic
Here’s where the magic happens. Pop your assembled nachos into the microwave until the cheese melts into a gooey masterpiece. Watch through the microwave window as your creation morphs into a cheesy wonderland. If your microwave could speak, it would probably say, “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched cheese melt in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All these moments will be lost in time, like nachos in the microwave.”
The Grand Finale
Now, garnish with jalapeno peppers and black olives. If you’re not a fan of spice, remember, jalapenos are just tiny green hats for your nachos. And the olives? They’re the bowling balls of the nacho world, just roll with it.
Serve your masterpiece with a side of guacamole and chopped tomatoes. You know, to balance out the “I’ve sinned deliciously” with a bit of “Hey, at least I had some veggies”.
And voila! You’ve just created a fiesta for your taste buds. Remember, cooking is like life. Sometimes, it’s a beautiful mess of nachos. And occasionally, a rogue jalapeno. But in the end, it’s all delicious. Happy cooking, my friends!