Custom Nachos

When it comes to nachos, there's no reason to take a one-size-fits-all approach. This recipe makes it easy to tailor your nachos to taste, for any size crowd. Mix and match (or omit!) ingredients according to personal taste. Ingredient quantities are totally adjustable -- let the size of the crowd guide you.

• Chipotle, blue corn, or regular tortilla chips (sturdy baked chips are a good choice)
• Chipotle cheddar, pepper jack, or other favorite cheese, grated
• Chopped jalapeño peppers (fresh or canned)
• Sliced green and/or black olives
• Salsa (homemade or store bought)
• Guacamole (homemade or store bought)
• Sour cream or crème fraîche

Preheat oven to 450° F.

Spread about half the quantity of chips over an ovenproof serving platter, allowing them to overlap slightly. Sprinkle generously with about half of the cheese, jalapeño peppers and olives. Top with the rest of the chips, mounding them towards the center of the platter. Add the rest of the jalapeño peppers and olives. Bake in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, or just until the cheese melts.

Carefully remove the platter from the oven. Top the nachos with dollops of salsa, guacamole and sour cream, if desired. Serve additional salsa, guacamole and sour cream on the side for dipping.