It’s hard to improve on classic nachos, but by swapping in kettle potato chips and no-cook toppings this kettle-chip nacho bar is next level!

kettle-chip nachos for cinco de mayo nacho bar with colorful paper Mexican flowers

I once ordered kettle-chip nachos at a Southern barbecue restaurant and thought that was a very unique idea. I couldn’t wait to give it a try at home.

kettle chip nachos

For those of you who know me, know I’m obsessed with ooey-gooey cheesy nachos. I love hosting parties and setting out a nacho bar. This nacho bar is a little different, and to be honest a lot easier. It’s a cold nacho bar, similar to a salsa bar, with no need to bake these nachos.

kettle chip nachos bar fiesta bowls of garnishes

I chose ingredients that are terrific cold making this nacho bar the perfect idea for an indoor or outdoor Cinco de Mayo fiesta.

Instead of using traditional corn tortilla chips, I stocked the bar with kettle potato chips: Avocado Oil Chili Lime, Avocado Oil Tropical Salsa, Chile Verde, and Jalapeño (which is my favorite with crema Mexicana or sour cream.)

kettle chip nachos with a variety of salsas

Kettle-chip nacho toppings

The next step to the nacho bar is the toppings. I made some of my favorite salsas:

garnishes for kettle chip nacho bar fiesta

Next, I set out traditional and unique ingredients, including:

  • shredded rotisserie chicken
  • homemade guacamole 
  • crumbled queso fresco
  • crema Mexicana
  • sliced radishes
  • pomegranate seeds
  • green onions
  • sliced jalapeños
  • cilantro
  • lime wedges

kettle chip nacho bar guacamole rotisserie chicken

The best thing about a nacho bar is enjoying it – No need to be stuck cooking in the kitchen. Once the nacho bar is set up you can grab a cerveza or a prickly pear margarita, sit back, relax, and grub.

nacho bar plate with plate of nachos for cinco de mayo

If you haven’t tried kettle chips, you have got to try them, they are so delicious.

garnishing plate of kettle chip nachos with sour cream

Don’t forget the decor – these Mexican paper flowers are the perfect backdrop. Hope you are inspired to set up a nacho bar and celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style.

kettle chip nachos garnished with toppings

If you like these kettle chip nachos, you might also like:

Will you be celebrating Cinco de Mayo? I’d love to hear your plans in the comments below.

cinco de mayo fiesta nacho bar.

Kettle-Chip Nachos

5 (2 ratings)
It doesn’t get much easier or tastier than this nacho bar that’s ideal for any fiesta. Instead of corn chips, swap with kettle potato chips for a twist along with crumbled queso fresco and other unique ingredients.
Print Pin Rate
Yield: 1 - as any as you like
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Kettle Brand Fiesta Pack:      

  • Avocado Oil Chili Lime
  • Avocado Oil Tropical Salsa
  • Chile Verde
  • Jalapeño

Toppings:     

Instructions 

  • Place a layer of chips on a plate.
  • Have fun layering with various toppings.

Notes

  • Nutrition facts based on 1 serving = 1 cup chips, 2 tbsps guacamole, 1/2 cup pico de gallo, 1 tbsp queso, 2 tsp jalapenos, and 1/2 cup chicken. 
Calories: 815.7kcal, Carbohydrates: 95.07g, Protein: 27.87g, Fat: 39.58g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 64.44mg, Sodium: 1590.98mg, Potassium: 560.89mg, Fiber: 8.46g, Sugar: 12.74g, Vitamin A: 759.03IU, Vitamin C: 21.42mg, Calcium: 283.75mg, Iron: 2.98mg
Author: Yvette Marquez
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Originally published: May 2017. 

Photography by Jenna Sparks / Small talavera plates by Zinnia Folk Arts