Who Invented Nachos and Why are They Called That?

NATIONAL NACHOS DAY

On November 6th, National Nachos Day recognizes the snack favored at sporting events across the country. In their purest form, nachos are tortilla chips covered in nacho cheese or other melted cheese and served with salsa.

Where Nachos Began

First created sometime around 1943, the popular and loved nachos are of Mexican origin.
History tells us that Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya created the original nachos in 1943. According to his son, his father was the maître d’ at the El Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras. One evening after the kitchen staff had left, a group of U.S. Army wives stationed at Fort Duncan in Eagle Pass came into the restaurant. After a long day of shopping, they were hungry and asked for a snack.

Anaya prepared some tostadas cut into triangles. After topping them with shredded cheese and sliced jalapenos, he heated the dish in the oven. They were such a hit with the Army wives that they named the snack “Nacho’s Special” before he could make another batch.
Word of the new creation quickly traveled. People from all over tried them, loved them, and over time, the name changed. Eventually, Nacho’s special became special nachos.
The original recipe is printed in the 1954 St. Anne’s Cookbook.
The popularity of the new dish spread swiftly throughout Texas and the Southwest and has since gained millions of fans across America.

Nachos Today
We call nachos with an abundance of toppings loaded nachos, super nachos, or nachos supreme. Serve them as a snack, an appetizer, or even prepared with extra ingredients as a full meal.

Since the time of the original nachos, the toppings have expanded. Today we add beef, chicken, and seafood along with a variety of seasonings. This snack even satisfies the pickiest eater. Whether you’re a vegan to full-on carnivores, there’s a nachos recipe for you.
In restaurants across the country, nachos find their way onto the menus of other cuisines, too. Some restaurants substitute the chip with a potato base. Another option is to replace the toppings with ingredients from the culture. For example, to make Italian nachos top the chips with mozzarella cheese and Alfredo sauce. Asian nachos may include wasabi or curry. Each version of nachos brings its own unique flavor to the table.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNachosDay

Invite friends and family to enjoy nachos with you tonight. Try making a variety of nacho dishes to share. Make it a celebration by including games and share with others. Need a recipe? Try this Baked Chicken Recipe. #NationalNachosDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL NACHOS DAY HISTORY

National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday.