Trash can nachos

Trash can nachos is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 680 calories per serving. Recipe by Louis Gantus on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $46.87 total, $11.72 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Tortilla Chips (Sturdy, restaurant‑style chips for holding heavy toppings)
  • 2 cups Barbecue Chicken (Shredded, cooked chicken tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce)
  • 1 cup Cooked Turkey (Shredded leftover turkey or deli‑style sliced turkey, torn into bite‑size pieces)
  • 8 oz Pepperoni Slices (Thinly sliced, adds salty spice)
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (Mixed into baked beans for a sweet glaze)
  • 1 can Hickory Baked Beans (15‑oz can, sweet and smoky flavor)
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Sharp cheddar for melt and flavor)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Provides extra stretchiness)
  • 1 oz Jalapeño Slices (Fresh or pickled, for heat)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (Thinly sliced, for fresh garnish)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream (For serving on the side)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Lightly drizzles chips to keep them crisp during baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the toppings.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. Prepare Baked Beans

    Empty the can of Hickory baked beans into a small saucepan, stir in brown sugar, and heat over medium heat for 3‑4 minutes until glossy.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Toppings

    In a mixing bowl, combine shredded barbecue chicken, shredded turkey, pepperoni slices, and the warmed baked beans. Toss gently to distribute evenly.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Arrange Chips on Sheet

    Line the baking sheet with parchment paper, drizzle olive oil over the tortilla chips, and spread them in an even single layer.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Layer Toppings

    Evenly spoon the mixed meat‑bean mixture over the chips, then sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, jalapeño slices, and green onion tops.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Bake Nachos

    Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10‑12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the chips turn golden.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Serve

    Remove the nachos from the oven, let cool for 2 minutes, then serve hot with sour cream on the side for dipping.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
680
Protein
32g
Carbohydrates
58g
Fat
38g
Fiber
6g

Dietary info: High Calorie, Contains Pork, Contains Meat, Not Vegetarian, Indulgent

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Trash can nachos

Recipe by Louis Gantus

An over‑the‑top loaded nacho platter inspired by the infamous “Trash Can Nachos” challenge. Crispy tortilla chips are piled high with barbecue chicken, shredded turkey, pepperoni, sweet brown‑sugar‑glazed baked beans, melted cheese and all the leftover goodies you can find in the fridge. Perfect for indulgent parties or a late‑night snack.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
22m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
47m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$46.87
Total cost
$11.72
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) before assembling.
  • Evenly distribute the heavy toppings to prevent soggy spots.
  • Bake until cheese is fully melted and chips are golden but not burnt.

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot baking sheet.
  • Beware of hot beans that can splatter when stirring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Trash Can Nachos in American comfort food culture?

A

Trash Can Nachos originated as a tongue‑in‑cheek internet challenge, celebrating excess and the love of loaded nachos in American snack culture. The concept plays on the idea of stuffing everything you have into a single dish, reflecting the indulgent, share‑able nature of American party foods.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of loaded nachos in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, nachos often feature queso, jalapeños, and refried beans, while in the Midwest you’ll find toppings like pulled pork, chili, and cheddar. Trash Can Nachos take the loaded concept to the extreme by mixing multiple meats, sweet beans, and pepperoni, which isn’t typical in any single region.

cultural
Q

How is Trash Can Nachos traditionally served in American party settings?

A

They are usually presented on a large, flat tray or baking sheet placed in the center of a table, allowing guests to dig in with their hands. The dish is meant to be shared, with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side for dipping.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Trash Can Nachos traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Because of its indulgent nature, Trash Can Nachos are popular at game‑day gatherings, casual house parties, and late‑night snack sessions after concerts or movies. It’s a crowd‑pleaser for events where comfort food and fun are the focus.

cultural
Q

What makes Trash Can Nachos special or unique in American snack cuisine?

A

The dish combines sweet, smoky, salty, and spicy flavors in one bite, using a mishmash of leftovers and pantry staples. Its “everything‑but‑the‑kitchen‑sink” approach sets it apart from more balanced nacho recipes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Trash Can Nachos?

A

Common errors include over‑loading the chips, which makes them soggy, and baking at too low a temperature, which prevents the cheese from melting properly. Also, placing the sheet too close to the oven’s heating element can burn the cheese before the toppings heat through.

technical
Q

Why does this Trash Can Nachos recipe use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella instead of a single cheese?

A

Cheddar provides sharp, tangy flavor while mozzarella adds stretch and a smooth melt. Using both creates a more complex taste and a pleasing texture that single‑cheese nachos often lack.

technical
Q

Can I make Trash Can Nachos ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can prep all toppings up to the point of assembling. Store the shredded meats, beans, and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Trash Can Nachos?

A

The chips should stay crisp around the edges, the cheese should be fully melted and lightly browned, and the toppings should be evenly spread so each bite has a balanced mix of meat, beans, and cheese.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Louis Gantus specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Louis Gantus focuses on bold, indulgent comfort food recipes, often featuring creative twists on classic American dishes and high‑energy, humor‑filled cooking demonstrations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Louis Gantus's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Louis Gantus emphasizes maximal flavor and fun, encouraging viewers to experiment with “trash‑can” style overloads and unconventional ingredient combos, whereas many other channels aim for balanced, health‑focused meals.

channel

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