These dessert nachos combine crispy cinnamon sugar tortilla chips with a fresh strawberry mango avocado salsa and melted Monterey Jack cheese. The contrast between the sweet, crunchy chips and the creamy, tangy salsa makes this a unique sweet-and-savory treat. It comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick dessert or snack.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert Nachos with Strawberry, Mango and Avocado Salsa

Quick to assemble with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
The salsa is bright and fresh, balancing the rich, melted cheese.
You can customize the fruit based on what's in season or available.

Key Ingredients for Dessert Nachos

White corn tortillas: They toast up crispier than yellow corn. Look for 4-inch size for bite-sized chips. You can also use store-bought cinnamon sugar chips to save time.
Monterey Jack cheese: Melts smoothly without becoming greasy. Substitute with mozzarella or a mild cheddar. Shred it yourself for better melting.
Mango: Choose a ripe but firm mango for the salsa. Ataulfo (honey) mangoes are sweet and less fibrous. If unavailable, use frozen mango that's been thawed and drained.

Kitchen Tools for Making Dessert Nachos

Baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup
Toaster oven or regular oven with broiler setting
Microwave-safe bowl for melting butter and heating honey-lime
Pastry brush for buttering chips
Sharp knife for cutting tortillas and dicing fruit

Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips

Toast the tortilla chips in a single layer for even browning. If using a toaster oven, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brush the butter lightly so the chips don't get soggy. Keep an eye on them under the broiler, cheese melts in 3-5 minutes, but ovens vary.

Expert Tips for the Strawberry Mango Avocado Salsa

Choose ripe but firm avocados so they hold their shape in the salsa. For the jalapeño, remove the seeds and membranes if you want less heat. Let the honey-lime dressing cool before adding it to the salsa, or it will wilt the cilantro.

Layering and Broiling Tips for Dessert Nachos

For even distribution, layer the chips, cheese, and salsa in two or three stacks. Start with a single layer of chips, then add a handful of cheese and a few spoonfuls of salsa. Repeat, ending with cheese on top. This ensures every chip gets some topping and the cheese melts evenly.

Dessert Nachos Variations to Try

Swap the mango for diced peaches or pineapple for a different tropical flavor. Use pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a spicy kick. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese and drizzle with a coconut cream sauce. You can also add a handful of toasted coconut flakes on top.

How to Serve Dessert Nachos

Serve these nachos right after broiling while the cheese is still stretchy. A dollop of sour cream or crema adds a cool contrast. For extra crunch, sprinkle a few extra cinnamon sugar chips on top before serving.

How to Store Leftover Dessert Nachos

Assembled nachos don't store well, the chips soften quickly. Store leftover salsa and chips separately. The salsa keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Dessert Nachos?

Freezing assembled nachos is not recommended because the texture suffers. You can freeze the cinnamon sugar tortilla chips in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and re-crisp in the oven before using.

Best Way to Reheat Dessert Nachos

To reheat leftover nachos, spread them on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts again. Watch closely to prevent burning. The chips won't be as crisp as fresh, but this method works best.