Cheesy Crab & Zesty Pepper Nachos

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for warming the nachos.

2. Crab Mixture

In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. Fold in the crabmeat, scallions, diced green chiles, lime zest, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Set aside for layering.

3. Layering the Nachos

On a large ovenproof platter or sheet pan, spread half of the corn chips evenly to create the first layer. Spoon over half of the crab mixture in dollops, followed by an even sprinkling of half the Cheddar and half the Monterey Jack cheeses. Top with all of the pickled jalapeño slices. Repeat with the remaining chips, crab mixture, and cheeses to create the second layer.

4. Baking to Perfection

Place the assembled nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. The goal is a golden, bubbly cheese surface signaling perfectly melted deliciousness.

5. Fresh Topping Blend

While the nachos bake, toss together tomatoes, onion, fresh jalapeño, lime juice, olive oil, diced avocado, and parsley or cilantro in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of salt. Once the nachos are out of the oven, crown them with this vibrant topping, drizzle with the juice of half a lime, and serve immediately.