Guy Fieri's Trash Can Nachos: A Delicious Masterpiece You Can Make at Home

Guy Fieri’s name has become almost synonymous with outrageously tasty food, so it’s no surprise that his Tequila Cocina restaurant in Boston serves up a dish called Trash Can Nachos. When you order this dish, you’re treated to a towering Tex-Mex creation so big it practically reaches the sky. And yes, it’s every bit as delicious as it sounds.

What do you do when you’re craving a massive plate of fully loaded nachos but can’t get to Boston? Recreate Guy’s epic nacho tower right in your kitchen! Here’s how to do it.

Check out the Dinogo "Homemade" podcast for more on Guy Fieri’s cooking style and his unique take on dishes like this!

First, gather your equipment. You’ll need a sturdy base (I used a plastic platter) and a mold for your nachos. The larger and taller, the better—because let’s be real, this is all about the wow factor. I repurposed an old holiday popcorn tin, carefully cutting off the bottom with a can opener, but really, any makeshift ‘trash can’ container will work just fine.

Did you know you can buy a complete Trash Can Nacho kit to make the process even simpler? Check out Goldbelly's delivery options, where you can choose between brisket, pulled pork, or black beans for your nachos.

The key ingredient is a special sauce known as SMC, or Super Melty Cheese. It's a rich, creamy cheese sauce that coats every chip perfectly, ensuring each bite is as indulgent as the last. This is the magic that makes your nachos irresistible.

Guy Fieri's Trash Can Nachos

(A homemade twist on the classic)

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 oz mild cheddar cheese (plus more for toppings)
• 2 oz Oaxaca cheese
• 2 oz monterey jack cheese
• 2 oz smoked gouda cheese
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp cayenne
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno juice
• 2 bags of tortilla chips
• 1 can black beans
• 16 oz chopped carne asada (or ground beef)
• Desired toppings

1. Start by making the SMC: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour until it's golden and smooth, about 5 minutes. Add heavy cream and whole milk, then stir in the cheese until it melts. Season with cayenne, cumin, and a splash of pickled jalapeno juice, then remove from heat.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread one bag of tortilla chips in a single layer on a sheet pan. Top with half of your SMC, meat, black beans, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layers on a second sheet pan with the remaining ingredients. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Next, set up your "trash can" mold on your serving plate. Layer your nachos, cheese, and toppings inside the mold until all the ingredients are used. Carefully lift the mold to reveal your nacho tower. Garnish with cilantro, red onion, avocado, or sour cream, and serve right away.