Are you wondering what Ponachos are? Well, so was I.
A few weeks ago I was in Utah to see my boys and attend a conference. I also got to spend some time with my friend Carol. We met 20 years ago by chance. A chance meeting that came to be a huge blessing in my life as she introduced me to Creative Memories and became my upline when I signed up to be a consultant. Carol was the best thing to happen to me in regards to my business. She was an amazing upline and has become an even better friend. Even though she is no longer with the company we have remained friends and I truly cherish the time I get to spend with her when I am in Utah.
We were on a dinner break for the conference we were attending but neither of us were super hungry as we had enjoyed a delicious lunch at one of my favorite Utah spots, Cafe Rio! But we knew we needed to eat something or we wouldn’t make it through the evening session of meetings. We decided we needed some good appetizers. We were limited in our time so we decided to go to Mimi’s Cafe which was close by.
One of the newest items on their menu was Ponachos. We were both intrigued by the name. They are nachos made with potato chips. We couldn’t resist, so we ordered them. They were good but the whole time we were eating them we were discussing how we could make them better.
First, we didn’t like that they used cheese sauce (yuck!) and decided that grated monterey jack and cheddar would be much better.
Second, they needed more bacon. I think we could only find about 3 small pieces of crumbled bacon on the whole plate!
So with that in mind I decided I could make them better at home.
We grilled some burgers the other week and I thought Ponachos would be the perfect compliment.
Mimi’s Cafe had used barbequed Kettle chips which were great but I decided to use the Sea Salt variety instead. I added the grated cheese as we discussed and tons more bacon! I added some chopped tomato and green onions and then just popped them into the microwave for a few minutes.
They were so much better than the original version!!
What else do you think would be good on Ponachos? You could also experiment with the type and flavor of chip you use. The possibilities are endless. If you experiment let me know what you end up with!
Ponachos
A plate full of potato chips. I used Sea Salt Kettle chips but use your favorite brand and flavor.
Grated cheese – monterey jack and cheddar or use a Mexican blend variety
Chopped tomatoes, green onions and cooked bacon.
Pile on the cheese and the toppings and then cook in the microwave for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted. Enjoy!
I would love these!
I’m not always fond of what microwave does to chips…would probably try in regular oven to melt cheese. Look delicious though.
I love redoing recipes when at the restaurant
This is a fun idea, I love the changes you made. I must not show this to my sister, she’s a chip and nacho addict, this is the quintessential snack food for her!
Yet another delicious sounding recipe from you. This will be something the grands and I make at Camp Grammy. Thank you! Continue safe on your fantastic trip.
WOW! Those look good! Thanks for taking the time to send us fun things even with all you had on your plate getting ready for London
I live in Utah and have a clone for the Cafe Rio creamy cilantro dressing. Let me know if you would like it! (When you get home from your wanderings.)
yum, these look so good!!! Maybe a dollop of sour cream on top??
love cafe rio and mimi’s. going to provo on sat. to take my son to UVU.
this looks so interesting, will have to try. why would anyone use cheese sauce instead of real cheese melted?!
Too funny that you mentioned Cafe Rio today! I just posted a Cafe Rio copycat recipe yesterday (for the sweet pork salad). I’ve never actually been there, but if I ever make it to part of the country that has one, I’m definitely going to check it out.
These Ponachos sound intriguing, and your version certainly looks delicious!
Little did I know I’ve been making these for years…and now they’re a popular appetizer??!! It started in college, when my roommates and I were stuck in the dorm during a snowstorm and we had a hankering for nachos. Though none of us had any tortilla chips, we raided the vending machines out of the potato chips and compromised! We did find, though, after a weekend of them, that warming them in the oven worked out better…the microwave made them taste a little stale, and somewhat soggy, for some reason.
Wow…maybe I should relive my college days sometime soon- maybe during our next BBQ!!
That is so funny! We got a bag of kettle chips the other day and when I asked my 6 year old what she wanted for dinner to go with her chips she stated, nachos! I said you can’t have nachos with potato chips you silly girl. I guess I was wrong.
I’ve never heard of ponachos but they sound great! I can’t wait to try them.
Have you tried these on Tator Tots? We’ve done regular Nacho toppings on Tator Tots, but this looks like it would be awesome with them too!
Wow, that is very cool. I have some of those sea salt kettle chips in my pantry right now. I might have to try making these today. Or better yet, take them with me to Girls Camp tomorrow and try them out there! Yep, good idea.
I do something similar but I use waffle fries and bake in the oven. Serve with BBQ sauce and Sour Cream. Yum! It’s a quick ball-game dinner/snack.