Skillet Blue Cheese Pub-Style Nachos

Irresistible Blue Cheese and Roast Beef Skillet Chips

Introduction

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible fusion of flavors – Blue Cheese and Roast Beef Skillet Chips. Ideal for a casual gathering or an indulgent solo treat, this dish captures the essence of comfort food with a gourmet twist. The combination of creamy blue cheese, savory roast beef, and crunchy kettle-cooked potato chips comes together to create a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.

To ensure success, focus on selecting high-quality ingredients. Fresh chives bring a hint of onion-like brightness that balances the rich blue cheese, while the horseradish sauce adds just the right amount of zing to keep your palate intrigued. Mastering the caramelization of the sweet onions is key to achieving depth and sweetness in every bite. Use a cast-iron skillet for even heating and excellent heat retention, as this will help in achieving the perfect crunch on the potato chips and melting the cheese deliciously over the layers.

Before beginning, ensure your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Finely chop the onion, chives, and roast beef, and carefully crumble the blue cheese. This preparation will make the layering process seamless, ensuring you achieve a perfectly distributed mix of flavors and textures. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you’ll create a dish that’s as impressive-looking as it is delectable. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion: Adds sweetness that balances the dish.
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note.
• 12 oz sliced roast beef: Savory and filling component.
• 4 oz Deli imported blue cheese wedge, divided: Provides a creamy, tangy richness.
• 1 cup creamy ranch dressing: Acts as a smooth base for the horseradish mix.
• 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce: Imparts a sharp, spicy kick.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions, bringing everything together.
• 1 cup no-salt-added beef stock (or dry white wine) + additional, if needed: Ensures the onions don’t dry out and adds depth of flavor.
• 1 bag salted kettle-cooked potato chips (7.5–8 oz): Delivers the essential crunch factor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the sweet onion, chives, and roast beef. Crumble the blue cheese, and set aside for later use.
2. Mix Your Sauce: In a small bowl, blend the creamy ranch dressing, horseradish sauce, and 2 oz of the crumbled blue cheese to create a luscious, tangy topping.
3. Sauté the Onions: Preheat a large cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes. Add olive oil and then the onions. Cook them for 10–12 minutes, stirring continuously. Incorporate small amounts of beef stock if the skillet becomes dry, to avoid burning. Once the onions are golden and fragrant, remove them from the skillet.
4. Layer Your Ingredients: Start by spreading half of the kettle-cooked potato chips on the skillet’s bottom. Evenly distribute half of the sliced roast beef, followed by half of the horseradish-cheese mixture and sautéed onions.
5. Repeat and Top: Add the remaining chips as another layer, followed by the other halves of your sliced roast beef, horseradish mixture, and onions. Sprinkle the remaining 2 oz of blue cheese crumbles on top, finishing with fresh chives.
6. Serve: Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Tips for Troubleshooting If Something Goes Wrong with the Recipe

• Too thick? Add more beef stock or a splash of dry white wine while sautéing the onions to maintain moisture.
• Too spicy? Introduce a more generous amount of the ranch dressing to mellow out the heat.
• Difficult to unmold? Run a spatula around the edges before serving to prevent any sticking. Serve directly from the skillet to avoid moving layers.
• Cheese not melting? Cover the skillet with foil for a minute to encourage the cheese to melt thoroughly, without drying out the chips.

Ideas for Pairing with the Recipe

While the Blue Cheese and Roast Beef Skillet Chips can stand alone, complement your culinary experience with an array of delightful pairings:

• Side dishes: A crisp, fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette counterbalances the richness of the dish. Consider serving alongside mild steamed vegetables for a light contrast.
• Drinks: Elevate your meal with a full-bodied red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, or opt for a non-alcoholic option like sparkling water with a hint of lemon to refresh your palate.
• Desserts: Round off your meal with a light fruit sorbet, offering a clean, sweet finish to counteract the savory explosion from the main dish.

How to Store Properly

• For refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. Reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through, to maintain the chip's crunch.
• For freezing: It's not recommended to freeze due to the chips losing their crunch. However, individual ingredients like roast beef can be frozen separately for future use.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese?
  Absolutely! A strong cheddar or Gruyère can provide a delicious alternative to blue cheese if preferred.
• What’s a good substitute for roast beef?
  Thinly sliced turkey or chicken breast can work well if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Can this be made vegetarian?
  Swap the roast beef with roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to create a veggie-friendly version.
• Is there a non-dairy option?
  Use a dairy-free alternative for the blue cheese, easily found in specialty grocery stores, and substitute the ranch dressing with a dairy-free version.