Cheddar Shrimp Nachos

I have found the perfect appetizer.  These are cheesy, spicy, shrimp-y, crunchy, and delicious.  Plus, I have to admit, they look so very pretty.  All of the colors are very festive.  They would be perfect for a party setting.

I made dinner last night for Zack and my dad.  These were the first thing I added to the menu.

This is actually the second time that I’ve made these for my dad and Zack.  They have raved about them both times.

I am not the biggest fan of appetizers as a general rule, but these are extremely easy to make and I highly recommend them.

Don’t ya want a bite? 😉

Prep: 15 minutes.  Total: 17 minutes.

– 2 tablespoons Italian dressing, divided

– 1 lb frozen cooked, cleaned medium shrimp, thawed

– 1 red pepper, chopped

– 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning

– 6 cups tortilla chips

– 1 package (8 oz) shredded triple cheese with a touch of Philadelphia

– 1 green onion, chopped (optional)

– 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

– 1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced

Heat large cast iron skillet on high heat until it is very hot and starts to smoke.  Add 1 tablespoon dressing, shrimp, red peppers and seasoning; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until shrimp is heated through and evenly coated with dressing mixture.  Stir in remaining dressing.

Cover large dish or platter with layers of half each of the chips, shrimp mixture, and cheese.  Repeat layers.

Microwave on HIGH 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted, rotating plate after each minute (or, if your plate is too big for your microwave, put it in the oven at about 200 degrees until the cheese is melted).  Top with onions, cilantro, and jalapeno.