The Best Toppings To Make TikTok's Viral Ice Cream Nachos

Ice cream is a tasty treat in all its forms — cones, sundaes, sandwiches, bars, and ... nachos? Thanks to the creativity of American ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins and the dissemination power of the internet, ice cream nachos are among the greatest long-term viral food trends. Baskin-Robbins introduced its Ice Cream Nachos in 2012, and according to ABC News, "after surveying over 1,000 Americans, Baskin-Robbins found that "one third (33%) of Americans chose chips and dip as the easiest finger food to eat ... One in five of those surveyed requested chips and dip as the snack they'd like to see re-created as a dessert." Popular opinions considered, the official Ice Cream Nachos were born. 

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ice cream nachos ALL WEEKEND at both Mister Goodies locations to celebrate CINCO DE MAYO! 🎆 #icecreamnachos #mistergoodies #lynchburg #lynchburgva #lyh #libertyuniversity #cincodemayo

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Ever since their Baskin-Robbins debut, ice cream nachos have popped up in many more areas, from amusement parks to independent scoop shops. If you do not plan on stopping at any of these destinations, the ice cream nacho concept is straightforward enough to replicate at home, too. But what, exactly, makes the best ice cream nachos? 

Like traditional nachos, ice cream nachos include a combination of vessels and dips. Instead of queso and tortilla chips, though, think globs of ice cream and waffle cone chips. They can be as simple as those two components or as well-adorned as any deluxe nacho platter. 

If you want to make your own ice cream nachos at home, or you have the chance to customize them at the shop, think of the components of the dish as you would with to savory nachos. The cheesy, crunchy concoction typically comes with sour cream, guacamole, melty cheese, jalapeños, etc. Consider that variety in flavors and textures when making ice cream nachos, but also think of the nachos as a giant, shareable ice cream sundae. Dollops of whipped cream, drizzles of chocolate and caramel sauce, chopped nuts, fruit, sprinkles, candy pieces, and maraschino cherries are all ideal for the most ornate ice cream nacho platter.

While there are many creative ways to use extra ice cream cones, breaking them up into chip-sized pieces and using them in ice cream nachos will not disappoint. According to an expert, the most important quality in nachos is a sturdy chip to hold up the whole works of toppings. In the same vein, be sure to use thicker, crunchier ice cream cones like waffle and sugar cones. Both varieties are armed with molasses, making them more durable than, say, wafer cones, which are light, flaky, and melty.

Additionally, though the original Baskin-Robbins format includes soft serve (which is easier to dip into, even if it is not always technically ice cream), your DIY ice cream nachos can include scoops if that is what you prefer — just let the ice cream thaw a bit. Just as the more toppings, the merrier, the more ice cream flavors, the merrier. Feel free to mix and match so that you get something a little different in each sweet bite.