What are nachos with an abundance of toppings sometimes called?

Nachos with an abundance of toppings are sometimes called loaded nachos.

The phrase describes a heavily garnished version of the dish rather than a fixed recipe. Loaded nachos typically begin with tortilla chips and cheese, then add ingredients such as seasoned meat, refried beans, jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. The toppings are often spread across a platter so several people can share it.

This style developed as nachos expanded beyond Ignacio Anaya’s original three-part combination of tortilla pieces, cheese, and jalapeño. Restaurants and bars adopted increasingly elaborate versions, while “loaded” became a convenient label for a substantial, appetizer-sized serving.

Loaded nachos should not be confused with every named variation. Barbecue nachos, for example, specifically feature smoked meat and barbecue sauce, while “Irish nachos” may substitute potatoes for tortilla chips. Those dishes can be loaded, but the term itself simply emphasizes abundance and variety of toppings.