These Sweet Potato Loaded Nachos are a colorful twist on a classic! Crispy sweet potato chips are topped with gooey cheese, fresh veggies, and a zesty sauce that makes every bite mouthwatering.
Who knew nachos could be this fun? I love how the sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the cheese. Plus, they’re healthier than regular nachos, so you can enjoy them guilt-free!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish! Look for firm sweet potatoes for best results. If you’re in a pinch, you could substitute with regular potatoes, but the flavor will be different. I love the natural sweetness that sweet potatoes bring!
Cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese works great. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, which gives a cheesy flavor without dairy!
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber! Canned beans are convenient, but you can use cooked lentils as a substitute for a unique twist.
Avocado: Creamy avocado really elevates these nachos. If you’re out of avocados, consider using guacamole or even a dollop of sour cream for that creaminess.
How Do I Get My Sweet Potatoes Extra Crispy?
Achieving crispy sweet potato slices is all about slicing and baking! Here’s how to do it right:
- Slice the sweet potatoes thin. Thinner slices mean crispier chips.
- Coat them evenly with oil and seasoning to help crisp up.
- Spread them out in a single layer; overcrowding leads to steaming, not baking.
- Flip halfway through baking for even crispiness.
Reducing the oven temperature after roasting helps melt the cheese without burning the chips!
Sweet Potato Loaded Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sweet Potato Chips:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned corn kernels, drained
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced or sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sour cream or a drizzle of lime crema for serving
- Lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to enjoy these mouthwatering nachos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). To get the best results, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season The Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every slice is evenly coated to bring out the best flavors!
3. Bake The Sweet Potato Chips:
Spread the sweet potato slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and let them bake for 15-20 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through baking to ensure they get crispy and tender all over!
4. Add The Cheese and Toppings:
Once your sweet potatoes are done, take them out and lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Layer those crispy sweet potato chips back onto the baking sheet, then sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top!
5. Load Up The Nachos:
Now, sprinkle the black beans, corn, black olives, diced tomato, and red onion over the cheesy layer. This creates a delicious mix of flavors and textures!
6. Bake Again:
Return the assembled nachos to the oven for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. This is when things start to get exciting!
7. Finish and Serve:
Finally, take the loaded nachos out of the oven. Top them off with diced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that vibrant touch. Serve them immediately with optional sour cream or lime crema and lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick!
Enjoy your colorful and delicious Sweet Potato Loaded Nachos!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but keep in mind that the flavor will differ. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that complements the toppings beautifully!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make vegan sweet potato nachos, use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese entirely. You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and make sure to use plant-based sour cream or guacamole as a topping.
What Can I Use as a Topping Instead of Black Beans?
If black beans aren’t your thing, you can substitute with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even cooked lentils. All add great protein and flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Nachos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up, but keep in mind that the sweet potatoes may lose some of their original texture.