Vegetarian Nachos are easy and delicious Mexican snack or appetizers made with tortilla chips, beans, veggies and cheese. These are baked and best served hot and crispy with soured cream , guacamole and salsa on side. These are perfect for Cinco de Mayo or game-day or just when entertaining!

Nachos is one among the initial Tex-Mex recipes I got introduced to during college times and has been a serious contributor to my affinity towards Mexican cuisine since then

WHAT ARE NACHOS

Nachos are an easy appetizer, snack recipes from Mexican cuisine. It contains crispy tortilla chips layered with beans (or meat), veggies, cheese then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. it’s served hot and crispy with some guacamole, soured cream and salsa to be relished with.

There are some ways to form Nachos. most straightforward version is corn chip with white sauce . But my personal favorite may be a fully loaded nachos with beans and veggies which I’m sharing in today’s post.

These easy nachos are perfect appetizers for cinco de mayo or game day or just for entertaining, snacking or maybe as dinner once you want to modify things up!!

WHAT does one placed on NACHOS

Vegetarian nachos are pretty versatile and you’ll easily switch things as per availability. this is often what you’ll got to make Nachos

Tortilla chips – I find the simplest tortilla chips for nachos are restaurant style but even better may be a combination of those with and nacho cheese flavor Doritos. Try if you haven’t tried this combo yet!!Some spicy Tortilla chips would be nice addition too, if you wish the heat!

Beans – Since this a meatless Nachos recipe, we’ll be using beans as source of protein. For a fast option, use canned beans like black beans, pinto beans, frijoles refritos or tri color beans which are mixture of red kidney beans, black beans and pinto beans (I’ve used this).

For more flavor, make some black beans curry, dry it out (as we don’t want moisture) and add these to nachos. Other option is to feature the black beans filling that I’ve used on crunchwrap supreme, its so delicious!!

Veggies – red onions, bell peppers (use colorful ones for more visually appeal), corn kernels, tomato are some pretty basic choices. All or combination of those and more are often used.

Cheese – I’ve used a mixture of store-bought nachos white sauce and shredded Mexican blend cheese for creating these homemade nachos. you’ll easily switch up the white sauce with just cheese (I have done that before). or use other sorts of shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey jack, or American cheese.

Garnishes – Avocado, pickled jalapeños, onion greens and cilantro leaves are my attend choices. Shredded lettuce would be nice too! Add these over the recent baked nachos but these are totally optional and may be adjusted to taste.

HOW does one MAKE NACHOS

To make nachos all you would like is to assemble the layers, bake until cheese has melted then garnish and serve together with your favorite dip/sauce to travel along. Lets see the step by step for creating these.

ASSEMBLING THE NACHOS:

Line a 9X13 inch baking tray with parchment paper. we’ll be making two layers (you can make only one too) so divide everything into 2 equal portions reserving few veggies for garnishing at the top . you’ll also use any oven safe dish to form these, I just prefer the baking sheet.

Vegetarian Nachos – Step1

Layer 1 – Line the tortilla chips and Doritos (nachos cheese) during a single layer covering all gaps. Drizzle some queso (or sprinkle shredded cheese). this is often must because it acts as glue for remainder of ingredients. Top it with beans and veggies – red onions, green and red bell pepper, corn kernels, tomato and 1 cup of cheese (feel liberal to add more). Season with salt, oregano and freshly cracked pepper.

Vegetarian Nachos – Step2

Layer 2 – Make the second layer similarly on top of first by layering Tortilla chips, Doritos, queso (or cheese), black beans, red onions, green and red bell pepper, corn, tomato (reserve few veggies for garnishing – optional) and cheese. Sprinkle some salt, oregano and freshly cracked pepper on top.

TO BAKE NACHOS:

I like better to use the oven to form big batches on a sheet pan where as for individual serving or smaller portion, I like better to use micrwave or air-fryer. Its just easier and quicker.

Using Oven: Preheat oven to 400F. Bake the assembled sheet pan nachos during a preheated oven at 400F for 10-15 mins or until the cheese has melted.

Alternately you’ll also broil these on high (keep close watch) for five mins until the cheese has melted. This method might not warm up all the layers so switch back to baking mode (350F-375F) and bake for five mins.

Using Microwave: Layer nachos on microwave safe plate and microwave for two mins or until the cheese has melted.

Using Air fryer: Line the air-fryer basket with aluminum foil and assemble the nachos. Bake at 370F for 5-7 mins until cheese has melted.

GARNISHING:

Once the nachos are baked, top them further with some veggies kept aside (optional) along side pickled jalapeños, diced avocado, spring onions, cilantro leaves.

NACHOS SERVING SUGGESTION

Nachos are best made fresh and served hot and crispy right out of the oven. Serve them with side of guacamole, soured cream and salsa on the side or drizzle over it.

I like better to serve all wet sauces/dips, like guacamole, avocado crema, soured cream , Bitchin sauce or salsa on the side (all or a combination). this enables everyone to customize their nachos and also prevents the them from getting soggy. Although i really like those chewy soggy nachos left at rock bottom . they’re my favorite!!