These Sweet Potato Loaded Nachos are a fun twist on the classic dish! Crispy sweet potato chips are piled high with cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings. Yum!
I love making these for a movie night. They’re colorful and tasty, plus they pack a healthy punch with the sweet potatoes. Who knew nachos could be good for you? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! You can slice them thinly for chips. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or zucchini can work in a pinch, but the flavor will change. I personally love the sweetness from the sweet potatoes!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is my favorite for its sharp flavor, but feel free to use any cheese you prefer. Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese would be great substitutes if needed.
Black Beans: They add protein and texture. Canned chickpeas or pinto beans could be good alternatives. If you’re looking for a lighter dip, skip the beans altogether.
Avocado: Creamy and delicious! If you don’t have fresh avocado, try using guacamole. You can also skip it or replace it with diced olives for a different flavor.
How Do I Make Crispy Sweet Potato Chips?
For achieving that perfect crispy texture, it’s essential to slice the sweet potatoes into even rounds. Use a mandoline if you have one for uniform thickness, which helps them cook evenly.
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure they start cooking crispy right away.
- Coat the slices lightly with olive oil—too much can make them soggy.
- Space them out on the baking sheet, avoiding overlaps, so they crisp up nicely.
- Flipping halfway through baking helps them brown evenly.
Remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on them as cooking times may vary.
Sweet Potato Loaded Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (yellow or orange for color contrast)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and tasty dish! You’ll spend about 20 minutes in the oven baking the sweet potato chips and another 5-7 minutes for the cheese to melt and get bubbly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced sweet potatoes. Pour in the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, paprika, and chili powder. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are nicely coated.
3. Bake the Sweet Potato Chips:
Spread the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re crispy and slightly browned.
4. Add Cheese and Beans:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, take them out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Then, add the black beans on top of the cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Yum!
6. Top with Fresh Ingredients:
Once done, remove the nachos from the oven. Top them with diced tomato, red onion, and bell peppers for a fresh crunch.
7. Finish with Avocado and Sour Cream:
Add the slices of avocado evenly on top. Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the nachos warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your delicious, colorful Sweet Potato Loaded Nachos!
Can I Use Different Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor, regular potatoes or even yellow squash can be used as substitutes. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary based on the type of vegetable used.
How Do I Store Leftover Nachos?
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture; a microwave will soften the chips.
Can I Make These Nachos Vegan?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative and replace sour cream with a plant-based yogurt. You can also load up on more veggies for extra flavor.
How Can I Make the Chips Extra Crispy?
For extra crispy sweet potato chips, slice the sweet potatoes thinly and evenly, ensure they’re well coated in oil, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Spreading them out allows for better air circulation while baking!