Nachos are one of those universally loved foods. What’s not to love? Crispy tortilla chips loaded with cheese, toppings, and plenty of flavor. But, let’s face it, they’re not exactly a health food.
Enter: cauliflower nachos, a surprisingly delicious and healthy twist on the classic. These cauliflower nachos offer a fantastic way to sneak more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. You can customize them with your favorite toppings and easily adapt them to fit different dietary needs. The possibilities are endless!
Why Cauliflower Nachos?
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy nachos without the guilt, cauliflower nachos might be just the ticket. Here’s why:
- Health benefits. Cauliflower nachos are lower in carbohydrates than traditional nachos. They’re a great way to work more vegetables into your diet and can be tailored to fit keto, low-carb, or vegetarian eating plans.
- Taste and texture. When you cook cauliflower the right way, it can get nice and crispy and take on a world of flavor. It absorbs flavors from toppings and seasonings, and it offers a satisfying crunch that’s similar to tortilla chips.
Prepping the cauliflower “chips”
The secret to great cauliflower nachos is in the preparation of the cauliflower itself. Here’s how to turn this cruciferous veggie into a crispy, craveable base for your favorite toppings.
Selecting and preparing the cauliflower
Start with a fresh, firm head of cauliflower. Wash it well and dry it thoroughly. Then, slice the cauliflower into pieces about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner the slice, the crispier your “chips” will be.
Roasting the cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the cauliflower slices with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. I like using Tajin, onion powder, chili powder, and Mexican oregano, but feel free to experiment!
Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet. This is important, as overcrowding the pan will steam the cauliflower instead of roasting it. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. You’re looking for a golden brown color and a slightly crispy texture. Flipping halfway helps them brown evenly on both sides.
Topping ideas and variations
If you’re ready to take your cauliflower nachos to the next level, here are some topping ideas to get you started.
Classic nacho toppings
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone — or a combination!)
- Diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños
- Olives (black or green)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (thin it down with a little water to make it easier to drizzle)
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Salsa
Protein additions
- Cooked ground beef or turkey (Jennie-O Taco Seasonings Turkey Sausage is an easy and flavorful option)
- Shredded chicken
- Black beans or pinto beans
Keto-friendly options
- Omit or reduce higher-carb toppings like onions and tomatoes
- Use full-fat cheese and sour cream
- Add avocado for healthy fats
Other vegetable additions
- Mini bell peppers
- Red onion
- Cherry tomatoes
How to assemble and serve your cauliflower nachos
- Arrange the roasted cauliflower florets on a baking sheet or serving platter.
- Sprinkle the cauliflower with your favorite shredded cheese and toppings.
- Broil or bake the nachos until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or other fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
We recommend serving these cauliflower nachos with guacamole, pico de gallo, or your favorite salsa.
In Conclusion
Cauliflower nachos are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional nachos. They’re also highly customizable, so feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to find the combination you love best.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a guilt-free version of one of your favorite snacks!