Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos are a delicious and wholesome twist on the classic nachos, perfect for a satisfying snack or light meal. Roasted cauliflower florets replace traditional chips, topped with melty cheese, spicy jalapeños, and fresh veggies for a flavorful bite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 5 cups cauliflower florets (cut into ½-inch slices)
• 1/3 cup refried beans
• 3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheddar cheese
• 1 jalapeno (sliced)
• 1/2 cup chopped grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado (sliced or chopped, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a large baking sheet with olive or avocado oil cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Slice the cauliflower into ½-inch thick slices.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the oil with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and sea salt. Add the cauliflower slices and toss gently until well coated. Arrange the cauliflower on the baking sheet in a single layer, spacing the pieces apart to ensure roasting rather than steaming.
4. Step 4: Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes, until tender and starting to brown.
5. Step 5: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and push the cauliflower together in the center. Spread the refried beans over the cauliflower, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and top with jalapeño slices.
6. Step 6: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 6–7 minutes, until the beans are heated through and the cheese has melted.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and top with chopped tomatoes, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro. Add sliced or chopped avocado if using. Serve directly from the sheet or transfer to a platter or individual bowls.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the nachos before serving.
• Substitute refried beans with black beans or pinto beans for a different bean flavor.
• Try using pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier melt.
• Make it vegan by replacing cheese with a plant-based alternative and using refried beans without lard.

Storage

Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the cauliflower soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the seasoned cauliflower and refried beans in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake with cheese just before serving to keep the cheese melty and the cauliflower crispy.

What can I use instead of refried beans?

If you don’t have refried beans, black beans or pinto beans work well. You can lightly mash them for a similar texture or use whole beans for added bite.

Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 102 reviews

Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional nachos, featuring roasted cauliflower slices topped with refried beans, melted Mexican cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and fresh vegetables. This oven-baked recipe is perfect for a satisfying snack or a light meal, combining bold spices with fresh toppings for a flavorful experience without the guilt.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Cauliflower and Seasoning

• 1 Tablespoon olive or avocado oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 5 cups cauliflower florets (cut into ½-inch slices)

Toppings

• 1/3 cup refried beans
• 3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheddar cheese
• 1 jalapeno (sliced)
• 1/2 cup chopped grape/cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado (sliced or chopped, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly spray a large baking sheet with olive or avocado oil cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with roasting.
2. Slice the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into 1/2-inch thick slices to ensure even roasting and a chip-like texture that works perfectly as a nacho base.
3. Season the Cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive or avocado oil with garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, and sea salt. Toss the cauliflower slices gently in this spice blend until evenly coated.
4. Roast the Cauliflower: Arrange the seasoned cauliflower slices spaced out on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and begins to brown, creating a crispy texture.
5. Add Nacho Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully push the cauliflower pieces toward the center of the pan. Spread refried beans evenly over the cauliflower, sprinkle shredded Mexican cheddar cheese on top, and add sliced jalapeños for heat.
6. Melt Cheese and Heat Beans: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the beans are heated through.
7. Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove from the oven and top the nachos with chopped cherry or grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro. Optionally, add sliced or chopped avocado for extra creaminess. Serve directly from the baking sheet or transfer to a platter or individual bowls.

Notes

• Ensure cauliflower slices are spaced out during roasting to get crispy edges instead of steaming.
• Adjust jalapeño slices according to your preferred spice level.
• Avocado is optional but adds creaminess and balances the spices.
• Use a good quality shredded Mexican cheddar cheese for authentic flavor and meltability.
• These nachos are perfect for a gluten-free and vegetarian snack.

Keywords: cauliflower nachos, cheesy cauliflower, healthy nachos, baked snack, vegetarian nachos, gluten free snack, Mexican inspired