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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/cheesy-cauliflower-nachos-recipe/