Ultimate Sweet Potato Nacho Feast

Ultimate Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos: Your Go-To Plant-Based & Gluten-Free Recipe

Quick and easy plant-based “nachos” with crispy sweet potato chips and all the vibrant fixings. Perfect for a healthy plant-based side, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a delicious game-time snack that truly satisfies.

Loaded Sweet Potato Chip Nachos with Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese

There’s something incredibly comforting and joyful about a generously loaded plate of nachos. I recall fondly how my sister, with her tiny frame, would often order the colossal loaded nachos as her main course at Mexican restaurants. We used to tease her, but now, I truly believe she had the right idea all along! Who wouldn’t want a full meal of delicious, customizable, and vibrant toppings?

Especially during gloomy weather, like the overcast skies we’ve been experiencing lately, a dish like this brings much-needed sunshine to the table. Forget the traditional heavy, greasy versions; we’re redefining nachos with a lighter, plant-based, and incredibly flavorful twist. Tonight’s plans are simple yet exciting, and I invite you to join in the culinary fun.

I’m preparing a magnificent platter of these **Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos with Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese**. It’s more than just a snack; it’s an experience, a mini fiesta designed to brighten spirits and delight taste buds. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a vibrant side dish, or a satisfying main meal (no judgment here, embrace the nacho life!), these healthy, plant-based nachos are guaranteed to deliver those sought-after sunshine-y vibes.

Loaded Sweet Potato Chip Nachos with Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese

Why Choose Sweet Potato Nachos? A Healthier, Flavorful Alternative

My enthusiasm for sweet potatoes is hardly a secret, so it’s only natural that the idea of using them as the ultimate vehicle for an array of delightful nacho toppings resonated deeply with me. Beyond their inherent sweetness and earthy flavor, sweet potato chips offer a fantastic gluten-free and often healthier alternative to conventional corn tortilla chips. They provide a sturdy, crunchy base that holds up beautifully under generous layers of toppings, while also infusing each bite with a dose of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

But why stop at just the chips? We’re taking these nachos to the next level by layering them with hearty black beans, bursts of sweet pomegranate seeds, creamy avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and, the absolute star of the show: a lusciously creamy, sweet potato-based nacho cheese sauce. Because, as we believe, topping good things with even more good things simply creates better, more enjoyable things!

Loaded Sweet Potato Chip Nachos with Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese

The Magic of Our Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese

This recipe truly couldn’t be simpler to assemble, almost to the point of being too good to be true. While you certainly have the option to make your own thinly sliced and baked sweet potato “nacho” chips at home (and we’ve included instructions for that in the notes!), convenience is key sometimes. Brands like Bare Snacks Sweet Potato Chips offer a fantastic shortcut – perfectly crispy, baked without added oils, and ready to be loaded up. I continue to be a huge fan of their wholesome simplicity.

The true game-changer, however, is our extraordinary **Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese**. Forget everything you thought you knew about vegan cheese sauces. This one is crafted from a base of steamed sweet potatoes and carrots, blended to a silky-smooth consistency with nutritional yeast for that unmistakable umami “cheesy” flavor, creamy cashew butter for richness, and a touch of almond milk for perfect pourability. Seasoned with lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a hint of yellow mustard, it achieves a depth of flavor and a velvety texture that will surprise and delight even the most discerning palates. It’s the ultimate healthy, dairy-free alternative that brings all the comfort of traditional nacho cheese without any compromise on taste or texture.

Loaded Sweet Potato Chip Nachos with Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese

Customizing Your Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos

One of the greatest joys of making these **Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos** is the endless potential for customization. This recipe is designed to be a canvas for your culinary creativity! While the core combination of sweet potato chips, black beans, creamy avocado, tangy red onion, and the signature sweet potato nacho cheese is divine, feel free to make these nachos uniquely “you.”

Here are some fantastic ideas to elevate your nacho experience:

  • **Boost the Protein:** For a heartier meal, consider adding crumbled, seasoned tempeh or tofu. Tofu or tempeh crumbles sautéed with taco seasoning would be an excellent addition.
  • **Fruity Sweetness:** If pomegranate seeds are out of season or not to your taste, diced mango or peaches can offer a similar burst of fresh, elemental sweetness and vibrant color. Pineapple chunks could also add a tropical twist.
  • **Bring the Heat:** For those who love a spicy kick, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, a generous spoonful of salsa, or thin slices of fresh or pickled jalapeños will do the trick. A pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper mixed into the nacho cheese can also add warmth.
  • **Additional Veggies:** Enhance the nutritional value and texture with other colorful vegetables. Think finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), corn kernels (fresh or roasted), thinly sliced radishes for a peppery crunch, or even a handful of chopped spinach or kale wilted in slightly.
  • **Creamy Additions:** Beyond avocado, a dollop of vegan sour cream or a homemade cashew cream can add another layer of indulgence.
  • **Herbs and Spices:** Don’t hesitate to experiment with more fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.

There’s no wrong way to load these nachos, so embrace your preferences and create a plate that truly excites you!

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Sharing Your Sweet Potato Nacho Creations

I would absolutely love to hear about and see your beautiful creations! If you whip up a plate of these incredibly satisfying **Loaded Sweet Potato Chip Nachos with Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese**, please don’t hesitate to share your experience. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to craft more delicious, plant-based recipes for you to enjoy.

Be sure to leave me a comment, a star rating, and a review right here on the blog. It’s the best way to let me know what you thought and how you customized your nachos!

For instant sharing, give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino. I always get so much joy seeing your culinary masterpieces in my feed!

And if you’re looking for more inspiration, head over to my Pinterest page. You can easily pin this recipe (and many others!) to your boards to save for later. If you’re a fellow sweet potato enthusiast, you absolutely must check out my Stuffed Purple Sweet Potatoes and My Favorite Tray Dinner for more sweet potato-infused goodness.

Love what you see and want to stay updated with all my latest plant-based recipes and lifestyle tips? Head to my homepage and subscribe to my newsletter. You’ll get fresh content delivered right to your inbox, ensuring you never miss a delicious update!

XO Lauren

Loaded Sweet Potato Chip Nachos with Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese


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Loaded Sweet Potato Chip Nachos

Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos with Creamy Vegan Cheese



5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review


  • Author:
    Flora & Vino


  • Total Time:
    30 mins


  • Yield:
    2-4 servings


  • Diet:
    Vegan
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Description

Quick and easy plant-based “nachos” featuring crispy sweet potato chips and a rich, creamy sweet potato nacho cheese. Adorned with fresh fixings, this healthy recipe is perfect as a vibrant plant-based side, a delightful appetizer for gatherings, or a satisfying game-time snack.


Ingredients

For the Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos:

  • 12 bags of Bare Snacks Sweet Potato Chips* (or use homemade sweet potato chips!)
  • 1 13-oz. can of black beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds (or substitute with diced mango for a sweet twist)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/2 lime, freshly squeezed for garnish and flavor
  • Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish

For the Creamy Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese:

  • 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
  • ½ cup nutritional yeast (essential for that cheesy flavor!)
  • ¼ cup runny cashew butter (ensure it’s smooth and unsweetened)
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (+more as needed for thinner consistency)
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Himalayan sea salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard (adds a subtle tang)

For serving (optional additions)

  • Hot sauce, for a spicy kick
  • Salsa, your favorite kind
  • Sliced jalapeño (fresh or pickled)
  • Vegan sour cream
  • Crumbled seasoned tempeh or tofu


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese: Begin by adding the peeled and diced sweet potatoes and chopped carrots to a medium-sized pot. Cover them completely with filtered water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until both the potatoes and carrots are perfectly fork-tender. This ensures a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
  2. Blend the Nacho Cheese: Once the vegetables are tender, carefully drain all the water from the pot. Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes and carrots to a high-speed blender. Add all the remaining ingredients for the Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese: nutritional yeast, runny cashew butter, unsweetened almond milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Himalayan sea salt, paprika, and yellow mustard. Blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy. If you desire a thinner consistency, gradually add a little more almond milk, blending until it reaches your preference. Refrigerate the nacho cheese until you are ready to assemble and serve your nachos.
  3. Assemble Your Nachos: Arrange the sweet potato chips evenly on a large platter or baking sheet. This creates a sturdy and delicious base for your toppings. Generously drizzle or spoon the creamy Sweet Potato Nacho Cheese over the chips.
  4. Add Fresh Toppings: Evenly distribute the drained and rinsed black beans, diced avocado, and finely diced red onion over the cheesy chips.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish your loaded nachos with a sprinkle of fresh pomegranate seeds (or diced mango), a generous amount of freshly chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors. Serve immediately while the chips are crispy and the cheese is wonderfully warm and gooey. Offer optional hot sauce, salsa, or sliced jalapeños on the side for those who crave extra heat.

Notes

*To make your own crispy sweet potato chips at home:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking pan with parchment paper. Thinly slice sweet potatoes (a mandoline slicer works best for even slices) into rounds. Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-45 minutes, making sure to flip them once halfway through to ensure even baking and crispiness. For super crispy “nachos,” you may need a bit more baking time. For slightly more tender, softer sweet potato slices, bake for less time. Allow the homemade sweet potato chips to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to your platter for assembly. They will crisp up further as they cool.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Entrée, Snack, Side, Appetizer, Vegan, Gluten-Free
  • Method: Stovetop, Blender
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, Plant-Based, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Oil-Free (if using homemade chips or specific brands)

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This post is brought to you by Bare Snacks, but all words and eats are my own. Thanks for supporting the sponsors that keep me hungry!