Can Plant-Based Nachos solve every problem in the world today? No, but it might be exactly what you need to help your family start making healthy food choices.
When we first transitioned to a plant-based diet, we made healthier versions of our old favorites. One of those favorites was nachos!
We put a healthier twist on nachos by making non-dairy cheese sauce and oil-free beans. We include our favorite toppings like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and more. I like to douse mine in salsa but I leave it on the side when the kids will be sharing. Don’t forget the jalapenos and guacamole!
One of the reasons we love making Plant-Based Nachos is because everyone loves them. I get a lot of emails from people asking how to get their families to eat plant-based. Nachos is the answer!
Of course, you can’t live on nachos but a standing Nacho night isn’t out of the question.
If your whole family will be sharing, make a Nacho Bar so everyone can build their own! You can let them choose between black beans or pinto beans (both are oil-free).
Make Your Own Chips
The least healthy thing about the nachos are the chips. Granted, chips aren’t healthy. You can choose healthier versions or make them yourself.
To make your own oil-free chips, buy soft corn tortillas, check the ingredients to make sure they only contain corn, water, and maybe lime juice.
Cut them into triangles or strips and bake them until crispy! It’s easy!
Nacho Victory
Some of you aren’t as concerned about the chips, just getting your family to eat beans is a win! I firmly believe that healthy nachos could be the step to healthy eating for some.
Once you get your family enjoying Plant-Based Nachos, you can get them to try Tostadas, Burritos, Casseroles and more.
Plant-Based Nachos
This recipe is more art than science. We have our favorite way to make them, but I’ll mix and match different ingredients based on what we have.
If you set up a Nacho Bar, you can have all of the ingredients in bowls for your family. Each person can make their own nacho masterpiece. If you are creating a group platter, you’ll want to layer chips, beans and cheese sauce in a pan and broil them for a couple of minutes, then add all the toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 batch Unfried Beans (That is what I call my oil-free refried beans)
- 1 batch dairy-free cheese sauce
- Other toppings of your choice like tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, salsa, avocado, etc.
- Chips or baked corn tortillas
Do
- Start cooking the cheese sauce because it takes the longest to make (unless you are cooking the beans from scratch).
- Prepare the beans, you can use beans you cook yourself or canned beans.
- Chop or prepare the other ingredients
- If making a Nacho Bar, place all the ingredients in bowls for your family to build their own serving. If you are making it family style, layer chips, beans, and cheese sauce in a pan. Broil it for a few minutes to get it all warm, then top with your favorite ingredients. I recommend you keep any ingredients that won’t be well received, on the side.
This is one of those recipes that is easy to make on a busy night or to use up leftovers! The dairy-free cheese sauce takes the longest unless you are cooking the beans from scratch, but it reheats well.
I like to plan nachos after I’ve batch cooked beans!
You have to admit, these look good even if you aren’t plant-based. Go ahead and show the video to a family member and see what they think!
I have to thank my friend Melodee from Melodee Lynn Photography for these amazing pictures. She is an artist with the camera!
Looks yummy! We found some baked tostadas at a local store which would be perfect for this recipe.
Here’s an off-topic question: Do you know of any good gravy recipes that don’t use soy sauce (or Braggs or Tamari)? Also no oils/vegan margarines. I have new clients coming over Monday who need to eat vegan with no nuts, wheat or soy. Thanks for any ideas!
We love tostadas Cyd! So easy and family-friendly!
For the gravy, I haven’t seen one but you could try using Coconut Aminos in place to the soy sauce. It should be similar enough. I’ve got a great gravy recipe if you need it. You could use the coconut aminos.
https://myplantbasedfamily.com/2016/03/25/creamy-brown-gravy/
Thank you Holly, I’ll give it a try!