These loaded sweet potato nachos are a deliciously wholesome twist on a classic snack.
Packed with fiber-rich sweet potatoes, plant-based protein from black beans, and healthy fats from avocado, they’re both satisfying and nutritious.
Quick to prepare, naturally colorful, and customizable, this recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner or game-day treat that’s easy, flavorful, and guilt-free.
Sweet Potato Nachos
Equipment
- 1 Large Baking Sheet
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cooking spray or oil
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp sea salt plus more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper plus more to taste
- ½ cup black beans cooked or canned, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño thinly sliced
- ½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes chopped
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 avocado sliced or diced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your sweet potatoes start cooking immediately and develop a perfectly tender yet slightly crisp texture. While the oven heats, prepare a large baking sheet by lightly spraying it with olive or avocado oil. This will prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking and help them brown evenly.
- Slice the Sweet Potatoes: Take 2 medium sweet potatoes and wash them thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Using a sharp knife and a stable cutting board, slice the sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Aim for even thickness so they cook uniformly. Thicker slices may take longer to soften, while thinner slices could become too crispy.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Gently toss everything together with your hands or a large spoon until each sweet potato round is coated evenly with the oil and spices. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure there’s a little space between each slice; overcrowding will cause them to steam rather than roast, which can make them soggy. Roasting allows the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes to caramelize, giving a richer flavor and appealing golden edges.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, around 12-13 minutes, gently flip the sweet potato slices using a spatula. This helps ensure even browning and prevents sticking. The sweet potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork and have lightly browned edges.
- Add Black Beans and Cheese: Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted, remove the pan from the oven. Push the rounds slightly toward the center of the baking sheet to create space around the edges. Evenly scatter ½ cup of black beans over the sweet potatoes. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheddar cheese on top, making sure the cheese covers the beans and sweet potatoes for an even melt.
- Layer with Jalapeños: Add the thinly sliced jalapeño over the cheese. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference; for a milder version, remove the seeds before slicing. This step adds a fresh, slightly spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Melt the 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 black beans are warmed through. Keep a close eye to avoid over-browning the cheese. Once melted, remove from the oven carefully, using oven mitts.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Top the nachos with ½ cup of chopped grape or cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup of diced red onion, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro. These fresh ingredients add color, flavor, and crunch, balancing the richness of the roasted sweet potatoes and melted cheese.
- Optional Avocado Addition: If desired, add 1 sliced or diced avocado on top.Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats and a creamy texture that perfectly complements the spiced sweet potatoes and melted cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the nachos directly from the sheet pan for a casual, family-style meal or transfer to a platter for a more formal presentation. These nachos are best enjoyed warm and fresh, but they can also be portioned into individual bowls for easy meal prep.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave for 1–2 minutes for a quick snack.
Notes
- Spice Alternatives: For convenience, replace individual spices with 2 tablespoons of your favorite taco seasoning blend.
- Bean Substitutions: Black beans are ideal, but kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas work well.
- Cheese Options: Use any melting cheese you like. Vegan cheese works perfectly for a dairy-free version.
- Jalapeño Adjustments: Remove seeds for a milder version or replace with bell peppers for no heat.
- Onion Variations: Swap red onion for yellow or green onions depending on preference.
- Sweet Potato Size: Choose long, narrow sweet potatoes for even slices; thick or short ones may cook unevenly.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Nachos
Achieving perfectly roasted sweet potato nachos comes down to preparation and timing.
Slice your sweet potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking, and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
Tossing them with oil and spices allows each piece to caramelize beautifully, enhancing flavor.
For extra texture, lightly broil the nachos for a minute after adding cheese to create golden, bubbly edges.
Fresh toppings added after baking keep the dish vibrant and balanced, while optional avocado adds a creamy contrast.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Flavor
Loaded sweet potato nachos are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides and dips.
Try serving them with a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or guacamole for extra creaminess.
Add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top to elevate flavors.
They make a perfect appetizer for gatherings or a hearty, standalone weeknight meal.
Pair with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even a simple salsa for a complete, balanced plate.
Storage Tips For Later Enjoyment
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To maintain crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes rather than using the microwave.
If using the microwave, expect the sweet potatoes to soften slightly.
Store toppings like avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro separately to maintain freshness, and add them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute and skip or replace any optional ingredients like sour cream. The black beans and sweet potatoes provide protein and fiber, making it a filling plant-based option.
2. How can I make these nachos spicier or milder?
Adjust the jalapeño according to your taste—remove seeds for mild heat or add extra slices for a spicier kick. You can also tweak chili powder in the seasoning mix to control the overall spice level.
3. Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?
Absolutely. Slice the sweet potatoes and chop the toppings ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep textures fresh and flavors vibrant.
4. Can I freeze these nachos?
While roasted sweet potatoes don’t always retain perfect texture after freezing, you can freeze the roasted sweet potato rounds separately, without toppings. Reheat in the oven before adding fresh beans, cheese, and other toppings.
5. What can I serve alongside these nachos?
These nachos pair well with a fresh green salad, guacamole, salsa, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty bean salad. The vibrant flavors of the nachos complement a variety of side dishes and dips.
