Loaded Cauliflower Nachos

A lighter version of a favorite comfort food…loaded nachos!  Switch out the chips for Cauliflower “chips” and you will have yourself a plate full of goodness, low-carb Loaded Cauliflower Nachos!  

Well, it is that time of the year.  You know, when everyone is searching for those lighter and healthier recipes but if you are like me, this time of the year still brings those chilly evenings that you just want some hot comfort food.  I love making loaded nachos in the oven.  Topped with all of my favorite veggies and cheese but let’s be honest, this simple meal can turn into something real unhealthy quickly.  

For one of my first meals in 2021, I made these delicious Cauliflower Nachos and LOVED them.  I honestly had no idea how versatile cauliflower can be but as I jump back onto that health journey you better believe it will become a must have on my meal plans.  

How To Make Loaded Cauliflower Nachos 

What Should I Top My Cauliflower Nachos With?

Everyone has a different opinion of what should be on nachos so this is a hard question to answer but here are some great options to really dress up the baked cauliflower nachos. 

• Cheese 
• black olives
• onions
• tomatoes 
• avocados
• salsa
• black beans 
• refried beans 
• shredded lettuce 
• jalapeño slices
• pico de gallo 
• sour cream 
• cilantro
• ground beef, shredded chicken, steak, shrimp (if not trying for a veggie nacho)

Loaded Cauliflower Nachos

And now it is time to prepare this yummy recipe.  When preparing your nachos, keep your diet restrictions and options.  While I am not on a low-carb diet, I am trying to incorporate more fresh veggies and this recipe really helps with that goal.  Limit your cheese if you are looking for a lower calorie meal.  

Ingredients:

1 head Cauliflower (about 6 cups – sliced into “chips)
1 TBSP Olive Oil 
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder 
1 tsp ground cumin 
1 tsp paprika 
1/2 tsp chili powder 
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup shredded Mexican Cheese Blend 
1 cup black beans 
1/4 cup sliced black olives 
1 cup diced tomatoes 
1/4 cup diced onions 
1 avocado, diced 
Any other toppings you may enjoy.  

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Prepare a large baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside. 

2. Prepare the cauliflower chips by slicing into 1/2 inch pieces making sure to create a chip like shape so the toppings can cover the cauliflower slices properly.  Place sliced cauliflower in a large mixing bowl. 

3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder and salt into a nice seasoning.  

4. Drizzle sliced cauliflower with olive oil, using hands make sure each piece is covered in oil. 

5. Sprinkle prepared seasoning over the oiled cauliflower and mix well to make sure all pieces have an equal amount of seasoning. 

6. Arrange cauliflower pieces on prepared baking sheet, making sure to space out the pieces so that they roast instead of steam. 

7. Bake seasoned cauliflower for about 20 minutes – the cauliflower will brown and get tender.  

8. Remove from oven and push the cauliflower together to create a “nacho pile”. 

9. Sprinkle cheese and black beans over cauliflower.  Return nachos to oven for about 8 minutes. 

10. Once the cheese is melted, remove pan from oven and begin topping nachos with the rest of the toppings you prepared. 

11.  Serve while hot and out of the oven by using a spatula to move nachos to serving plates.  ENJOY!!!   

Delicious Healthier Option

After enjoying this meal I knew it would not be the last time I prepared the Cauliflower Nachos. I was full and my comfort food wish was fulfilled all while getting a TON of veggies into my body!  WIN!!  

Loaded Cauliflower Nachos – Tips

I hate soggy veggies so I was super worried that the pieces of cauliflower would end up too tender. With the shorter time of baking (20 minutes) and having the cauliflower spread out on the baking pan gave the pieces a little crisp which was so good! 

To get the perfect size Cauliflower Chip carefully slice the cauliflower into fourths, this will allow you to really see how to cut the pieces into those perfect sizes.  

I would buy a head of cauliflower rather than the bagged cauliflower in order to get the right size pieces.  

I wouldn’t prepare too much of the nachos, as they do not reheat well.  Enjoy HOT out of the oven for best taste and texture! 

Make Sure You Try These Cauliflower Recipes Too:

Cauliflower Potato Salad (Hold The Potatoes)
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole 
Green Chile Cauliflower Rice Casserole

 

What recipes have you prepared using Cauliflower?

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