Vegan Nachos Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a big plate of nachos—warm, crispy tortilla chips piled high with melty cheese, savory toppings, and bold flavors.

But who says you need dairy or meat to make them delicious?

These vegan nachos are loaded with all the best toppings, including a creamy plant-based cheese sauce, hearty black beans, and fresh veggies.

Perfect for game nights, parties, or just a satisfying snack, this recipe will have everyone—vegan or not—coming back for more.

Now, let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Nachos:

• 1 bag of tortilla chips (or homemade chips—see instructions below)

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 medium tomato, diced

• ½ small red onion, finely chopped

• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)

• ¼ cup black olives, sliced

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 avocado, diced or mashed

• Lime wedges, for serving

For the Vegan Cheese Sauce:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)

• ½ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon turmeric (for color)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Vegan sour cream or cashew cream

• Pickled jalapeños

• Sliced green onions

• Salsa or pico de gallo

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce

1. If you haven’t soaked the cashews yet, boil them in water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and add them to a blender.

2. Add plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.

3. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting thickness with a little more milk if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Black Beans

1. In a small pan over medium heat, add the black beans along with cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Stir for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chips (Optional but Recommended!)

If using store-bought chips, skip this step. But if you want fresh, crispy chips:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut small corn tortillas into triangles, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and spread them on a baking sheet.

3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Step 4: Assemble the Nachos

1. Spread the tortilla chips on a large serving platter or baking sheet.

2. Drizzle a generous amount of the vegan cheese sauce over the chips.

3. Evenly distribute the seasoned black beans on top.

4. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, sliced jalapeños, and black olives.

5. Top with avocado chunks or mashed avocado.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the nachos for a burst of flavor.

2. Add a squeeze of lime juice for freshness.

3. Serve with extra vegan cheese sauce, salsa, or vegan sour cream on the side.

Customizing Your Vegan Nachos

Nachos are all about the toppings!

Here are a few fun variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeños or drizzle with sriracha.

• Protein Boost: Swap black beans for seasoned lentils or vegan taco meat.

• Crunch Factor: Add roasted corn or crushed tortilla chips on top.

• Sweet & Savory: Try adding mango salsa for a tropical twist.

Final Thoughts

These vegan nachos prove that plant-based eating is anything but boring. They’re loaded with flavor, texture, and all the cheesy goodness—without any dairy!

Whether you’re making them for a party or just a solo snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Dig in and enjoy! 🌱👇💖👇🌮