Loaded Vegan Nachos Recipe

Name: Loaded Vegan Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces tortilla chips (, I use my homemade recipe); 1 ½ cups homemade vegan nacho cheese ((or buy store bought cheese, shredded works too)); 1 cup black beans ((pinto beans work too)); 1 cup chopped red onion; ½ cup pickled jalapeño slices; 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1 cup guacamole; 1 cup salsa; 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup sliced fresh jalapeños

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These vegan nachos are covered in nacho cheese and loaded with amazing ingredients for the ultimate result. You'll never miss the dairy!

It's amazing how incredible these vegan nachos taste. The nacho cheese sauce base is made with veggies for a creamy cheese you won't believe!

Fully loaded nachos on a tan plate resting on a striped napkin.

This post was originally published on October 3, 2019.

The vegan nacho cheese sauce used on these nachos is unreal! We love layering toppings like homemade guacamole, vegan sour cream and fresh salsa over the top for the perfect appetizer, snack or even main dish!

Nachos Ingredients

This vegan nachos recipe is the perfect family dinner. Not only can you load them up with healthy ingredients but each person can customize them to what they like. No complaints, no whining. A full on win!

Note that these are just a few ideas to start with, see below for more options!

Ingredients for nachos in bowls on a wooden tray.

How to Make Vegan Nachos

The steps are pretty basic, and will change depending on what you choose to make or buy and if you are making a big batch or individual servings.

To make one big batch of veggie loaded nachos in the oven:

Arrange the chips on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
Drizzle the cheese evenly over the top.
Next add the beans, red onion and pickled jalapeños.
Bake until the cheese sauce is hot. (Or the shredded cheese is melted if using.)
Carefully remove from the oven and pile on the other toppings.

A plate piled with tortilla chips, lettuce and cheese sauce

A plate with tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, cheese sauce and black beans

To make individual servings or skip the oven here's what to do:

Warm up the nacho cheese sauce and beans separately in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.
Divide the chips between individual plates.
Build by putting on the cheese and beans first, then add all of the other toppings.

Serving Suggestions

We love to make a vegan nachos bar and have everyone create their own. Here are my favorite ways to make sure everyone is happy, but also piling their plate with healthy things:

Put everything you want to offer in bowls
Have categories: veggies, protein, grains, spice
Establish rules, like you must take 3 from the veggie category, 1 from the protein, etc
Allow even the littles to create their own.
Include toppings to encompass all types of eaters and allergies.

More Nacho Topping Suggestions

The ingredients for this vegan nachos recipe listed above are our go to toppings, but you really can put anything on nachos. I like to pile them on with anything and everything. Here are some more of our favorites:

Bean dip
Vegan taco meat
Vegan chorizo sausage
Fajita Veggies
Salsa Verde
Corn salsa or corn
Pinto beans or lentils
Diced avocado
Grilled onions
Green onions
Chopped peppers
Olives
Rice or quinoa

Hand picking up a nacho chip piled with cheese, beans and other ingredients.

Preparation Tips

If you're making any of the homemade options you can prepare them in advance.
- Just store them separately in airtight containers.
- When it's time to serve, heat up the hot toppings and you're done!
You can build the nachos on individual plates, or prepare them on one big baking sheet or platter.
If using a sheet pan, line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze!
Make sure every chip gets a topping by assembling them in layers! Spread out some chips, top with the cheese sauce and toppings of choice, then repeat with more chips and toppings!

Tips to make nachos easier

While nachos themselves are pretty easy to put together, there are still ways you can cut corners to make them even easier. The end result may not be as healthy but sometimes it's okay to focus on low effort.

Here are some things you can buy prepared when you are really strapped for time:

Cheese
Chips
Salsa
Guacamole
Beans and bean dips
Sour cream
Taco meat or soyrizo
Pre cut or chopped veggies

Common Questions

What makes a nacho a nacho?

Nachos were originally created by a man feeding a group of military women. He served them tortilla chips covered with cheddar cheese and slices of jalapeños. Since his nickname was "Nacho" that is what they named this appetizer. Nachos though have come to be customizable from person to person, which is why they make a great DIY dinner. There are so many things you can add on top, and so many variations.

Are tortilla chips vegan?

Yes! As long as they aren't made with animal ingredients. They can even be healthy when you make them at home, like my homemade oil-free baked corn tortilla chips.

What is vegan nacho cheese made of?

Each recipe varies, but my nacho cheese sauce is made with potato, veggies, cashews, dairy free milk, and jalapeños.

Are there different kinds of nachos?

Yes! Nachos variations are everywhere, from savory to sweet and indulgent to healthy. Here are some varieties and ideas:
Greek nachos
Potato chip nachos
Apple nachos
Tater tot nachos
French fry nachos
Churro chips nachos
Breakfast nachos

More Vegan Mexican Recipes

If your family loves Mexican food as much as we do, you must try these plant based recipes!