You won't miss the meat in these vegetarian nachos that are made with crumbles of meaty cauliflower and walnuts combined with Mexican spices.
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Cauliflower Vegetarian Nachos
People joke about the versatility of cauliflower, but it really is a very versatile vegetable! You can mash it, puree it, rice it, roast it, make a pizza crust, and even turn it into a meat substitute. But the thing is, you have to like the taste of cauliflower.
I have unpleasant childhood memories of cauliflower. My mother would boil it to death and pour some kind some kind of white sauce on it. It took a long time for me to try cauliflower again. Now I love it! I even make white sauce for pastas and vegetables using pureed cauliflower.
These nachos really are the best vegetarian nachos! They are filling and nutritious. The cauliflower crumbles are meaty, full of fiber, and the walnuts provide protein and healthy omega 3's.
Easy Vegetarian Nachos Recipe Ingredients
It doesn't take long to whip up a batch of vegetarian nachos, here is what you need to make them.
- olive oil
- cauliflower
- chili powder
- walnuts
- ground cumin
- fresh garlic
- water
- tortilla chips
- cheese
- jalapeno peppers
- your favorite nacho garnishes such as lettuce, onions,tomatoes, guacamole, salsa
Recipe Steps To Make the Best Vegetarian Nachos
Please note that this a list of steps to give you an idea how to make this recipe. Full details are in the recipe card below.
- Wash and dry the cauliflower, and break it up into pieces
- Crumble the cauliflower by adding it to a food processor or chopping it up with a sharp knife
- Chop the walnuts until they are the same size as the cauliflower crumbles
- Cook the cauliflower, walnuts and seasonings in a skillet
- Place tortilla chips into an oven proof pan
- Top the chips with cooked cauliflower meat
- Add the jalapenos and cheese and place the nachos in the oven to bake
- Top the nachos with your favorite nacho toppings
Total Estimated Time to Make this Recipe: 25 to 35 Minutes
Vegetarian Nachos Tips and Variations
- Meal Prep Tip. Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Assemble the nachos when its time to eat for a quick meal or snack.
- For crispy chips - use a cast iron pan to heat up the nachos for best results.
- Make a meaty version of nachos - use a quarter of a head of crumbled cauliflower and ¼ pound of ground chicken or turkey breast. Brown the meat first, then add the cauliflower and spices and simmer.
- Make it vegan - heat the nachos in the oven without the cheese , just before serving pour on vegan queso or sprinkle the nachos with nutritional yeast flakes.
- Turn the Nachos into tacos. Stuff your favorite taco shell with the cauliflower meat and top with salsa, cheese and your favorite taco fillings.
📖 Recipe
Click on serving size to scale this recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ large head cauliflower - about 4 cups when shredded
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 clove chopped garlic
- 3 tablespoons water
- Low sodium organic corn tortilla chips - enough to cover the bottom of pan
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese - or more if you love cheese
- 1 jalapeno pepper sliced or diced
- salsa
- lettuce
- tomatoes
- guacamole
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 375
- break the cauliflower up into pieces and add to a food processor, process until it turns into small crumbles resembling the size of ground meat.
- add the walnuts and pulse until they are similar in size to the cauliflower
- heat the oil in a pan over medium heat
- once the oil is hot, add the cauliflower and cook until it begins to soften about 5 minutes
- add the walnuts, spices , garlic, water and stir - reduce the heat and let the nachos simmer for 10 minutes until most of the liquid absorbs
- while the mixture is simmering, line the bottom of a 10 inch cast iron pan or baking dish with tortilla chips
- pour the meat mixture into the pan and then top with sliced jalapeno peppers and cheese
- bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts and heated through
- remove from oven and top with your favorite nacho toppings
Notes
- Meal Prep Tip. Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Assemble the nachos when its time to eat for a quick meal or snack.
- For crispy chips - use a cast iron pan to heat up the nachos for best results.
- Make a meaty version of nachos - use a quarter of a head of crumbled cauliflower and ¼ pound of ground chicken or turkey breast. Brown the meat first, then add the cauliflower and spices and simmer.
- Make it vegan - heat the nachos in the oven without the cheese , just before serving pour on vegan queso or sprinkle the nachos with nutritional yeast flakes.
- Turn the Nachos into tacos. Stuff your favorite taco shell with the cauliflower meat and top with salsa, cheese and your favorite taco garnishes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used
carolinescookingblog says
This is such a fun idea!
thatskinnychickcanbake says
I love the idea of serving your nachos with loads of greens! I could easily make a meal out of these!!!
Laura Dembowski (@piesandplots) says
I seriously cannot believe these nachos are vegetarian. They totally look like meat. Kudos on this awesome recipe.
mylifecookbook says
Wow this is so creative to me! I love the walnuts in this too. Can't wait to try!
H.A.G. says
I love this meatless nacho- with walnuts is such a great idea!
David Crowley says
Fun how an accidental mixing up of foods on the plate can lead to a new dish like this!
Wendy says
Love the idea of these vegetarian nachos. Thanks.
Jolene Martinelli says
I love this idea! I've been looking for ways to eat more cauliflower.
Colleen says
Well, this does sound pretty gosh darn yummy...I really like the use of cauliflower and walnuts! Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck - Colleen
Carlee says
I love nachos of all kinds, I would love to try these!
Karen says
What a great idea! I'm pretty sure carnivores would love these too.
Eileen Kelly says
Yum! I love this recipe so much! Your vegetarian nachos are perfect for me! I love using the cauliflower in lieu of meat! A great filler and so healthy!
lk529 says
I seriously can't wait to try this!!
Cindy Kerschner says
I love, love, love walnuts. These nachos are calling my name!
Books n' Cooks (@booksncooks2) says
I can't wait to make this for my brother next time he's in town!
Jennifer A Stewart says
I have had cauliflower rice but never made it as a "meat!" I love that so much!!
Ellen says
These sound delicious. I bet the flavor and texture is amazing!
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says
I LOVE to make nachos in my skillet! These look heavenly!