Sweet Potato Nachos offer a delightful twist on a classic, beginning with perfectly seasoned, oven-roasted sweet potato fries. These golden-crisp fries serve as the ideal base, generously topped with fresh corn, hearty black beans, and a generous layer of melted cheese. A drizzle of our signature chili-lime sauce elevates every bite, making this dish an irresistible choice for any occasion. Bake your fries to perfection, add your favorite toppings, and prepare to savor a truly exceptional meal!

Sweet Potato Nachos: A Vegetarian Delight for Any Occasion

Nachos have always been a staple in our household for quick, satisfying meals. They are incredibly versatile and universally loved. Today, we’re embarking on a delicious journey to redefine what you know about nachos, swapping traditional tortilla chips for a base of crispy, perfectly seasoned sweet potato fries. While I’ll always have a soft spot for classic tortilla chips, this sweet potato rendition is a game-changer – a total home run that might just convince you to never look back!

These Sweet Potato Nachos aren’t just a tasty treat; they are designed to be a filling and satiating meal. We pack them with plenty of plant-based protein by incorporating an entire can of black beans, ensuring a substantial dish that fuels you up. While they certainly shine as an appetizer, especially for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers, they are robust enough to serve as a fantastic, wholesome dinner. And let’s be honest, what kid (or adult!) would ever argue with nachos for dinner? This recipe proves that comfort food can also be nutritious and incredibly simple to prepare, making it a win-win for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sweet Potato Nachos

Crafting exceptional sweet potato nachos starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some tips for each component:

• Alexia® Crinkle Cut Sweet Potato Fries: If you haven’t yet experienced these, prepare for a delightful culinary discovery! Alexia fries are renowned for their incredible flavor, achieving a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior. Their pre-seasoned quality makes them our top choice for the ultimate sweet potato nacho base, simplifying your prep without compromising on taste. To find them, check their store locator here. While we adore the crinkle-cut variety, Alexia’s sea salt sweet potato fries or waffle-cut sweet potato fries also work wonderfully. If store-bought options aren’t available, you can easily make a double batch of homemade roasted sweet potatoes or even use them to create a unique base like these deconstructed beef totchos.

• Black Beans: This is where the plant-based protein truly shines, making these nachos hearty and satisfying. Preparation is incredibly straightforward: simply drain and rinse an entire can of black beans thoroughly. The key is to then dry the beans completely. Excess moisture can lead to soggy sweet potato fries and dilute the overall flavor of your nachos, so pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the pan.

• Corn: Whether you opt for frozen or canned corn, both are excellent choices and contribute a lovely burst of sweetness and texture. For an extra layer of crunch and fresh flavor, you can even use raw sweet corn cut straight off the cob. Regardless of the type, remember the golden rule: ensure the corn is thoroughly dried after rinsing (if canned) or thawing (if frozen) to prevent any unwanted moisture from making your sweet potato fries less crispy.

• Colby Jack Cheese: For this particular recipe, emphasizing speed and ease, we recommend using pre-shredded Colby Jack cheese. While grating your own cheese often yields a superior melt, the convenience of pre-shredded varieties aligns perfectly with the quick preparation ethos of these nachos. Colby Jack offers a fantastic mild and creamy melt, but other great alternatives include sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor, or a Monterey Jack blend for a milder profile.

• Optional: Cotija Cheese: To add an authentic Mexican touch and a salty, crumbly texture, consider a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. This specialty cheese is typically found near other gourmet cheeses in your grocery store. An excellent and more readily available alternative is queso fresco, which can usually be found near mozzarella and refrigerated tortillas. Keep in mind that Cotija is significantly saltier than queso fresco, so adjust the quantity accordingly to prevent over-salting your nachos. This cheese is entirely optional but offers a wonderful complementary flavor if you happen to have some on hand.

Irresistible Toppings and the Signature Chili-Lime Sauce

To complement the simplicity and vibrant flavors of the sweet potato base, we keep the toppings fresh and minimal. Our top recommendations include a perfectly ripe, creamy diced avocado (or a scoop of your favorite guacamole) and a generous drizzle of our incredibly quick and zesty chili-lime sauce. A light sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a beautiful pop of color and herbaceous freshness, though it’s not strictly essential if you’re not a fan.

Crafting the Easy Chili-Lime Sauce

This sauce is the secret weapon that brings all the flavors together, and the best part is how effortlessly it comes together. While your sweet potato nachos are baking to cheesy perfection, you’ll have ample time to whisk together a few simple ingredients, and the sauce will be ready to go. No fancy equipment like a blender is needed – just a bowl and a whisk! Here are a few quick tips for perfecting your chili-lime sauce:

• We highly recommend using Hellman’s/Best Foods® mayonnaise as the base for this sauce. It delivers a robust, savory flavor that isn’t overly sweet, providing the perfect creamy backdrop. For the richest flavor and ideal thickness to cling beautifully to your Sweet Potato Nachos, opt for a full-fat mayonnaise.

• When it comes to spiciness, this dressing is designed to have a very mild, pleasant warmth. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce or entirely omit the hot sauce. Using McCormick® seasonings can also help keep the heat in check, as we find them generally very mild. Just remember that significantly reducing or omitting the spice might slightly diminish the overall vibrant flavor profile of the sauce.

  • Alternatively, if you’re a spice enthusiast looking to amp up the heat, a small addition of 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper will give it an extra kick.

• The sauce calls for both fresh lime juice and zest. If you frequently incorporate citrus into your cooking and baking, investing in a good citrus juicer and a reliable microplane zester will prove invaluable for extracting maximum flavor and efficiency.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Sweet Potato Nachos

Achieving restaurant-quality nachos at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for crispy sweet potato fries. If your fries are too close together or, worse, overlapping on the baking sheet, they won’t roast properly. Instead, they will steam, resulting in a soggy, unappetizing base. To ensure every fry achieves maximum crispness, I highly recommend using an extra-large sheet pan (approximately 15 x 21 inches) or, if you don’t have one, dividing the fries between two standard large sheet pans. These15x21 inch pans are my go-to for recipes like these Sweet Potato Nachos.

• Serve Immediately for Best Texture: Unlike some dishes that improve with time, nachos are best enjoyed right out of the oven. The delicate crispness of the sweet potato fries can quickly diminish if left to sit, especially once toppings are added. To prevent sogginess and ensure a delightful texture with every bite, make sure all your desired toppings – avocado, cilantro, and the chili-lime sauce – are prepped and ready to go before you even pull the nachos from the oven. As soon as the cheese is bubbly and melted, remove the pan, quickly add your toppings, and dig in without delay! If you’re concerned about leftovers or serving a smaller crowd, consider halving the recipe to ensure every portion is enjoyed at its freshest.

Explore More Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and flavor of sweet potatoes through this nacho recipe, you’ll be thrilled to discover other exciting ways to incorporate them into your cooking:

• Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with savory taco-seasoned meat for a wholesome meal.
• Sweet Potato Coconut Curry Soup featuring chickpeas for a comforting and aromatic dish.
• Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with a zesty lemon-balsamic dressing, perfect for a light lunch.
• Sweet Potato Enchiladas with black beans, a flavorful vegetarian twist on a Mexican favorite.
• Sweet Potato Curry with spinach, a vibrant and nutritious one-pot wonder.

Sweet Potato Nachos Recipe

By Chelsea Lords

Sweet Potato Nachos are a delicious fusion, starting with perfectly seasoned, roasted sweet potato fries generously piled with crisp corn, savory black beans, and melted cheese, all finished with a tantalizing drizzle of chili-lime sauce. Customize with your favorite toppings and savor every bite!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Recipe Video

Watch how to make these incredible Sweet Potato Nachos! (Video placeholder)

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″) or two standard large sheet pans

Ingredients

Nachos

• Cooking spray
• 2 (20-ounce) bags crinkle-cut and seasoned sweet potato fries (see Note 1 below for alternatives)
• 1-1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed and thoroughly dried
• 1 (15.25-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed thoroughly
• 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 large ripe avocado, diced (optional, for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for topping)
• Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional, for topping)

Chili-Lime Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayo (regular, full-fat recommended)
• 1 large lime (for 1/4 teaspoon zest and 1-1/2 tablespoons juice)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Sweet Potato Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease an extra-large, 15×21-inch sheet pan (or use two smaller sheet pans) with cooking spray. Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer, ensuring generous space between them so they can crisp up nicely. Bake according to package directions, typically for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time for even crisping.

2. Add Toppings and Bake: Once the fries are baked to a golden crisp, gather them closely together on the sheet pan. Evenly sprinkle the drained and dried black beans, then the dried corn, followed by the shredded Colby Jack cheese over all the fries. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.

3. Make the Chili-Lime Sauce: While the nachos are in their final bake, zest and juice your large lime to yield about 1/4 teaspoon of zest and 1-1/2 tablespoons of juice. In a small bowl, combine the lime zest, lime juice, mayo, chili powder, paprika, and Sriracha (or hot sauce). Using a whisk, briskly whisk all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper; I typically add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Set aside until serving.

4. Serve Immediately: As soon as the cheesy nachos are ready, remove them from the oven. Top immediately with your desired fresh toppings. We love a generous amount of diced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a light crumble of Cotija cheese (if using), and a liberal drizzle of the prepared chili-lime sauce. Serve and enjoy these irresistible Sweet Potato Nachos right away!

Recipe Notes

• Note 1 on Fries: We highly recommend Alexia Crinkle Cut Sweet Potato Fries for their flavor and crispness. Check their store locator for availability. If unavailable, you can roast your own sweet potatoes or use other frozen sweet potato fry varieties.

• Pan Overcrowding: Remember, overcrowding the pan leads to steaming, not roasting. If your fries are too close or overlapping, they will be soggy. Use two sheet pans if necessary to ensure a single, even layer for optimal crispiness.

• Storage: Nachos are best enjoyed fresh. Toppings and sauce should be ready before removing nachos from the oven. Once the cheese melts, top quickly and serve immediately to avoid soggy fries. If you anticipate leftovers or are serving fewer people, consider halving the recipe.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Per serving:

• Serving: 1 serving
• Calories: 1209 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 119g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 70g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 32g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 59mg
• Sodium: 1894mg
• Potassium: 1743mg
• Fiber: 23g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 479 IU
• Vitamin C: 21mg
• Calcium: 427mg
• Iron: 7mg

Note: This nutrition information is automatically generated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

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