Spicy Sweet Potato Nachos

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Looking for a fresh twist on nachos? These Spicy Sweet Potato Nachos blend the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a spicy kick, making them perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. They're colorful, flavorful, and a delightful change from the usual fare.

Ingredients for Spicy Sweet Potato Nachos

Sweet potatoes serve as a hearty base, offering a slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with spices. The drizzle of olive oil helps them crisp up while baking. Smoked paprika and salt add a warm, smoky layer to the sweet potatoes.

Black beans introduce protein and a creamy texture, enhanced by a touch of cayenne pepper and cumin for heat and earthiness. Cheddar cheese adds an indulgent gooeyness that ties all the flavors together.

Avocado provides a cooling contrast with its creamy texture, while sour cream and fresh cilantro add freshness and tang. Lime wedges are the finishing touch, offering a zesty burst to brighten up each bite.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispiness, pat the sweet potato slices dry with a paper towel before tossing them in oil and spices.
  • Want more heat? Add extra cayenne pepper or try a sliced jalapeño as a topping.
  • If you’re short on time, canned refried black beans can be a quick substitute.

Serving Suggestions

These nachos are great on their own, but if you're serving a crowd, consider pairing them with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. A cold beer or a tangy margarita will complement the flavors beautifully. They also make a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or beef tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the sweet potatoes and beans in advance, but it's best to add toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika works fine, but you might miss out on some of that rich smoky flavor. A dash of liquid smoke can be a good substitute.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Spicy Sweet Potato Nachos Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While that's heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Slice your sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds—this thickness is key to getting a nice balance of crispy and tender. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt until well coated.

Lay the sweet potato slices in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and set a timer for 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want them crispy around the edges but still soft in the center.

While the sweet potatoes are baking, grab a small saucepan and combine the black beans with cayenne pepper and cumin over medium heat. Warm them through, stirring occasionally to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.

Once the sweet potatoes are done, pull them out of the oven. Top each slice with a spoonful of the spiced black beans and a sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese. Pop the tray back in the oven for about 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.

Now for the fun part: toppings! Dice up your avocado and scatter it over the nachos, followed by dollops of sour cream and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top just before you dig in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A healthier spin on classic nachos with sweet potatoes instead of chips.
  • Perfectly balanced with spice, creaminess, and freshness in each bite.
  • Quick to prepare and easily customizable to suit your taste.
  • Loaded with fiber and nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds and toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt.
3. Arrange sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. In a small saucepan, combine black beans, cayenne pepper, and cumin over medium heat until warmed through.
5. Once sweet potatoes are baked, remove from oven and top with black beans and shredded cheese.
6. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
7. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

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