Vegetarian Nachos! Picture this: rich, savoury mushrooms sautéed with a tantalising blend of spices, all layered over crunchy tortilla chips and crowned with melted cheddar cheese. These nachos aren’t just a twist on the classic – they take it to an entirely new level of deliciousness. Perfect for any occasion when you’re craving a unique and mouthwatering appetiser, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Plus, as a fantastic vegetarian alternative, it’s hearty and satisfying enough to please even the most devoted meat-lovers. Get ready to indulge in a snack that’s as flavourful as it is irresistible!
Origin of Nachos
As the story goes, nachos originated in 1943 in Piedras Negras, Mexico, when Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya improvised a snack for a group of American military wives. Using just tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños, he created what he called “Nacho’s Special.” This simple yet flavourful dish quickly gained popularity and crossed borders, eventually becoming a beloved snack in the United States and beyond. This version of honours this classic by introducing a vegetarian twist with savoury, spiced mushrooms inspired by global flavours.
What Makes This Vegetarian Nachos Recipe Special
This loaded vegetarian nachos recipe stand out for it’s rich, umami flavour and vibrant toppings. The combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms offers a meaty texture, making this dish a satisfying vegetarian option. The spice blend adds a smoky, spicy kick, perfectly balanced by fresh garnishes like tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions.
Main Ingredients for this Vegetarian Nachos Recipe (with Tips):
- Cremini and Shiitake Mushrooms: Fresh, firm mushrooms provide the best texture, offering a meaty bite that’s satisfying enough for meat-lovers.
- Yellow Onions and Garlic: Finely chopped onions and minced garlic create a flavourful base that enhances the savoury profile of the dish.
- Tomato Paste: Together with a splash of water, it helps create a rich, saucy consistency while adding a touch more umami flavour to the mushrooms.
- Spices: A robust spice blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano brings depth and complexity to the nachos. Chili powder adds heat, cumin provides earthiness, smoked paprika offers a subtle smokiness, and oregano adds a hint of Mediterranean flavour.
- Tortilla Chips: Choose crisp, natural corn tortilla chips over flavoured ones to ensure they hold up under the toppings and complement the overall taste without overpowering it.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts better and offers a creamy finish, enhancing the nachos’ richness.
- Toppings: Include jarred jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and green onions for added freshness and a burst of color. Optional extras like sour cream and salsa can provide additional layers of flavour.
Why Mushrooms Make a Great Alternative to Taco Meat
Mushrooms are a fantastic swap for taco meat, bringing several delicious and practical benefits to the table. Here’s why you should consider them:
- Umami Flavour: Mushrooms offer a rich, savoury taste that rivals the depth of meat, making them a flavourful addition to any dish.
- Meaty Texture: With their firm and chewy texture, mushrooms can mimic the satisfying bite of ground beef, creating a hearty feel in tacos.
- Nutritional Benefits: Low in calories yet high in essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre, mushrooms are a nutritious choice that supports a healthy diet.
- Versatility: Known for their ability to absorb flavours, mushrooms adapt well to various seasonings and cuisines, perfect for spicing up your favourite dishes.
- Eco-Friendly: Opting for mushrooms over meat reduces your carbon footprint and resource usage, making them a more sustainable food choice.
- Easy Prep: Quick to cook and incredibly versatile, mushrooms are ideal for busy nights when you need a fast, wholesome meal.
How to Make this Vegetarian Nachos Recipe
- Prep and Sauté: Sauté onions in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant, then add garlic and cook briefly. Toss in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Mix in tomato paste, water, and spices to create a rich, savoury mushroom mixture.
- Layer it Up: Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Spoon half of the mushroom mixture over the chips and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add another layer of chips, mushrooms, and cheese.
- Bake and Finish: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with jarred jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and green onions. Serve immediately with optional sides like sour cream and salsa for an extra burst of flavour
How to Adapt this Nachos with Mushrooms Recipe:
Make it Vegan: Use vegan cheese or cashew cheese sauce instead of cheddar.
Add Protein: Incorporate black beans or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Adjust the Spice Level: Modify the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to suit your heat preference.
Use a Different Type of Cheese: Try Gouda, Emmental, Bergkäse, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavour profile.
Questions and Answers About Vegetarian Nachos (Q&A):
Absolutely! Experiment with portobello or oyster mushrooms for different textures and flavours.
Mushroom Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
Yes, you can prepare the mushroom mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat before assembling the nachos.
Get creative! Try adding avocado, corn kernels, black olives, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavour.
Consider serving with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and pico de gallo for fresh, tangy flavours. Refried beans and rice provide a hearty balance, while grilled vegetables offer savoury accompaniments. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad with a citrus dressing works well. Adding grilled chicken, beef, or shrimp can also turn your nachos into a more substantial meal.
More Mexican Style Recipes
Craving more vibrant and flavourful dishes? Check out these delicious Mexican-inspired recipes that will add a festive touch to your table and delight your taste buds.
- Mexican-Style Stuffed Sweet Potatoes (vegan)
- Black Bean Quesadillas – Quick and Easy!
- Classic Pico de Gallo
- Easy Vegetarian Quesadillas
Loaded Vegetarian Nachos with Mushrooms & Cheese
Vegetarian Nachos are a savory twist with seasoned sautéed mushrooms, crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheddar, and fresh garnishes, making for a delightful vegetarian treat that meat lovers will enjoy too. So delish!
Ingredients
For the nachos:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 350 g cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 100 g shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced
- 2 small yellow onions, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons water
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 large bag natural tortilla chips (200 g)
- 200 g cheddar cheese, freshly grated
To garnish:
- 6-8 jarred sliced jalapeños, coarsely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Handful cilantro, leaved picked
Serving extras (optional):
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
Method
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Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C (180°C fan-assisted) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (optional).
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In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
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Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown (7-8 minutes). Stir in tomato paste and water. Then add the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the mushrooms are well coated with the spices.
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Spread a layer of tortilla chips on the baking sheet. Evenly distribute half of the spiced mushroom mixture over the chips. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add another layer of tortilla chips, then the remaining mushroom mixture and the rest of the cheese.
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Transfer to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly (10 minutes).
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Remove from the oven and top with sliced jarred jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
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Serve immediately with optional sides of sour cream and salsa. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pre-Mix Your Spices: Simplify your cooking by pre-mixing the spices. Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano in advance. Store the blend in an airtight container so it’s ready to go when you are. This ensures even seasoning and saves time during meal prep, making your Mushroom Nachos even easier to whip up!
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