Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This dish combines crispy baked sweet potato rounds with warm black beans seasoned with cumin and chili powder. A creamy cashew queso, blended from soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices, adds richness without dairy. Topped with fresh avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and optional jalapeño, it offers a colorful, flavorful experience. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light main, it balances smoky, spicy, and fresh elements in every bite.

Updated on Wed, 18 Feb 2026 01:13:12 GMT
Colorful vegan sweet potato nachos piled high with black beans and drizzled with creamy cashew queso for a satisfying, dairy-free appetizer. Save
Colorful vegan sweet potato nachos piled high with black beans and drizzled with creamy cashew queso for a satisfying, dairy-free appetizer. | ovenharmony.com

These Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos with Black Beans and Cashew Queso offer a vibrant, nutrient-dense twist on a classic comfort food. By swapping traditional corn chips for crispy baked sweet potato rounds, this dish provides a satisfying crunch alongside a wealth of vitamins. It is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a light, wholesome meal that fits seamlessly into vegan and gluten-free lifestyles.

Colorful vegan sweet potato nachos piled high with black beans and drizzled with creamy cashew queso for a satisfying, dairy-free appetizer. Save
Colorful vegan sweet potato nachos piled high with black beans and drizzled with creamy cashew queso for a satisfying, dairy-free appetizer. | ovenharmony.com

The combination of warm, seasoned black beans and fresh vegetables creates a beautiful contrast of textures and temperatures. Every bite is elevated by the zesty cashew-based sauce, making it hard to believe this dish is entirely dairy-free. It is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it a standout at any gathering.

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potato Base: 2 large sweet potatoes (scrubbed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Black Beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans (drained and rinsed), 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, pinch of salt
  • Cashew Queso: 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes then drained), 1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional, for color), 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Toppings: 1 small avocado (diced), 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered), 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced, optional), lime wedges (for serving)
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3
Bake the sweet potatoes for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp around the edges.
Step 4
While the sweet potatoes bake, combine the black beans, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5
For the cashew queso, blend soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, turmeric (if using), and smoked paprika in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and creamy. Add more water for a thinner consistency if desired.
Step 6
Arrange baked sweet potato rounds on a platter. Top evenly with warm black beans, drizzle generously with cashew queso, and add avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
Step 7
Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the sweet potatoes become crispy rather than soggy, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary to keep them in a single layer. If you prefer a thinner queso, simply add an extra tablespoon of water at a time while blending until you reach your preferred consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor and texture, consider adding corn, pickled red onions, or shredded lettuce. If you enjoy a spicier dish, use chipotle powder or add hot sauce to the beans. For those with nut allergies, you can substitute sunflower seeds for cashews and adjust the liquid as needed to achieve a creamy sauce.

Serviervorschläge

These nachos are best enjoyed immediately while the sweet potatoes are at their crispiest. Serve them on a large communal platter with extra lime wedges on the side, allowing guests to add a fresh burst of citrus to their portion as they eat.

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This vibrant dish is a testament to how flavorful plant-based eating can be. With 10g of protein and 385 calories per serving, these Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos are a nourishing option that doesn't compromise on the bold Tex-Mex flavors you love.

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Recipe FAQ

How do I ensure the sweet potato rounds get crispy?

Slice the sweet potatoes evenly (about 1/4-inch thick), toss them well with olive oil and spices, and bake them spaced apart on parchment until golden and crisp, flipping halfway through.

Can I prepare the cashew queso in advance?

Yes, cashew queso can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Stir well before serving and add water for desired consistency.

What can I use if I'm allergic to cashews?

Sunflower seeds make a suitable substitute—soak and blend them similarly, adjusting liquids to achieve a creamy texture.

How do I add more heat to the dish?

Incorporate chipotle powder into the black beans or sprinkle hot sauce over the toppings for an extra spicy kick.

Are there gluten-containing ingredients in this dish?

This dish is naturally gluten-free, focusing on whole ingredients like sweet potatoes, beans, and nuts without any gluten additives.

What tools do I need to prepare this dish?

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan for warming beans, a blender for the cashew queso, and basic cutting tools are all required.

Vegan Sweet Potato Nachos

Baked sweet potatoes with black beans, fresh vegetables, and creamy cashew queso in a vibrant Tex-Mex style.

Prep duration
25 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Vegetarian Picks

Complexity Easy

Heritage Tex-Mex

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-based, No dairy, Without gluten

Components

Sweet Potato Base

01 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Black Beans

01 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
03 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
04 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
05 Pinch of salt

Cashew Queso

01 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes then drained
02 1/2 cup water
03 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
04 2 tablespoons lemon juice
05 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, optional for color
10 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Toppings

01 1 small avocado, diced
02 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
03 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
04 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
05 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, optional
06 Lime wedges for serving

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Station: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Season Sweet Potato Rounds: In a large bowl, toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Phase 03

Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until golden and crisp around the edges.

Phase 04

Warm Black Beans: While sweet potatoes bake, combine drained black beans, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Phase 05

Blend Cashew Queso: In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, turmeric if using, and smoked paprika. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Add additional water if a thinner consistency is desired.

Phase 06

Assemble Nachos: Arrange baked sweet potato rounds on a serving platter. Top evenly with warm black beans and drizzle generously with cashew queso. Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño slices.

Phase 07

Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the nachos.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • High-speed blender or food processor
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains tree nuts (cashews)
  • Gluten-free and dairy-free formulation
  • Always verify all product labels to confirm absence of unwanted allergens

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 385
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 51 g
  • Proteins: 10 g