Loaded Vegan Nachos with Cashew Queso
When you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, make these fully loaded vegan nachos!
Nachos don't have a strict recipe, so there’s no “perfect” way to make them. Our favorite nacho toppings are: black beans, salsa, vegan cashew queso, guacamole, red onion, jalapeños, hot sauce, and cilantro. If you prefer a different combo - feel free to mix it up!
Here’s how we do it:
To Make The Vegan Cashew Queso:
Ingredients:
3/4 cup hot water (add more if necessary)
1 cup raw cashews
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 Tbsp harissa (or sub hot salsa, hot sauce, or 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce)
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy, adding more water as needed.
2. Add just enough water to achieve a creamy, pourable queso. If it gets too thin, thicken with additional raw cashews.
3. Taste and adjust the flavors as needed: adding more nutritional yeast for cheesiness, salt to taste, cumin for Mexican flavor, garlic, chili powder or harissa for heat. It should be quite flavorful.
Note: Reheat in microwave or in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add more water as needed if it thickens when reheating.
Loaded Vegan Nachos:
Ingredients:
Restaurant-style tortilla chips
1 batch Vegan Queso (see recipe)
1 can black beans (drained)
1 cup guacamole (see notes below)
1 cup chunky salsa
Hot sauce
Fresh Toppings: cilantro, sliced fresh jalapenos, chopped red onion, fresh corn, shredded cabbage and lettuces, sliced cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Prepare the Vegan Queso.
Heat up your black beans in a small saucepan and season with a little sea salt and spices: We love garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
Next, prepare your guacamole by mashing your avocado with lime juice and sea salt. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Arrange your chips on a large serving platter (or individual plates) and add toppings. Black beans first, then queso, salsa, guacamole, red onion, fresh veggie toppings, hot sauce, and cilantro. Enjoy!