Super Bowl Appetizer Baked Veggie Nachos

Name: Super Bowl Appetizer Baked Veggie Nachos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients: 1 bag tortilla chips; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Sour cream and salsa, for serving

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love hosting friends for the Super Bowl, and these Baked Veggie Nachos have become a go-to recipe for me. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, savory roasted vegetables, and gooey melted cheese makes for a winning appetizer that everyone enjoys. What I appreciate most is how easy they are to customize based on what I have in the fridge, ensuring that every batch is unique. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute preparations!

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:37:14.704Z

When I first made these Baked Veggie Nachos, I was amazed at how quickly they came together and how satisfying they were. I decided to roast bell peppers, zucchini, and onions to bring out their natural sweetness. Adding a bit of cumin and chili powder truly elevates the flavor and gives it a slight kick. The key is to layer the chips and toppings strategically to ensure every bite is full of flavor!

Over the years, I've experimented with various toppings—from black beans to jalapeños—adding both texture and variety. One of my favorite tricks is to sprinkle fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. It brings a bright finish that contrast the richness of the cheese and other ingredients beautifully!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Loaded with vibrant vegetables for a fresh bite
Cheesy goodness that satisfies any snack craving
Quick and easy to customize based on your preferences

      

Veggie Variations

One of the best aspects of these Baked Veggie Nachos is the versatility of the vegetables. While this recipe calls for red and green bell peppers and zucchini, you can easily mix it up based on your preferences or what’s in season. Try adding diced mushrooms for an earthy flavor, corn for a bit of sweetness, or even jalapeños if you want some heat. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed; softer veggies may need a shorter roasting time.

Incorporating seasonal vegetables can also elevate the flavor and nutrition of your nachos. For instance, in the summer, fresh tomatoes and corn can add a refreshing touch. In the fall, substituting butternut squash could complement the cheesy toppings with its natural sweetness. Don’t be afraid to experiment; nachos are a great canvas to showcase your favorite vegetables or leftovers!

Cheese Choices

The cheese you choose can make a big difference in the overall taste and texture of your Baked Veggie Nachos. A sharp cheddar will provide a robust flavor, while a Mexican cheese blend can introduce a creamier texture that melts beautifully. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cheese, but be mindful that it may not melt as smoothly. I recommend shredding your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties; it melts better and has a creamier consistency without the anti-caking agents.

For a dairy-free alternative, look for plant-based cheese that melts well, as they often contain ingredients that help reproduce the gooey texture of traditional cheese. Nut-based cheese alternatives can contribute a different flavor profile, so consider pairing them with complementary seasonings in your veggies to balance the dish.

Make-Ahead & Serving Suggestions

If you're planning to serve these Baked Veggie Nachos at a gathering, you can prepare the vegetable mixture ahead of time. Simply roast the veggies earlier in the day, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and then assemble your nachos right before baking. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious end result. Just ensure to let the veggie mixture come to room temperature before assembling to maintain even cooking when baked.

For serving, consider a nacho bar setup, where guests can top their servings with sour cream, salsa, sliced avocado, or even guacamole. This way, everyone can customize their nachos to their liking! Don't forget to sprinkle additional fresh cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness; it adds an aromatic touch that elevates the entire dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious nachos:

Ingredients

1 bag tortilla chips
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Sour cream and salsa, for serving

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to assemble your nachos!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Baked Veggie Nachos:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Vegetables

In a mixing bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, zucchini, onion, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Roast the Vegetables

Spread the vegetable mixture on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until tender.

Assemble the Nachos

On a large baking dish, layer half of the tortilla chips, followed by half of the roasted vegetables, a layer of black beans, and half the cheese. Repeat the layers.

Bake the Nachos

Place the assembled nachos in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Enjoy your delicious nachos while watching the game!

Pro Tips

Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings, like diced avocado or jalapeños, to personalize your nachos even further!

Troubleshooting

If your nachos become soggy, it’s usually because of excess moisture from the vegetables. To avoid this, ensure that you’re roasting your veggies until all the liquid has evaporated; a good visual cue is a glossy appearance without drips. You can also drain your canned black beans thoroughly before adding them to the layers to minimize additional moisture.

Another common issue is uneven melting of the cheese. To solve this, try using cheese that melts well and spreading it evenly across all layers of the nachos. Additionally, placing a piece of aluminum foil over the nachos for the first few minutes of baking can help trap heat and distribute it more evenly until the cheese starts to melt.

Scaling Up

Preparing these nachos for a larger gathering? You can easily scale up the recipe by using multiple baking sheets. Just keep your layers consistent to allow for even cooking. If you find yourself making several trays, consider rotating them in the oven halfway through cooking to ensure everything is baked evenly, especially if your oven has hot spots.

To maintain a crispy texture as you scale up, avoid overlapping the nacho layers too much. If you're using multiple trays in the oven, make sure to monitor the cooking time closely, as they may cook at different rates, especially if they’re on different racks.

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftover nachos, store the components separately for the best texture. Keep any uneaten chips in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness, while the vegetable and cheese layers can be refrigerated but will soften over time. When reheating, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning while the cheese melts back to gooey perfection.

For a quick reheat, you can microwave individual portions. However, this method can result in sogginess, so it’s best used in a pinch. If you microwave, heat in short bursts to ensure you don't overcook; just until the cheese is warm and melty. Consider topping them with a fresh sprinkle of cilantro post-reheat to revive some flavor!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these nachos ahead of time?

It's best to make nachos fresh, but you can prep the veggies ahead and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

→ What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses melt nicely, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

→ Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! Cooked ground beef or shredded chicken can be added for extra protein.