Description
Loaded Sweet Potato Nacho Boats are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional nachos, featuring roasted sweet potato halves filled with a spiced black bean mixture, melted cheese, and topped with fresh salsa, jalapeños, and cilantro. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a vegetarian main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Filling
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- ½ red onion, diced
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise and brush the cut sides evenly with olive oil to enhance roasting and flavor.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30–45 minutes until they are tender and caramelized around the edges, indicating they are perfectly cooked through.
- Scoop Sweet Potato Flesh: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and carefully scoop out some of the flesh, leaving about a 1 cm border around the edges to maintain their boat shape for filling.
- Prepare Black Bean Filling: In a skillet, warm the rinsed and drained black beans along with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring occasionally for 3–5 minutes until heated and spices are well combined.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon the spiced black bean mixture evenly into the sweet potato boats, then sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove the sweet potato boats from the oven and top them with salsa or pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges to garnish. Serve warm for a flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or chickpeas for variety.
- Use your preferred type of cheese; pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick.
- For a vegan option, omit cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice tolerance.
- Sweet potato boats can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven.
