Potato Nachos – Gluten Free, Vegetarian Recipe

Potato Nachos are gluten free, vegetarian and can easily be adapted for Paleo. They're also a super fun healthy party food recipe!

Potato Nachos are just plain fun. Well, any nachos are fun really, but these are also gluten free, vegetarian, grain-free and quite healthy for such a classic party food.

These nachos make a great gluten free appetizer or an easy weeknight dinner. If you need a last minute healthy New Year's appetizer, these would be perfect!

If vegetarian isn't your thing, you can easily add some ground beef to the mix. I also share paleo variations and so many more topping ideas below.

These are really fun to make with kids too. Prepare the toppings and let them sprinkle them on OR create a whole separate “kid pan” of nachos and let them choose and add their own toppings.

I hope you love this one!

 

What is the nutrition like for these potato nachos?

Who knew nachos could be healthy? This recipe will challenge your preconceptions about nachos but, I promise, they're every bit as tasty.

While I chose the toppings for their deliciousness, many of them provide some substantial nutrition as well. Here are some of the nutritional highlights:

Potatoes (Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Manganese, Antioxidants)

They get a bad rap sometimes, but the reason potatoes are considered unhealthy by some has much more to do with preparation than nutritional content. Sure french fries won't make the cut for superfoods, but neither would deep fried brussels sprouts…. Cooked in a healthy way, potatoes can be quite a nutritious side. Much of the vitamin content is in the peel, so recipes like this one that include the potato peel maximize the nutrition!

Cilantro (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, Potassium, Manganese)

Cilantro supports the health of your brain, possibly reducing the risk of Parkinson's and Alzheimers disease as well as anxiety. In addition, one of cilantro's biggest benefits is its prevention of blood sugar spikes. Finally, cilantro has antimicrobial elements and thus may help prevent food poisoning. It's worth noting that many studies on cilantro use cilantro extract, rather than the leaves.

Jalapenos (Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Folate)

Due to their capsaicin, jalapenos may help promote weight loss and boost metabolism. This is true for other types of chili peppers as well. Capsaicin may also help fight cancer and naturally reduce pain.

Avocado (Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, Potassium, Folate, Healthy Fats)

Loaded with nutrients, avocados are good for your heart, your eye health, and even your mood. Moreover, they also benefit your brain, bone density and blood sugar levels.

Green Onions (Allicin, Antioxidants, Fiber)

Also known as scallions, green onions are a good source of fiber. They also contain allicin, which scientists think may help prevent cancer growth. Like other onions, green onions are also full of antioxidants.

Black Beans (Folate, Manganese, Iron, Protein, Fiber)

Black beans are super filling and nutritious. If beans don't agree with your stomach, try soaking and cooking them yourself rather than buying canned, as soaking can aid in digestion.

Olives (Vitamin E, Iron, Calcium, Antioxidants, Healthy Fats)

The healthy fats in olives make them beneficial for heart health. Olives are also quite low carb, so great for any keto or low carb eaters. Eating olives may help reduce inflammation and support bone health.

Can I turn these into paleo nachos?

Yes!

You can absolutely transform these into paleo nachos.

First, of course, you'll want to ditch the beans. To add protein, select your favorite ground meat. Ground beef, ground bison or ground turkey would work well here. Saute with some salt and chili powder and add to the potatoes in step 9, where you would have added the beans.

You can also skip the cheese if you want to keep these strictly paleo. Add some easy guacamole (like the one in this recipe) after baking to keep that richness and add extra flavor.

Finally, make sure your salsa is paleo-friendly and has no added sugar, etc.

Do potato nachos work for meal prep?

These potato nachos came from our popular Super Fast meal plans and you can absolutely use them for meal prep.

So if you've tried chopping potatoes ahead of time, you know that you'll see some discoloration. That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you're going to bury them in toppings like in this recipe, but it is good to know.

If you like though, you can slice these and add olive oil and salt, then store. Alternatively, you can wash and dry your potatoes ahead of time so you can quickly slice them on the day you plan to serve.

Next, chop your jalapeno and green onions and store.

On the day you wish to serve, all you have to do is bake, assemble and chop the cilantro and avocado – so easy!

Give Me More Nacho Topping Ideas

Take your potato nachos to the next level by selecting a few of your favorites from these nacho topping ideas:

• Guacamole
• Shredded Chicken Verde
• Pickled Onions
• Sour Cream OR Cashew Cream (Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. Pour over 1⁄2 cup raw cashews and let soak for 20 minutes. Pour water and cashews into a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth.)
• Thinly sliced bell peppers
• Ground beef sautéed with salt & chili powder or taco seasoning
• Corn
• A squeeze of fresh lime juice
• Drizzle of chimichuri (skip the salsa if you do this)

What are some more gluten free vegetarian recipes?

While we don't offer full vegetarian meal plans at Prep Dish, we do regularly include vegetarian recipes on our Gluten Free and Super Fast menus. We also always include vegetarian substitution ideas in our customer newsletters we send out every Friday.

Here are some of my favorite gluten free vegetarian recipes that have been a hit with our subscribers as well:

Spinach Stuffed Acorn Squash: This recipe is so cozy and perfect for fall. If you want to make it in the warmer months though, simply swap bell peppers for the acorn squash or even serve the filling on its own!

Southwest Buddha Bowls: I love throwing random bowls together but when I want something a little more composed, this is my go-to. The sauce is everything!

Black Bean Chili Mac: The smoked paprika gives this recipe the best flavor. Serve the chili over pasta or over baked potatoes – both are delicious!

I Want More Gluten Free Appetizer Recipes

Even if you're not gluten free, it's a nice touch to include some gluten free appetizers if you're not sure of your guest list's dietary preferences. You could even include a small label by gluten free items or print out a menu noting which items are gluten free.

Here are some gluten free apps you might want to include in your next spread:

Spiced Popcorn: Or choose one of the other homemade popcorn mixes included in this post!

Guacamole Stuffed Mini Peppers: Guac is always popular at parties and stuffing it into mini bell peppers makes for a beautiful display.

Sweet and Savory Rosemary Pecans: Maple, fresh rosemary and a touch of cayenne give these a unique and totally addictive flavor.

FAQ – Common Questions About Potato Nachos

Why potato nachos?

Potato nachos are a healthy alternative to your standard nachos built on tortilla chips. They're also hearty, delicious, and just plain fun!

What should I put on my potato nachos?

I love the combo of black beans, avocado, shredded cheddar, black olives and salsa in this recipe. Really though, the toppings for potato nachos are so flexible! Try adding shredded chicken or corn or pickled onions. You can't go wrong!