Loaded Cauliflower Nachos with Cheese and Jalapeños

Deliciously cheesy Cauliflower Nachos — a healthy, gluten-free, vegetarian twist on a classic. These low‑carb nachos are simple to make and packed with flavor, clocking in at just 9g total carbs (about 6g net carbs) per serving — perfect for keto and low‑carb diets.

This post is sponsored by Cabot.

I love turning favorite comfort foods into lighter, vegetable-forward versions that still satisfy the craving. These cauliflower nachos swap traditional tortilla chips for roasted cauliflower “chips,” but keep the essential elements: spice, texture, and lots of melty cheese. They’re easy to assemble, ideal for game day, weeknight dinners, or serving a crowd as a low‑carb appetizer.

To make the nachos, cauliflower slices are tossed in olive oil and taco seasoning, roasted until tender and slightly crisp, then topped with sliced red onion, jalapeño, and plenty of shredded Pepper Jack cheese. A quick return to the oven melts the cheese into gooey perfection. Finish with bright, fresh toppings like diced avocado, pico de gallo, cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce for a balanced plate of heat, creaminess, and freshness.

Instructions

1. Create cauliflower chips. Remove the stems from two heads of cauliflower. Cut each head in half through the middle, place flat‑side down, and slice into 1/4‑inch rounds. The slices will naturally break into irregular “chips.” Trim any large pieces to create bite‑sized chips.
2. Roast the cauliflower. Arrange the cauliflower chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil and sprinkle 2 tablespoons taco seasoning evenly over the top. Toss to coat, then roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned and the centers are tender.
3. Assemble and melt the cheese. Remove the pan from the oven and top the roasted cauliflower with thinly sliced red onions and jalapeños. Sprinkle about 8 ounces (roughly 3 cups grated) Pepper Jack cheese evenly over the nachos. Return to the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
4. Finish with toppings. After baking, add fresh toppings of your choice — diced avocado, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce are all excellent options. Serve immediately while hot.

What toppings can I add?

• Black beans — add a drained, rinsed can with the onions and jalapeños for extra protein and texture. Note: beans increase the carb count if you’re keeping it low‑carb.
• Sour cream — an easy alternative to the chipotle sauce if you prefer a milder finish.
• Salsa — pineapple salsa, tomatillo salsa, chipotle or corn salsa all pair well and add bright acidity.
• More vegetables — roasted red peppers, corn kernels, or shredded lettuce add color and crunch.
• Protein add‑ins — seasoned ground turkey, chicken, or beef, or pulled pork, can be layered on before the cheese for a heartier meal.

Frequently asked questions

• How many calories are in cauliflower nachos? The recipe serves six and contains approximately 263 calories per serving (without optional toppings).
• Can I add meat to the nachos? Yes. While the cauliflower is roasting, cook 1 lb ground turkey, beef, or chicken in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Once cooked through, stir in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water or chicken broth and simmer 3–5 minutes. Spread the cooked meat onto the cauliflower before adding onions, jalapeños, and cheese, then bake 10 minutes to melt.
• Are these nachos keto friendly? Yes. They contain about 9g total carbohydrates per serving and approximately 6g net carbs, making them suitable for many low‑carb and ketogenic diets. Keep in mind optional toppings like beans or sweet salsas will raise the carb count.

More cheesy recipes to try

For other crowd‑pleasing dishes that highlight bold Cabot cheeses, try these ideas:

• Buffalo Crock Pot Mac and Cheese with Hot Habanero cheese
• Cheesy Baked Taco Dip with Fiery Jack cheese
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls with Sharp Cheddar
• Cheesy Mushroom and Spinach Puff Pastry with Garlic Herb Cheddar
• Buffalo Cheddar Biscuits with Alpine Cheddar
• Grilled Cheesy Potatoes with Seriously Sharp Cheddar