When I first tasted AIP nachos, a burst of flavor changed my perception of this classic comfort food forever. The rich aroma of earthy spices dances in the air as they bake, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s nothing short of magical. Since embracing the Autoimmune Protocol, I often found myself yearning for familiar comforts like nachos—so I decided to create a version that fits my dietary needs without compromising on satisfaction.
Imagine crispy plantain chips piled high with savory taco meat, drizzled with a luscious dairy-free cheese sauce, and topped with fresh, zesty guacamole and vibrant cucumber-mango salsa. This dish checks all the boxes: it’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends or indulging solo as a delicious treat after a long day. More than just a guilty pleasure, these AIP nachos offer the perfect way to savor bold flavors that leave fast food in the dust. Get ready to elevate your snack game with this delightful recipe!
Why are AIP Nachos a must-try?
Flavorful layers of taste: Enjoy a delicious combination of spices, creamy cheese sauce, and fresh toppings that brings nachos to life.
Quick prep: With just an hour from start to finish, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing dish without consuming your whole day.
Nutritious twist: Made without traditional ingredients, these nachos fit perfectly into a health-conscious lifestyle while still satisfying cravings.
Customizable delight: Switch up the toppings or proteins to tailor the nachos to your taste—everyone can find their perfect bite!
Fun to share: Gather friends or family around this vibrant dish, making it a great option for game days or casual get-togethers. Enjoy these homemade AIP nachos as a fantastic alternative to fast food!
AIP Nachos Ingredients
Elevate your snack experience!
For the Chips
- Artisan Sea Salt Plantain Chips – These crispy chips provide a perfect base, free from nightshades!
- Siete Sea Salt Grain-Free Tortilla Chips – A great alternative for those craving traditional nachos while staying AIP-friendly.
For the Toppings
- Nightshade-free Guacamole – Creamy and flavorful, providing that fresh touch to your AIP nachos.
- Cucumber-Mango Salsa – This sweet and tangy salsa adds a refreshing flair that’s hard to resist.
- Cilantro – Use for garnishing and a pop of herbal freshness.
- Green onions – Sprinkle on top for added crunch and flavor.
For the Taco Meat
- Ground beef, chicken, or turkey – Choose your preferred protein for a hearty, protein-packed topping.
- Olive oil – Necessary for sautéing your seasoning and meat until perfectly cooked.
- Sea salt – Enhances all flavors and binds the spices together for a tasty punch.
- Dried oregano – Adds a hint of earthiness that’s essential for traditional flavor.
- Onion powder – A staple spice that deepens the savory notes of your dish.
- Garlic powder – Offers that aromatic boost we all love in taco seasoning.
- Ginger – Brings warmth and a slight sweetness to balance the spices.
- Cinnamon – Just a pinch adds a unique depth to the flavor profile.
- Turmeric – Not only provides a beautiful color but is also packed with health benefits.
- Lime zest – Brightens the dish with a burst of citrusy goodness.
For the Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce
- Dairy-free Cheese Sauce without Nutritional Yeast – Rich and creamy, this sauce makes your AIP nachos indulgent without the dairy!
For Garnishing
- Chopped green onion – Additional crunch and flavor to elevate your dish.
- Roughly chopped cilantro – For that extra pop of freshness, making your nachos visually appealing!
Delight in these flavorful AIP nachos that will elevate your snack time to a whole new level!
How to Make AIP Nachos
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. This ensures a perfectly crispy texture for your nachos as they bake.
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Prepare the cucumber-mango salsa. Combine diced cucumber and mango in a bowl, mixing well for a refreshing and zesty topping.
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Mash the ripe avocados for your guacamole. Add lime juice, sea salt, and cilantro, mixing until creamy and well combined.
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Mix the taco seasoning in a small bowl. Combine sea salt, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and lime zest for a delightful aromatic blend.
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Sauté the seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the taco seasoning for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add your chosen ground meat. Stir in the ground beef, chicken, or turkey, along with chopped cilantro and green onion, sautéing until fully cooked.
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Prepare the dairy-free cheese sauce. Whisk together your ingredients in a saucepan over low heat until creamy and smooth.
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Arrange the chips. Spread the artisan sea salt plantain chips or Siete tortilla chips in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
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Drizzle half of the cheese sauce over the chips. Layer with a generous amount of the AIP taco meat mixture evenly across the chips.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, and ensure they are heated through and slightly crispy.
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Top with the remaining dairy-free nacho cheese sauce. Add a glorious layer of guacamole and spoon the cucumber-mango salsa on top.
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Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions. Feel free to add any other toppings you love, making this dish truly yours!
Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with AIP Nachos?
Bring your gathering to life with sides that enhance the vibrant, bold flavors of your nachos, making every bite a delight.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful blend of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing sweetness and balances the savory flavors of the nachos.
- Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned and roasted, these add a crunchy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Zesty Cucumber Salad: Light and tangy, this salad provides a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the nachos.
- Chilled Sparkling Water: A bubbly drink option keeps the meal light, allowing the flavors of the nachos to shine without overpowering.
- Herbed Coconut Rice: The subtle creaminess and aromatic herbs in this dish beautifully contrast the crispy nacho toppings, making for a harmonious bite.
- Guava or Mango Sorbet: As a sweet treat, this light dessert wraps up the meal perfectly, echoing some of the flavors found in your salsa.
- Savory Lentil Soup: A warm, hearty soup adds depth to the meal, ensuring a satisfying experience that everyone will love.
- Homemade Lemonade: The tartness of fresh lemonade provides a refreshing contrast, balancing the savory spices found in the nachos.
- Chocolate Avocado Mousse: This rich, velvety dessert gives a creamy finish while keeping with the health-conscious theme of your meal.
Expert Tips for AIP Nachos
- Right Chip Choice: Use artisan sea salt plantain chips for a crunchy base that stays true to AIP guidelines, avoiding common nightshades.
- Seasoning Balance: Don’t skip the taco seasoning mix! Properly blending the spices is key to infusing your AIP nachos with authentic flavor.
- Cheese Sauce Consistency: If your dairy-free cheese sauce is too thick, add a touch of water or plant-based milk until it reaches your desired creaminess.
- Layer Wisely: To prevent soggy nachos, layer the chips with cheese and meat first, then add guacamole and salsa after baking.
- Bake with Care: Monitor your nachos closely during the baking process to avoid burning them; crispy is great, but burnt? Not so much!
- Customize: Feel free to swap proteins or add extra toppings as desired—the beauty of AIP nachos lies in their versatility!
Storage Tips for AIP Nachos
Room Temperature: Enjoy your AIP nachos fresh from the oven for the best flavor and texture. If left out, consume within 2 hours.
Fridge: Store leftover nachos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To prevent the chips from getting soggy, separate the toppings if possible.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the components separately (chips and toppings) in airtight bags or containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through. Drizzle additional cheese sauce to revive the dish’s creamy goodness!
AIP Nachos Variations
Personalize your AIP nachos with creative touches that dazzle the senses and excite the palate!
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Nut-Free: Substitute the dairy-free cheese sauce with blended avocado for a creamy, nut-free alternative.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy hot sauce for a fiery enhance to your flavor experience.
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Vegan Delight: Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit to savor a delightful, plant-based twist on nachos.
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Herby Burst: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or basil into the guacamole for a refreshing and aromatic infusion of flavor.
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Crunchy Texture: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds over the top for an added crunchy finish that’ll bring your nachos to life!
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Sweet & Savory: Introduce a hint of sweetness by adding pineapple chunks or mango slices into your salsa, delivering a delightful twist.
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Creamy Avocado: For an extra creamy touch, layer sliced avocados under your toppings to enhance that rich, satisfying texture.
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Zesty Lime: Elevate your dish further with a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving, enhancing all the vibrant flavors beautifully!
Make Ahead Options
These AIP Nachos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the guacamole and cucumber-mango salsa up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The taco meat can also be cooked ahead and kept for up to 3 days. To finish the AIP Nachos on the day of serving, layer the plantain chips with the prepped meat and drizzle with the cheese sauce before baking for 12-15 minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious nachos that are just as flavorful as when freshly made, making your busy weeknights easier and more enjoyable!
AIP Nachos Recipe FAQs
What chips can I use for AIP nachos?
Absolutely! You can opt for Artisan Sea Salt Plantain Chips, which are crunchy and fit perfectly within AIP guidelines. Alternatively, Siete Sea Salt Grain-Free Tortilla Chips are a fantastic choice for those who crave a more traditional nacho experience, all while remaining nightshade-free.
How should I store leftover AIP nachos?
For best results, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the chips, try to separate any toppings from the chips before storing. This way, when you’re ready to enjoy your snack again, you’ll still have that satisfying crunch!
Can I freeze AIP nachos?
Yes! To freeze your AIP nachos, I recommend storing the components separately. Place chips in one bag and toppings (like the meat, guacamole, and cheese sauce) in another. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F.
What should I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
Very! If you find your dairy-free cheese sauce has thickened too much, simply add a splash of water or your favorite plant-based milk, stirring until you achieve your desired consistency. It’s perfectly okay to adjust it based on your preferences!
Are AIP nachos suitable for pets?
While the components of AIP nachos are healthy for humans, it’s important to note that certain ingredients like seasonings and guacamole may not be suitable for pets. Always check with your vet before sharing human foods, especially if ingredients like onions or certain spices are involved.
What should I do if my nachos burn during baking?
If you notice burning, immediately remove them from the oven. To prevent this next time, keep a close eye on your nachos while they bake. Try setting a timer for 10 minutes and check periodically from there, as oven temperatures can vary. If your oven tends to run hot, you may need to adjust the baking time!
Delicious AIP Nachos You Can’t Resist Making at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the cucumber-mango salsa.
- Mash the ripe avocados for your guacamole.
- Mix the taco seasoning in a small bowl.
- Sauté the seasoning in olive oil.
- Add your chosen ground meat to the skillet.
- Prepare the dairy-free cheese sauce in a saucepan.
- Arrange the chips on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Drizzle half of the cheese sauce over the chips.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Top with the remaining cheese sauce, guacamole, and salsa.
- Garnish with cilantro and green onions.