Brussels Sprouts Nachos
That’s quite a mouthful, don’t you think?
We had a little debate in our home. Do you say ‘Brussels Sprouts Nachos’ or ‘Brussels Sprout Nachos’? The latter rolls off the tongue a little easier, but I think the former is correct.
It’s hard to know for sure; I haven’t seen any recipes like this before. It came about one evening last week when Danny worked late and I fed ‘n bed the kids, then we convened for a bite of supper together. It was hardly a date night, with both of our laptops open, but the silence was blissful all the same.
Uninspired to cook, I scrounged for our dinner and came up with half a bag of black bean tortilla chips, extra sharp cheddar, the remains of a Thai pepper…and a basket of firm, young brussels sprouts.
Brussels sprouts nachos is now a thing in our house. Or rather, Zesty Lime Brussels Sprouts Nachos with Sharp Cheddar and Black Bean Tortilla Chips.
Black bean tortilla chips are my absolute favourite flavour of tortilla chips and our local tortilleria makes a tremendous version. Sprinkle them with stir-fried brussels sprouts and a mound of sharp cheddar cheese to build these nachos. Top with slivers of hot pepper and slide it all under the broiler.
The mild sweetness of the brussels sprouts plays well with the sharp cheese and the heat of the pepper, and the lime as a little acidity. There is no question, it’s a great bite. The only thing missing that evening was guacamole, and so naturally I had to make it again and decided to share with you.
I’ve long enjoyed brussels sprouts shredded and stir-fried with a bit of lemon, and this seemed like the best method for preparing them for a nacho topping.
I suppose you could file this snack under ‘Game Food’. We don’t watch football, but I see all the round-ups of snacks on Pinterest and I am aware that game food is a big thing, though I haven’t seen little green cabbage heads starring in many collages of football finger food.
I’ve been making them with cheddar, but now I think they would be even better with a goopy homemade nacho cheese. Kind of like the classic broccoli and cheese sauce, right? Or am I taking this too far? If anyone takes that for a test run, let me know how it goes.
Curious about brussels sprouts? I featured them as a Spotlight Ingredient a while back where you can find information on storing, cleaning and cooking them.
If you want to pair these brussels sprouts nachos with something a little more substantial, I have to recommend these Chicken Parmesan Heros.
Brussels Sprouts Nachos
Ingredients
- 150 g brussels sprouts about 1 cup, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon bacon grease or butter
- 1 zest of one lime
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 handfuls black bean tortilla chips or your preferred variety
- 1/4 cup grated extra sharp cheddar or your favorite melting cheese
- 1 fresh chili pepper such as Thai or Jalepeno, sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup guacamole to garnish
- sour cream to garnish
Instructions
- Trip off the outer leaves from the sprouts and give the heads a quick wash.
- Melt bacon grease or butter in a small skillet while you shred the brussels sprouts. Cut them in half, then place them cut side down on your board. With a sharp chef's knife, slice them from the tip down to the core. Discard the woody core.
- Stir fry the shredded sprouts in the fat for 2-3 minute until they turn bright green and wilt slightly.
- Add the lime zest and salt to the pan, stir together and remove from heat.
- On a microwaveable plate, arrange the tortilla chips and sprinkle with cheese. Top with sauteed brussels sprouts and finish with sliced of chili pepper.
- Microwave until the cheese had melted.
- Alternatively, prepare nachos on a pizza pan or pie pan and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
Special diet suggestions:
- Gluten free: use your favourite gluten free tortilla chips, and proceed with the recipe as usual.
- Vegetarian: Use butter to saute the brussels sprouts and enjoy your vegetarian nachos!
- Vegan: Saute the brussels sprouts in olive oil and top vegan tortilla chips with a vegan nacho cheese topping.
What is your favourite nacho topping?
Brilliant! I’ve noticed pre-shredded Brussels sprouts in the produce section, and this sounds like the perfect throw-together recipe for them. Will definitely give this a try on one of our many Tex-Mex nights or football game days!
These are so my kind of nachos! I LOVE brussels sprouts so much and can not find enough ways to use them! This is so creative and my gosh, one of the best ideas! YUM!
I am a longstanding member of the Brussels Sprouts Fan Club, yet I never, ever would have thought to put them on nachos! This sounds so fun. Thanks, Amy!
Wow! So creative, Aimee! I love brussels sprouts, and putting them on nachos sounds amazing!
Avocados, nachos AND a cruciferous veggie? You’ve pretty much won my heart over. Such a fun idea Aimee, thanks!
To ma these are PURE heaven. I am obsessed with Brussels Sprouts!!
LOVE these!
Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprout or Brussel Sprouts….Hmmm.
So would it be fed ‘n bed, fed ‘n bedded, or fedded ‘n bedded the kids?
Looks like a winner any way you slice it…or shred it.
Be well and thanks for the share!
Talk about a perfect plate of nachos!! Need these babies!
My favorite part of this post is that you mention you were uninspired to cook… so glad it *even* happens to YOU 🙂 Glad it turned into something great anyway.
Genius! This I must definitely try!
I don’t care what you call it just as long as there’s a funnel and my face.
The only thing I know for sure is right now I’m starving, and these have kicked a nacho craving that started last night into completely and total overdrive. Tortilla chips are now on today’s grocery list.
this is such a great idea for the football game tomorrow.
Great idea!
For once I’m bemoaning the fact that our summer is longer then yours and there are no Brussels Sprouts yet….these look SO good and I’m glad you shared the method.
We have at least one of those fed n bed nights a week and this looks like the perfect nosh to share while Jared keeps on homework and I keep him company. =)
I adore this! This is such a fun idea and a great way to eat an all time fav!
I love this Aimee!! I would never have thought to put the two flavours together but I can imagine it would be amazing. I have to try this esp for the brussels sprouts lovers in my family. Thanks for a great recipe!
Such a creative way to use brussels sprouts! Must try 🙂
Now this is definitely thinking outside the box!
quite possibly the most brilliant nacho creation EVER
These sound soooo good! Yum!
Either way of pronunciation, I’d happily gobble it all up!
Brilliant, Aimée–I already like Brussels sprouts, and my kids like sautéed cabbage, so to put the two together, plus nachoify them. Just brilliant.
I’ve added this to my Awesome Veggie Apps and Snacks Pinterest board–this is an excellent example of making veggies the star of the appetizer table!
The way you describe and illustrate is very good and you also provide a way out that is easy to understand and be understood. It’s incredible. Thank you so much I dedicate wholeheartedly.
I have never been a fan of brussel sprouts but this recipe looks like it could definitely change that. It looks totally amazing , my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Will definitely have to make these.
oh my gosh, you just made me feel GOOD about eating nachos! you deserve a medal! 😉 i mean, they have brussels sprouts so they MUST be good for me, right???
These look interesting. I love brussel sprouts! On the title note, it would be Brussel Sprout Nachos. We eat potato soup, carrot cake, and zucchini bread…the vegetables are an adjective in this sense…they should be singular.
I am just now starting to cook with brussels sprouts and am in love. I must try this!
Um, this is brilliant! I will definitely need to try these!
This is a great meal!