Cheesy Cauliflower Nacho Tray Bake

Discover a delicious twist on comfort food with our Cheesy Cauliflower Nacho Tray Bake! This guilt-free recipe turns cauliflower into a satisfying base for a cheesy, flavorful dish that rivals traditional nachos. Packed with nutrients and customizable to fit various dietary preferences, it's perfect for game days, quick dinners, or snacks. Enjoy the rich flavors of melted cheese and spices while incorporating more vegetables into your meals. Try it and indulge without the guilt!

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Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small, bite-sized florets

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 medium tomato, diced

1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional, for an extra kick)

1/4 cup green onions, sliced thin

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

1 avocado, diced (for serving)

Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to set the stage for roasting your cauliflower to perfection.

Prepare the Cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until each floret is generously coated with the seasoning mix.

Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower evenly on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the florets are golden-brown and tender with slightly crispy edges, stirring halfway through for even cooking.

Layer the Bake: Once the cauliflower is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and switch the oven setting to broil. In the same baking sheet or a large baking dish, form a base layer with the roasted cauliflower.

Add the Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the drained black beans and corn over the cauliflower layer. Next, distribute the diced tomatoes and sliced jalapeños (if using) over the top. Finally, add an even layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, covering the vegetables thoroughly.

Broil the Nachos: Return the tray to the oven under the broiler. Keep a close eye on it and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and golden, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Garnish: Once melted, remove from the oven and generously sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of brightness.

Serve: Serve the nacho bake hot from the oven, garnished with diced avocado and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy touch. Pair each bite with your favorite tortilla chips for that delicious crunch!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 4-6 servings