Black-Eyed Pea Nachos

Featured in: Quick Snacks & Pastries

These Tex-Mex inspired nachos feature a Southern twist with protein-packed black-eyed peas taking center stage. The base gets spread with crispy tortilla chips, then generously topped with hearty legumes and shredded cheddar that melts into golden goodness. After a quick bake, the loaded plate emerges bubbling hot and ready for fresh additions like cool sour cream, spicy jalapeño slices, juicy diced tomatoes, and crisp spring onions. The entire dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for feeding a crowd during game day celebrations or casual weeknight gatherings. Fresh cilantro and zesty lime wedges add bright finishing touches that balance the rich, cheesy layers.

Updated on Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:36:29 GMT
Crispy tortilla chips and melted cheddar cover hearty black-eyed peas on a platter of Black-Eyed Pea Nachos. Save
Crispy tortilla chips and melted cheddar cover hearty black-eyed peas on a platter of Black-Eyed Pea Nachos. | fluxbaker.com

Black-Eyed Pea Nachos are a Southern-inspired twist on classic nachos, offering a hearty and flavorful alternative for your next gathering. This easy appetizer combines crispy tortilla chips with nutrient-dense black-eyed peas and gooey melted cheese, making it a perfect choice for game day or a casual evening snack.

Crispy tortilla chips and melted cheddar cover hearty black-eyed peas on a platter of Black-Eyed Pea Nachos. Save
Crispy tortilla chips and melted cheddar cover hearty black-eyed peas on a platter of Black-Eyed Pea Nachos. | fluxbaker.com

These nachos are not only simple to prepare but also highly customizable. With fresh ingredients like jalapeños, tomatoes, and spring onions, every bite is packed with texture and a vibrant mix of flavors that will keep your guests coming back for more.

Ingredients

  • Base
  • 200 g (about 7 oz) tortilla chips
  • Toppings
  • 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 200 g (7 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) sour cream
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Hot sauce, to taste
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2
Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
Step 3
Scatter the drained black-eyed peas evenly over the chips.
Step 4
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 5
Bake in the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6
Remove from the oven and immediately top with dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced tomato, and spring onions.
Step 7
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges. Add avocado and hot sauce if desired.
Step 8
Serve immediately, and enjoy while hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an extra layer of flavor, try tossing the black-eyed peas with a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin before scattering them over the chips. Ensuring the peas are well-drained and rinsed will help keep your nachos crispy during the baking process.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different dietary needs. For a vegan version, substitute the cheddar and sour cream with your favorite vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream alternatives. For more zing, try adding diced red onion or swap fresh jalapeños for pickled ones.

Serviervorschläge

These nachos are best enjoyed fresh and hot right off the baking sheet. To round out the experience, pair them with a crisp lager or a refreshing margarita for the ultimate game day snack spread.

Fresh jalapeño slices and diced tomato garnish loaded Black-Eyed Pea Nachos with sour cream dollops beside lime wedges. Save
Fresh jalapeño slices and diced tomato garnish loaded Black-Eyed Pea Nachos with sour cream dollops beside lime wedges. | fluxbaker.com

With their hearty ingredients and bold flavors, Black-Eyed Pea Nachos are a satisfying dish that brings a touch of the South to your appetizer table. Quick to make and delicious to eat, they are sure to become a new favorite for any casual gathering.

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Recipe FAQ

Can I make these nachos ahead of time?

Prepare the base with chips and cheese in advance, but bake just before serving to maintain crispiness. Add cold toppings after heating.

What other beans work well in this dish?

Pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans make excellent substitutes while maintaining that hearty texture and Southern flair.

How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?

Avoid adding sour cream, tomatoes, or other moist toppings until after baking. Serve immediately once assembled.

Can I cook these on the stovetop?

Yes, use a large skillet over medium-low heat with a lid to melt the cheese, then finish with cold toppings.

What's the best cheese for melting?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and complement the black-eyed peas perfectly.

Are these suitable for meal prep?

The assembled base stores well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven and add fresh toppings before serving.

Black-Eyed Pea Nachos

Crispy chips loaded with black-eyed peas, melted cheese, and fresh toppings—ready in 20 minutes.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
10 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created by Sophia Brown


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Meatless

What You'll Need

Base

01 7 ounces tortilla chips

Toppings

01 1 can (14 ounces) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
02 7 ounces shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
03 3.5 ounces sour cream
04 1 to 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
05 1 medium tomato, diced
06 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
07 Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
08 1 lime, cut into wedges

Optional

01 1 avocado, diced
02 Hot sauce to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Assemble Base Layer: Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter in a single layer.

Step 03

Add Black-Eyed Peas: Scatter drained black-eyed peas evenly over the tortilla chips.

Step 04

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the black-eyed peas.

Step 05

Melt Cheese: Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 06

Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from oven and immediately top with dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced tomato, and spring onions.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges. Add avocado and hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Gear Needed

  • Large baking sheet or ovenproof platter
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Spoon

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens. If unsure, talk to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk from cheese and sour cream
  • May contain gluten if using non-gluten-free tortilla chips
  • Verify all ingredient labels for potential hidden allergens

Per Serving Nutrition Details

Details here are for information—don’t use as medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 370
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 13 g