Black-Eyed Pea Nachos

Featured in: Creamy Comfort Meals

These loaded nachos combine the best of Southern and Tex-Mex cuisine, featuring crispy tortilla chips topped with protein-packed black-eyed peas and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish delivers layers of texture and flavor—from crunchy chips and creamy cheese to tangy sour cream and spicy jalapeños. Perfect for game day gatherings or casual entertaining, these nachos offer a hearty twist on the classic appetizer that's both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Updated on Fri, 06 Feb 2026 21:19:33 GMT
Hot, melted cheddar cheese blankets crispy tortilla chips and black-eyed peas, topped with fresh jalapeños and sour cream. Save
Hot, melted cheddar cheese blankets crispy tortilla chips and black-eyed peas, topped with fresh jalapeños and sour cream. | amberladle.com

Black-Eyed Pea Nachos are a vibrant, Southern-inspired twist on the classic game-day favorite. This dish combines crunchy tortilla chips with hearty black-eyed peas and a blanket of melted cheddar cheese, creating a satisfying appetizer that is perfect for gatherings or a casual snack at home.

Hot, melted cheddar cheese blankets crispy tortilla chips and black-eyed peas, topped with fresh jalapeños and sour cream. Save
Hot, melted cheddar cheese blankets crispy tortilla chips and black-eyed peas, topped with fresh jalapeños and sour cream. | amberladle.com

By swapping traditional beans for black-eyed peas, you get a distinct texture and a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the heat of fresh jalapeños and the tang of sour cream. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that is as colorful as it is delicious.

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 extra flavor, toss the black-eyed peas with a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin before adding them to the chips to enhance their savory profile.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream for a completely vegan version. You can also try adding diced red onion or pickled jalapeños for more zing.

Serviervorschläge

These nachos pair excellently with a crisp lager or a fresh margarita to balance the spices and richness of the cheese.

Golden-baked Black-Eyed Pea Nachos on a platter, garnished with cilantro, diced tomatoes, and scallions for a festive appetizer. Save
Golden-baked Black-Eyed Pea Nachos on a platter, garnished with cilantro, diced tomatoes, and scallions for a festive appetizer. | amberladle.com

This festive appetizer is best enjoyed straight out of the oven, while the cheese is still bubbly and the chips are at their crunchiest. Happy snacking!

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make these nachos ahead of time?

Prepare all toppings in advance and store separately. Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain crispy chip texture and melted cheese consistency.

What other beans work well in this dish?

Pinto beans, black beans, or kidney beans make excellent substitutes. Each brings slightly different flavor profiles while maintaining the hearty texture.

How do I prevent soggy nachos?

Avoid watery toppings like salsa until after baking. Layer cheese directly on chips and beans to create a protective barrier that keeps everything crisp.

Can I cook these on the grill?

Yes, use a cast iron skillet or grill-safe pan. Cook over medium heat with the lid closed for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.

What proteins pair well with these nachos?

Shredded chicken, ground beef, or pulled pork complement the black-eyed peas beautifully. Add pre-cooked meats before baking for heated-through results.

Black-Eyed Pea Nachos

Crispy chips loaded with black-eyed peas, cheese, and zesty toppings for a hearty appetizer.

Prep time
10 min
Cook time
10 min
Overall time
20 min
Created by Rachel Hayes


Skill required Easy

Cuisine Tex-Mex, Southern

Makes 4 Serving size

Diet preferences Meat-free

What you need

Base

01 Tortilla chips, 7 ounces

Toppings

01 Black-eyed peas, 1 can (14 ounces), drained and rinsed
02 Shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack, 7 ounces
03 Sour cream, 3.5 ounces
04 Fresh jalapeños, 1 to 2, thinly sliced
05 Medium tomato, 1, diced
06 Spring onions, 2, thinly sliced
07 Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
08 Lime, 1, cut into wedges

Optional

01 Avocado, 1, diced
02 Hot sauce, to taste

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F

Step 02

Layer foundation: Spread tortilla chips evenly across a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter

Step 03

Add beans: Distribute drained black-eyed peas evenly over the chips

Step 04

Apply cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the black-eyed peas

Step 05

Bake: 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

Step 08

Final presentation: Serve immediately while hot

Equipment needed

  • Large baking sheet or ovenproof platter
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Spoon

Allergy info

Always review ingredients for allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream)
  • May contain gluten if using non-gluten-free tortilla chips

Nutrition details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and aren't a substitute for healthcare guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 370
  • Fat content: 18 g
  • Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein amount: 13 g