Black-Eyed Pea Nachos

Featured in: Snack Fun

These loaded nachos combine the best of Tex-Mex and Southern comfort food. Start with crispy tortilla chips topped with protein-packed black-eyed peas and melted cheddar cheese, then bake until bubbly. Finish with cool sour cream, fresh jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and cilantro for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Ready in just 20 minutes.

Updated on Fri, 06 Feb 2026 03:20:56 GMT
Black-Eyed Pea Nachos piled high on a platter, featuring melted cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh jalapeño slices. Save
Black-Eyed Pea Nachos piled high on a platter, featuring melted cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh jalapeño slices. | grinnosh.com

Bring a hearty Southern flair to your next gathering with these Black-Eyed Pea Nachos. This appetizer combines the satisfying crunch of tortilla chips with the earthy texture of black-eyed peas and the creamy melt of cheddar cheese, creating a fusion dish that is both comforting and exciting.

Black-Eyed Pea Nachos piled high on a platter, featuring melted cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh jalapeño slices. Save
Black-Eyed Pea Nachos piled high on a platter, featuring melted cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and fresh jalapeño slices. | grinnosh.com

Whether you're looking for the perfect game-day snack or a casual appetizer for a weekend get-together, these nachos deliver a bold flavor profile. The combination of fresh jalapeños, zesty lime, and cool sour cream ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

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. This simple step adds a smoky depth that complements the melted cheese and crunchy chips perfectly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the cheddar with vegan cheese and using a dairy-free sour cream. For those who like a bit more zing, try adding diced red onion or substituting fresh jalapeños with pickled jalapeños.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these nachos alongside a crisp lager or a refreshing margarita to balance the heat of the jalapeños. They are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is still hot and bubbly.

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| grinnosh.com

With their vibrant colors and bold textures, these Black-Eyed Pea Nachos are a guaranteed hit. Simple to assemble but impressively flavorful, they bring a little piece of Southern comfort to your snack table. Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!

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Recipe FAQ

Can I make these black-eyed pea nachos ahead of time?

You can prep all the toppings in advance, but assemble and bake right before serving for the best texture. The chips stay crispy and the cheese stays melty when served fresh from the oven.

What cheese works best for these nachos?

Sharp cheddar provides excellent flavor, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully. A blend of both gives you the best of both worlds—great taste and perfect meltability.

Are black-eyed peas traditional in nachos?

Not traditionally, but they're a brilliant Southern-inspired twist. Black-eyed peas add protein and a hearty texture that pairs perfectly with the classic nacho toppings.

How do I make these vegan?

Use vegan shredded cheese and dairy-free sour cream. The black-eyed peas naturally provide protein and fiber, making this a satisfying plant-based option.

What's the best way to layer these nachos?

Spread chips evenly, scatter peas throughout so every bite gets some, then add cheese. This ensures even distribution of toppings rather than all the good stuff ending up on top.

Can I add meat to these nachos?

Absolutely. Seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo would complement the black-eyed peas beautifully. Cook the meat first and add it during the cheese layer.

Black-Eyed Pea Nachos

A Southern twist on classic nachos featuring black-eyed peas, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Hannah Lewis

Type Snack Fun

Skill level Easy

Heritage Tex-Mex

Output 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meat-free

Components

Base

01 7 oz tortilla chips

Toppings

01 1 can (14 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
02 7 oz shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
03 3.5 oz 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

Directions

Stage 01

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Stage 02

Arrange tortilla chips: Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.

Stage 03

Add black-eyed peas: Scatter the drained black-eyed peas evenly over the chips.

Stage 04

Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.

Stage 05

Bake nachos: Bake in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Stage 06

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

Stage 07

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

Stage 08

Enjoy hot: Serve immediately while hot.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains milk from cheese and sour cream
  • May contain gluten if using non-gluten-free tortilla chips
  • Check all ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutrient content (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional nutritional advice.
  • Energy: 370
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 13 g