Every year, around the holidays, I try to come up with fun, unexpected appetizers. One year, I had some extra green beans and a craving for nachos, and a light bulb went off. I'm a sucker for some cheesy goodness, so it was worth trying to make a twist on it. The result? Festive Fried Green Bean Nachos! These aren't your grandma's green beans, that's for sure. They're crispy, savory, and totally addicting. Trust me, even the green bean skeptics in your family will be reaching for seconds.
What makes these nachos special is the combination of textures and flavors. The crispy fried green beans provide a satisfying crunch, while the creamy nacho cheese sauce adds richness and warmth. The fresh toppings—diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro—bring a pop of color and brightness. And that little sprinkle of cotija cheese? Pure perfection. Plus, they're incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste. Want a little heat? Add some diced jalapeños. Need some extra protein? Sprinkle on some black beans.
Required Equipments
- Large Skillet
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowls
- Slotted Spoon
- Food Processor (optional)
Festive Fried Green Bean Nachos: Frequently Asked Questions
Festive Fried Green Bean Nachos
Crispy fried green beans transform into festive nachos with a creamy cheese sauce and fresh toppings, perfect for holiday gatherings or any fun occasion!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prep the green beans: Wash and trim the ends of the green beans. Cut them into smaller, nacho-friendly lengths. Don't worry about being perfect—just get them bite-sized.
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This spice blend gives a great flavor.
- Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the beer (or sparkling water) and whisk until you have a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the green beans but not too heavy.
- Batter the green beans: Toss the green beans in the batter, making sure they're evenly coated. Let the excess drip off before frying. I like to use my hands for this; feels easier.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A candy thermometer is super helpful here! And be careful!
- Fry the green beans: Carefully add the battered green beans to the hot oil in batches. Don't overcrowd the skillet! Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain.
- Prepare the 'cheese' sauce: If you're using store-bought nacho cheese sauce, heat it according to the package directions. If you're making your own (cashew-based) sauce, blend the soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot water until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble the nachos: Arrange the fried green beans on a platter or baking sheet. Drizzle generously with the nacho cheese sauce. Oh, yeah, we're getting there now!
- Add the toppings: Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese (or vegan alternative). Get creative with your toppings!.
- Serve immediately: Dig in and enjoy these festive, crunchy, cheesy green bean nachos while they're still warm. These are best eaten right away!
📝 Notes
- For a vegan option, use a cashew-based nacho cheese sauce and a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Calcium: 100mg
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