Good morning guys! I’d like to take a break from our regularly scheduled program today to bring you the newest addition to the balancing the buttercream series. I’ve had these nachos in my head since September, and with the holiday season upon us, I figured we could all use a little balance. I don’t know about you, but my holidays look something like this: parties, dinners, drinks, stress, 5,000 batches of cookies, more parties, and so on. Sound familiar? I’ve also learned that no matter how many times you dance around your kitchen to T Swift’s 22, you still need to balance all those cookies 😉 So as you can see the timing was just right to test my makeover takeover nachos.
The first step is to roast the butternut squash. I bought the precut one to make my life easy and also added a red bell pepper for more flavor and color. Toss everyone with a little olive oil, salt and pepper, and send them off to do their thing.
About 20 minutes later, they’ll be looking sweet. You want the butternut squash to be fork tender, but a few minutes shy of perfectly done because it’s going back in later on with the cheese. Next up, let’s talk chips. I’ve used food should taste good multigrain chips and TJ’s quinoa and black bean infused tortilla chips to make these. I think the FSTG multigrain chips are really good, but if you’re anything like me you’ll find yourself staring into the bag waiting for more to magically appear – they’re a little stingy. The TJ’s chips are awesome! They’re packed with flavor, have a little kick, and you get bang for your buck.
Now, divide your chips among the ramekins and top with butternut squash and peppers. Then put an ounce of goat cheese in each ramekin. Break it up and tuck some in between the chips too so you don’t just get the good stuff on top. I know an ounce doesn’t seen like much, but once it melts, it’s the perfect amount. Send everyone back into the oven so the cheese can melt and now prep your avocado and scallions.
Once you take them out of the oven, top them with diced avocado and sprinkle them with scallions. Don’t skip the scallions! You’ll be surprised just how much they add to the finished dish. These turned out to be a total win. The combination of flavors and textures were spot on, and you get to eat nachos without the guilt! What more could you ever want in life?! They’re easy to put together, and great for parties. You could do one big dish, but I love the individual ramekins for portion control, plus they’re so cute! These are a must make, and just think – with more meals like this, you’ll be able to eat more cookies 🙂 And while I’m on the subject of cookies, don’t forget to sign up for my holiday cookie class! It’s going to be a fun night out, and there’s only a few spots left! Have a great day!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. butternut squash cubed
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1T. olive oil
- salt & pepper
- 1 bag of tortilla chips: I used food should taste good- multigrain
- 4 ounces goat cheese - you can use more, but we're balancing here!
- 1 bunch scallions
- 1 avocado
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees
- Toss butternut squash with salt, pepper, and olive oil
- Bake on sheet pan for 25-30 minutes. make sure you move everyone around halfway through so it cooks evenly.
- Divide chips evenly among 4 dishes and put 1 ounce of goat cheese in each. Break it up & put it all through the chips.
- Top with butternut squash and bell peppers.
- Place back in the oven for about 10 minutes till cheese melts.
- While nachos are in the oven dice avocado and hit it with a little lime juice so it doesn't brown.
- Chop scallions.
- When you take the nachos out of the oven, top with avocado and scallions.
Brooks says
Meghan, Thank goodness you let this pent-up idea for nachos out of your head…these are brilliant. Not only do I appreciate the balncing act, but the portion control size of your dish choice. Because let’s be real, those TJ’s chips can disappear quickly if you don’t reseal the bag and stow it away. Know what I’m saying? I’m a huge butternut fan so to utilize them here in a light, but satisfying way says winner!
Ashley - baker by nature says
Butternut squash and goat cheese are just dreamy together! Great way to balance all that butter out 😉
Liz says
Mmmmm…what amazing nachos! And perfect to balance out your Nutella cookies 😉
Cathy @ Noble Pig says
These are a fun twist on regular nachos. Love the goat cheese in with my fave squash!!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I love your nachos…pretty and I’m sure terrific tasting as well.
amy @ fearless homemaker says
Oh, yum! How did I not know that they sold pre-cut butternut squash?! the only reason I don’t cook with it more is because it’s such a pain to cut – I need to find the precut version + give this a try! =)
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
I love this, it sounds so fresh and tasty! I need to work on my kitchen dance routine…it’s more like a stumble kinda
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this. I could probably eat this multiple times per week!
Kim Bee says
Oh my gosh Meghan, this is seriously delicious. I love how pretty it is and totally healthy.
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
Love these!! What a fun idea for a twist on nachos.
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
This looks wonderful! Great idea for nachos!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Love this balance! And you know I can’t give up anything involving butternut squash! I love the texture/flavor combo in this, especially the creamy goat cheese and fresh avocado!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Clever idea! I love buttrnut squash, but never thought of them on nachos! I am making this ASAP!!