Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates the vibrant flavors of autumn! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly encapsulates the season’s bounty: **Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos**. Imagine crisp tortilla chips generously loaded with a creamy, savory butternut squash nacho cheese sauce, tender black beans, nutrient-rich kale, and perfectly roasted cauliflower and beets. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a comforting, wholesome meal that brings all the deliciousness of fall produce directly to your plate, making it the ultimate way to enjoy the season’s harvest in a fun, shareable format.
The Magic of Fall Flavors in Every Bite: Why You’ll Love These Sheet Pan Nachos
These Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They represent the best of what autumn has to offer – wholesome, earthy vegetables transformed into a crave-worthy dish. We’ve taken the classic comfort food, nachos, and elevated it with seasonal ingredients, making it not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly healthy. The beauty of sheet pan cooking lies in its simplicity. Everything comes together on a single pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a casual gathering with friends, or simply when you need a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
The star of this dish, undoubtedly, is the butternut squash nacho cheese sauce. This velvety, rich sauce offers all the cheesy goodness you desire, but with an added boost of nutrients and a subtly sweet, earthy depth from the butternut squash. Paired with perfectly roasted vegetables like sweet beets and crunchy kale, along with hearty black beans, every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
A Culinary Collaboration: #FabulousFallBounty with Melissa’s Produce
This exquisite recipe marks my very first contribution to the #FabulousFallBounty event, a wonderful culinary collaboration I’m thrilled to be a part of. Alongside 11 other talented food bloggers, we’ve embarked on a delicious adventure, each creating unique recipes using a bountiful box of fresh produce graciously provided by Melissa’s Produce. Melissa’s Produce is renowned for its exceptional quality and incredible variety, and the box they sent was truly a chef’s dream. It was overflowing with an array of stunning ingredients, making it almost impossible to decide where to begin!
My initial foray into the box’s treasures started with a curious bite of a persimmon – a fruit I had never had the pleasure of tasting before. And oh my goodness, what an amazing discovery it was! That first sweet, honeyed bite was an absolute revelation, setting the tone for a fantastic series of culinary explorations. Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing two more exciting recipes, all inspired by this incredible box of autumn goodness. But for now, let’s turn our attention to these spectacular Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos, a recipe born from pure seasonal inspiration.
Unveiling the Star: Butternut Squash Nacho Cheese Sauce
Years ago, I stumbled upon a recipe for butternut squash nacho cheese sauce, and the idea immediately captured my imagination. I tucked it away in the back of my mind, knowing one day I’d have to try it. That day has finally arrived, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. This sauce is truly life-changing, and my only regret is not having made it sooner! As a huge fan of nachos, finding a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor is always a win. The moment I opened that generous box of produce from Melissa’s and spotted the vibrant butternut squash, my mind instantly flashed back to that amazing nacho cheese sauce. What better canvas for such a delicious, wholesome topping than a pile of crispy nachos?
This sauce offers a velvety smoothness and a rich, cheesy flavor, but with the added bonus of hidden vegetables. Butternut squash provides a natural sweetness and a creamy texture, making it an ideal base for a healthier cheese sauce. It’s packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, turning your indulgent nachos into a nutrient-dense delight. Forget artificial ingredients; this sauce is all about natural goodness and incredible taste. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some extra vegetables, even for the pickiest eaters, without them ever knowing!
A Clever Trick for Butternut Squash Prep
Working with butternut squash can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to peeling and cutting its firm exterior. But I recently learned a genius trick that has completely revolutionized my squash prep, and I’m eager to share it with you! Simply prick the skin of the butternut squash all over with a fork, then pop it into the microwave for just 3 minutes. This quick zap softens the skin enough to make peeling and cutting incredibly easy. No more wrestling a slippery squash on your cutting board, trying to safely chop through its tough skin. This simple step saves time, effort, and frustration, allowing you to get to the delicious part of cooking much faster.
Crafting the Perfect Sheet Pan Nachos: Simple Steps for Maximum Flavor
At first glance, these Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos might appear to have a multitude of steps, but I promise you, the process is remarkably straightforward. It essentially boils down to two main components: preparing that incredible butternut squash nacho cheese sauce and roasting your seasonal vegetables to perfection. Once those two elements are ready, it’s merely a matter of assembling everything on a sheet pan and letting the oven do the rest. The beauty of a sheet pan meal is its inherent simplicity and efficiency, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend snacking.
To add another layer of unique flavor to our nacho cheese sauce, I experimented with making a guajillo chile stock. While I’m not entirely sure if “guajillo chile stock” is a widely recognized culinary term, the method itself is simple and yields fantastic results. I gently simmered some dried guajillo chiles in water, creating a subtly spicy, deeply flavorful stock. This homemade stock infused the butternut squash nacho cheese sauce with an awesome, complex depth that truly elevated the entire dish. It’s a small step that makes a significant difference, adding an authentic, smoky warmth without overwhelming the other delicate flavors of the fall bounty.
The Harmony of Ingredients: A Taste Sensation
Once the components were ready, the assembly was a joyous affair. I spread a generous layer of crispy tortilla chips across the sheet pan, then drizzled them liberally with the warm, golden butternut squash nacho cheese sauce. Next came a vibrant medley of roasted cauliflower, tender fingerling potatoes, and delicate kale. To complete the picture, I added hearty black beans and a scattering of sweet, earthy beets. A final touch of fresh pico de gallo added a burst of brightness and acidity, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheese and roasted vegetables.
The first bite was an absolute revelation. The combination of flavors and textures was simply mind-blowing. The natural sweetness of the roasted beets provided a delightful contrast to the savory, slightly spicy cheese sauce. The kale, roasted until just crisp at the edges, added a fantastic textural element, while the smooth, creamy cheese sauce brought everything together in perfect harmony. Honestly, it was enough to have me going back for more than my fair share, making these nachos dangerously delicious and utterly irresistible!
Get Ready to Cook: The Ultimate Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe
Here’s the full, detailed recipe for these incredible Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos. This recipe guides you through creating that irresistible butternut squash nacho cheese sauce, perfectly roasting your autumn vegetables, and assembling a truly memorable dish. Get ready to impress your taste buds and share the seasonal goodness!
Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitch
Yield 6 servings
Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos have butternut squash nacho cheese sauce, black beans, kale, roasted cauliflower and beets to give you the ultimate in snacking with all of Fall’s delicious produce!
Ingredients
Butternut Squash Nacho Cheese
3 guajillo chiles
2 cups water
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium butternut squash, cubed (about 4 cups)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk, I used nonfat
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
Roasted Cauliflower, Potatoes and Kale
1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1/2 lb Fingerling Medley Potatoes, diced
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos
1 bag tortilla chips
1/2 recipe butternut squash nacho cheese
Roasted Cauliflower and Fingerling Medley Potatoes
8 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained
4 ounces Melissa’s Steamed Baby Beets, chopped
Instructions
Butternut Squash Nacho Cheese
- Place 2 cups of water and guajillo chiles into a small sauce pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Into another sauce pot, melt butter. When melted add squash and salt and cook for 5 minutes. Add 1 cup of guajillo stock and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes until squash is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in milk. Using an immersion blender, puree mixture until smooth.
- Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
Roasted Cauliflower and Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a sheet pan with a Silpat.
- In a medium bowl toss potatoes and cauliflower with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and spread out onto prepared sheet pan.
- Roast in oven for 30 minutes. remove from oven and push potatoes and cauliflower to one side, keeping them in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, toss kale with remaining olive oil, salt and pepper. Place onto sheet pan in the empty space.
- Place back into the oven and roast for 10 minutes.
Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos
- Place tortilla chips onto sheet pan and pour oven butternut squash nacho cheese sauce.
- Top with roasted cauliflower, potatoes, kale, black beans and beets.
Courses Dinner
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 8 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 345 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 15 g | 23% | |
Saturated Fat 5 g | 25% | |
Cholesterol 20 mg | 7% | |
Sodium 335 mg | 14% | |
Total Carbohydrates 45 g | 15% | |
Dietary Fiber 6 g | 24% | |
Sugars 3 g | ||
Protein 10 g | 20% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Ingredient Spotlight: Why These Fall Vegetables Shine
The beauty of these Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos truly lies in their star ingredients, all shining examples of autumn’s generosity. Butternut squash, beyond being the base for our incredible cheese sauce, is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. Its naturally sweet and nutty flavor pairs perfectly with savory notes. Kale, a superfood leafy green, adds a delightful crispness when roasted, along with a significant dose of vitamins K, A, and C, and important minerals. Cauliflower offers a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a satisfying texture, bringing a wealth of vitamin C and fiber to the mix.
Then we have the vibrant beets, which lend a stunning color and an earthy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients. Beets are known for their high fiber content, essential vitamins and minerals, and unique phytonutrients. Lastly, fingerling potatoes provide a comforting, hearty base, absorbing the flavors around them while offering a good source of potassium and vitamin B6. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors and textures, making these nachos a truly nourishing and delicious experience.
Customizing Your Fall Bounty Nachos: Endless Possibilities
While this recipe for Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos is packed full of vegetable goodness and absolutely perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to unleash your creativity and switch up the vegetables and nacho toppings to suit your personal preferences or whatever seasonal produce you have on hand. Imagine adding roasted bell peppers, corn, or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta or cojita cheese for an extra kick. You could also include a dollop of fresh guacamole or a spoonful of sour cream for added creaminess.
However, one thing is certain and non-negotiable: you absolutely must make the butternut squash nacho cheese sauce. It’s the heart and soul of this dish, providing that incredible, wholesome, and flavorful base that ties all the other elements together. It’s so good, you might even find yourself making extra just to have on hand for dipping! This sauce is truly what transforms a simple sheet pan of nachos into an unforgettable autumn feast.
Join the #FabulousFallBounty Community!
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about our Fall Bounty Sheet Pan Nachos and feel inspired to create your own autumn culinary masterpieces. This #FabulousFallBounty event has been a true celebration of seasonal produce, and we’ve all loved crafting delicious dishes using the generous bounty from Melissa’s Produce. Our boxes were brimming with a spectacular variety, including tender fingerling potatoes, versatile delicata, butternut, and acorn squashes, aromatic garlic and shallots, earthy roasted chestnuts and steamed beets, delicate fennel and celery root, juicy pears, and so much more! It’s been a fantastic opportunity to explore new ingredients and share our passion for cooking with you.
As we eagerly rush towards the Thanksgiving holiday, keep an eye on these incredible blogs for even more inspiration and innovative ways to utilize the season’s finest produce. Each blogger brings a unique perspective and delicious recipes to the table, and you won’t want to miss their creative uses for these amazing ingredients:
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I received produce from Melissa’s and a Silpat for recipe development in conjunction with #FabulousFallBounty, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.