Vegan Loaded Veggie Nachos

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (about 10 oz) tortilla chips
• 1 cup cooked black beans (canned is fine, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced (optional for added heat)
• 1 cup vegan cheese shreds (cheddar or pepper jack style)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 1 ripe avocado, diced, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Salsa, guacamole, and vegan sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the Chips:
   • Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Evenly distribute the cooked black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, red onion, sliced black olives, diced bell peppers, and pickled jalapeños (if using) over the tortilla chips.
4. Add Vegan Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the vegan cheese shreds evenly over the loaded nachos.
5. Bake:
   • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the vegan cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the nachos are done baking, remove them from the oven.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and diced avocado.
   • Serve immediately with lime wedges, salsa, guacamole, and vegan sour cream on the side, if desired.

Tips:

• Feel free to customize your loaded nachos with additional toppings such as sliced green onions, diced jalapeños, or shredded lettuce.
• For extra protein, you can add cooked and seasoned tofu crumbles or vegan meat alternatives.
• If you prefer crispier nachos, you can broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes after melting the cheese, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.