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Satisfy your nacho cravings with a pan of these healthy chicken caprese Cauliflower Nachos. This low carb appetizer is a delicious and healthy option for big game days.
With the big football game just a few days away, I know everyone is eagerly counting down the minutes to cheer on their favorite team.
Or are you just counting down the minutes until you have a giant table of snacks, appetizers, dips, and desserts to choose from? I always bring a pan of these football shaped cookies to share with everyone because they are so fun and delicious.
Quite honestly, I only pretend to be a football fan because I want to be invited to a game day party. For the food, of course.
A big plate of nachos loaded down with toppings is one of my absolute favorite game day snacks. In fact, if said nachos are so loaded that I have to use a fork, that's even better in my opinion.
Of course, when you are following a healthier way of eating, a giant plate of loaded nachos is NOT really on your radar. Well, they may be on the radar, but you may not want all the calories from just one plate when there is so much other food to sample.
Enter in my new favorite appetizer hack. And yes, it does involve cauliflower because that white vegetable is the answer most of the time when you need to make a healthy recipe that tastes amazing. Keto meatball stroganoff served over mashed cauliflower anyone?
So, if you are looking for a healthy nacho recipe, this is it! Who needs crunchy chips when you can have a pan of roasted cauliflower loaded with tomatoes, chicken, and cheese!!
Am I right? The caramelized edges of cauliflower with a little drizzle of balsamic glaze is where it's at!
How to make Cauliflower Nachos
This cauliflower nachos recipe comes together quickly once the cauliflower is done. While the cauliflower is cooking, stir together the rest of the ingredients.
Roast Cauliflower
Cut the head of cauliflower into large florets. Cut each floret in half so the pieces lay flat on the pan. This will give you more roasted "crispy" surfaces.
Drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower pieces, then sprinkle with a seasoning mix. This is where you can change the flavor of your roasted cauliflower. Check out this easy roasted cauliflower for more flavor options.
Spread the florets out evenly on a sheet pan making sure to leave room around each one if possible because you want the cauliflower to roast in the oven, not steam.
Bake at 425 degrees for 35 minutes. Use a spatula to flip the cauliflower over after 15 minutes, then continue roasting until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Assembly
Place half of the hot roasted cauliflower florets in the bottom of a 10-inch cast iron skillet. You can also use a square baking dish or deep-dish pie plate, if you do not have an oven safe skillet.
Mix together diced tomatoes, cooked chicken, and fresh basil. Spread half of this mixture on top of the roasted cauliflower.
Top the veggie and meat layer with shredded mozzarella cheese because a layer of melted cheese in the middle is a good idea. Trust me!
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients. Place the cast iron skillet in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with additional basil. Dig into the pan of cheesy cauliflower nachos right away, so you can enjoy it while everything is hot and gooey.
BruCrew Tip: Remember this is still just cauliflower, so please do not expect the crunch of normal tortilla chips!
More easy Game Day Recipes
- Pepperoni Cheese Ball - your favorite pizza toppings inside a ball of cheese is a very good idea. Get ready to dig in with chips, crackers, or veggies!
- Chicken Alfredo Calzone - these easy little pockets are stuffed with chicken, tomatoes, and cheese. Great game day snack!
- Chicken Sliders - these little sandwiches are loaded with a cheesy chicken and tomato filling. They always disappear in a hurry!
- Pizza Soup - keep a crockpot full of this warm comforting soup on the game day table. Cheese added on top is a delicious addition.
- Chicken Ranch Pizza recipe - bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes add a fun flair to this easy appetizer pizza.
Recipe
Chicken Caprese Cauliflower Nachos
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 47 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Satisfy your nacho cravings with these Chicken Caprese Cauliflower Nachos. This low carb appetizer is a delicious and healthy option for those big game days.
Ingredients
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large head of cauliflower (8-10 cups florets)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken
- 1 - 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with garlic, basil, and oregano, drained very well
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 - .75 ounce box fresh basil, chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a large sheet pan with foil.
- Mix together the oregano, basil, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Set aside
- Cut the head of cauliflower into large even florets. Cut each floret in half creating a flat surface.
- Place the cauliflower in a bowl and drizzle with the oil. Use a spoon or spatula to lift and turn all the pieces evenly coating them in oil.
- Sprinkle half the seasoning mixture over the cauliflower pieces. Stir and repeat with the rest of the seasonings.
- Place the cauliflower on the prepared sheet pan making sure the flat pieces are face down on the pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then use a spatula to flip the cauliflower over. Bake another 20 minutes.
- Set aside one tablespoon fresh basil, then mix together the chicken, tomatoes, and the rest of the basil.
- Place half of the roasted cauliflower in the bottom of a 10-inch cast iron pan. Spread half the chicken mixture on top of the cauliflower. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat the layers.
- Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze and garnish with the reserved basil. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 306Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 330mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 5gSugar: 8gProtein: 21g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
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