Black-Eyed Pea Nachos

Featured in: Easy Everyday Snacks

These loaded nachos combine the best of Southern and Tex-Mex cuisines, featuring crispy tortilla chips topped with hearty black-eyed peas, shredded cheddar, and all the classic fixings. The black-eyed peas add protein and a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with melted cheese, while fresh jalapeños bring the heat. Ready in just 20 minutes, these make an ideal appetizer for game day gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. The contrast between warm, cheesy chips and cool, tangy sour cream creates that perfect bite every time.

Updated on Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:38:54 GMT
Golden-brown tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar, black-eyed peas, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro on a rustic platter. Pin this
Golden-brown tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar, black-eyed peas, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro on a rustic platter. | recipeshood.com

Give your snack game a Southern-inspired upgrade with these Black-Eyed Pea Nachos. Combining the crunch of golden tortilla chips with the heartiness of black-eyed peas and the creamy richness of melted cheddar, this dish is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Whether you are hosting a game day or looking for a quick and easy appetizer, these nachos come together in just 20 minutes.

Golden-brown tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar, black-eyed peas, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro on a rustic platter. Pin this
Golden-brown tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar, black-eyed peas, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro on a rustic platter. | recipeshood.com

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This recipe balances the spicy heat of fresh jalapeños with the coolness of sour cream and tangy lime, ensuring every bite is a perfect explosion of Tex-Mex and Southern flavors.

Ingredients

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  • 200 g (about 7 oz) tortilla chips
  • 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 200 g (7 oz) shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack)
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) sour cream
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional: 1 avocado, diced
  • Optional: Hot sauce, to taste
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2
Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
Step 3
Scatter the drained black-eyed peas evenly over the chips.
Step 4
Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 5
Bake in the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6
Remove from the oven and immediately top with dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced tomato, and spring onions.
Step 7
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges. Add avocado and hot sauce if desired.
Step 8
Serve immediately, and enjoy while hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the chips stay crispy, make sure the black-eyed peas are thoroughly drained and rinsed before adding them. Using a large baking sheet allows for even distribution, so every chip gets a fair share of melted cheese and toppings.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra layer of flavor, toss the black-eyed peas with a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin before scattering them. To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the cheddar and sour cream with your favorite vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream alternatives. Adding diced red onion or pickled jalapeños can also provide a sharper zing.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these nachos hot with extra lime wedges on the side to brighten the flavors. They pair exceptionally well with a crisp lager or a fresh margarita. For a complete meal, consider topping with diced avocado or your favorite hot sauce.

Heaping platter of Tex-Mex Black-Eyed Pea Nachos with sour cream dollops, diced tomatoes, and lime wedges ready to serve. Pin this
Heaping platter of Tex-Mex Black-Eyed Pea Nachos with sour cream dollops, diced tomatoes, and lime wedges ready to serve. | recipeshood.com

With 370 calories and 13g of protein per serving, these Black-Eyed Pea Nachos are a satisfying and flavorful choice for any gathering. Enjoy the hearty, melted goodness while it's fresh out of the oven!

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Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

Can I use canned black-eyed peas?

Yes, canned black-eyed peas work perfectly for this dish. Just drain and rinse them thoroughly before spreading over the tortilla chips. They're already cooked, so they'll heat through nicely while the cheese melts.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides excellent flavor, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully. A blend of both gives you the best of both worlds—great taste and perfect meltability. You can also use pepper jack for extra spice.

How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?

Don't overload the chips with too many wet ingredients initially. Bake the chips with just the beans and cheese first, then add cold toppings like sour cream, tomatoes, and jalapeños after baking. Serve immediately for the crispest texture.

Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegan shredded cheese and dairy-free sour cream. The black-eyed peas and vegetables naturally provide plenty of flavor and substance. You might want to add extra spices like cumin or chili powder to boost the flavor profile.

What can I serve with these?

These pair wonderfully with ice-cold lager, classic margaritas, or Mexican beer. They're substantial enough to stand alone as a meal, but also work alongside guacamole, Mexican rice, or a simple green salad.

How far ahead can I prepare ingredients?

You can dice the tomatoes, slice the jalapeños and onions, and drain the peas up to a day in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. The assembly should happen just before baking for the best results.

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Black-Eyed Pea Nachos

Crispy chips topped with black-eyed peas, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for a Southern-Tex-Mex fusion.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created by Julia Harris


Level of Challenge Easy

Cuisine Type Tex-Mex

Servings Made 4 Number of Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Base

01 7 ounces tortilla chips

Toppings

01 1 can (14 ounces) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
02 7 ounces shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
03 3.5 ounces sour cream
04 1 to 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
05 1 medium tomato, diced
06 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
07 Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
08 1 lime, cut into wedges

Optional

01 1 avocado, diced
02 Hot sauce to taste

Method

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Arrange Chips: Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.

Step 03

Add Black-Eyed Peas: Scatter drained black-eyed peas evenly over chips.

Step 04

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over peas.

Step 05

Bake Nachos: Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 06

Add Cold Toppings: Remove from oven and immediately dollop with sour cream, then add sliced jalapeños, diced tomato, and spring onions.

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges. Add avocado and hot sauce if desired.

Step 08

Final Service: Serve immediately while hot.

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Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large baking sheet or ovenproof platter
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Can opener
  • Spoon

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk from cheese and sour cream
  • May contain gluten if using non-gluten-free chips
  • Check all ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference purposes only and isn't medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 370
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Proteins: 13 g

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