Creepy Crawly Nachos with Black Beans – easy Halloween party food
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Creepy Crawly Nachos with Black Beans – easy Halloween party food
Alright, I have a confession: I’m totally that person who goes all out with fun, spooky food every Halloween. These creepy crawly nachos with black beans have been my go-to for years when friends drop by for a casual Halloween party. Imagine crunchy tortilla chips layered with smoky black beans, gooey melted cheese, and — here’s the fun part — little olive “spiders” crawling all over the top! The colors pop—black, orange, and red—making it perfect for that eerie vibe but still totally delicious. Plus, it’s super easy to pull together, so you don’t have to be stuck in the kitchen all night. Ready to impress and spook with zero stress? Let’s get cookin’!
1/4 cup sliced green olives (optional “spider eyes”)
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (for a little kick)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the Sauce / Garnish:
1 cup salsa (your favorite kind)
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by heating 1 tsp of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the rinsed black beans along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir and cook until the beans are warm and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. This seasoning step really pumps up the flavor, so don’t skip it!
Step 2:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating, spread a big layer of tortilla chips out on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
Step 3:
Evenly spoon the spiced black beans over the chips, then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top. You want lots of melty cheese for maximum gooey creepiness.
Step 4:
Time for the creepy crawlers! Make “spiders” by using whole black olives (the bodies) and tiny sliced green olive pieces for “eyes.” Arrange them on top of the cheese. Add jalapeño slices scattered around for some spooky green accents.
Step 5:
Bake the nachos in the oven for about 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so the chips don’t burn—every oven’s a little different!
Step 6:
Remove from the oven and dollop with sour cream and salsa. Scatter sliced green onions and optional cilantro on top for that fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately—because melty cheese waits for no one!
Variations & Tips
Swap black beans for pinto or refried beans for a creamier texture.
Add cooked ground beef or turkey to the beans for a hearty meat version.
Use pepper jack cheese for a little spicy twist.
For vegan nachos, choose a dairy-free cheese and skip sour cream or use a plant-based alternative.
Make the “spiders” larger by adding thin strips of bell pepper as legs.
If chips soften too quickly, try serving the beans and toppings on the side for dipping.
How I Like to Serve It
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser for Halloween get-togethers, especially paired with a big bowl of guacamole and your favorite spooky cocktails or mocktails. It also works great as a fun appetizer during a casual movie night with friends—just imagine biting into melty cheese and spotting those olive spiders crawling around. Warm, cheesy, and just the right amount of creepy for the season!
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep chips crisp.
You can prepare the beans ahead of time and simply assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Closing: This recipe is wildly fun and delicious every time, making it my secret weapon for foolproof Halloween entertaining!
