Fall is in the air, and that can only mean one thing — it’s pumpkin spice season! But this year, we’re taking our pumpkin spice obsession to the next level with these Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites. These bite-sized snacks combine the festive flavors of fall with the craveable textures of crispy, creamy, and melty loaded nachos. Get ready to dive into a cozy, comforting, and utterly indulgent treat that’s sure to be the hit of any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites
These Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites are the ultimate fusion of sweet and savory, making them the perfect shareable snack for any occasion. The warm, spiced pumpkin puree and melty cheeses create a lush, velvety base, while the crispy tortilla chips, smoky bacon, and zesty pico de gallo topping add layers of texture and flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying the party and less time in the kitchen. Get ready for rave reviews and requests for the recipe!
Ingredients
To make these Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients, including pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, bacon, sour cream, and all the fixings for a fresh pico de gallo. The combination of creamy, spiced pumpkin and classic nacho toppings creates a truly epic flavor experience.
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon – Pumpkin pie spice
- 8 ounces – Tortilla chips
- 2 cups – Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 4 slices – Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pumpkin puree: Butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree (similar flavor profiles)
- Bacon: Plant-based chorizo or crispy chickpeas (for a vegetarian option)
How to Make Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites
Getting these Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites on the table is a breeze! Let’s walk through the simple steps.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, prepare your pico de gallo by dicing tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the tortilla chips, then top with the shredded cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the loaded chips for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top the warm nachos with the fresh pico de gallo, crispy bacon bits, and dollops of sour cream.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle on some chopped green onions or a drizzle of chipotle crema. Serve these Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites warm and enjoy!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese Swap: Try using different types of cheese, like a smoky Gouda or a melty Monterey Jack.
- Topping Swap: Swap out the pico de gallo for a creamy, zesty guacamole or a tangy, fruity salsa.
- Crowd-Pleasing: For a larger gathering, consider doubling the recipe and serving the bites on a large platter for a stunning and shareable presentation.
- Festive Flair: Add a drizzle of chipotle crema or sprinkle of chopped green onions for an extra festive touch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight out of the oven.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the chips may lose their crispiness over time.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the bites on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pumpkin mixture and pico de gallo in advance and assemble the bites just before your guests arrive.
Nutrition Information
These Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites are a delightful indulgence, but they also pack a nutritional punch. Each serving provides a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and calcium, thanks to the pumpkin puree and cheese. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the combination of rich pumpkin, melty cheese, and crunchy chips can be quite filling.
- Serving Size: 6-8 nacho bites
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t like pumpkin spice?
No problem! You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Simply swap out the pumpkin puree for mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash, and use a different spice blend, like a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pumpkin mixture and pico de gallo up to 2 days in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply assemble the nacho bites and bake as directed.
Are these vegetarian/vegan friendly?
Yes, with a few simple substitutions. Omit the bacon and use a dairy-free cheese or cashew-based cheese sauce. For the pico de gallo, you can leave out the bacon or use a plant-based protein like crispy chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.
How spicy are the pumpkin spice nacho bites?
The pumpkin spice seasoning adds a warm, aromatic touch, but the overall level of heat in this recipe is quite mild. The pico de gallo can be adjusted to your desired spice level by adding more or less jalapeño. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a bell pepper instead.
Can I make these in advance and reheat them?
While the nacho bites are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can bake them up to 2 days in advance and reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted. The chips may lose some of their crispiness, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Try These Next
- Savory Pumpkin Cheese Ball Bites
- Appetizers Snacks Party Bites
- Maple Bacon Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars
Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Loaded Pumpkin Spice Nacho Bites are a delightful twist on traditional nachos, combining the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice with creamy cheese, crunchy toppings, and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for fall gatherings!
Ingredients
8 oz tortilla chips
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, cream cheese, sour cream, pumpkin spice, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Spoon the pumpkin mixture evenly over the chips.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pumpkin mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and drizzle with maple syrup, then top with chopped green onions and pecans.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños on top before baking.
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with any cheese of your choice.
These nacho bites are best served immediately after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Pumpkin, Nachos, Appetizers