Bobby Flay's Version Of Nachos Features An Unexpected Crispy Veggie

Considerations for adding brussel sprouts to nachos

If you have some leftover cooked Brussels sprouts from a recent meal or holiday gathering, Bobby Flay suggests using them as a nacho topping. It's a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers and minimize food waste in your kitchen. A quick reheat on the stove, in the oven, or in an air fryer will help restore their crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it may leave the Brussels sprouts mushy.

If you prefer a fresh approach, you can also prepare crispy Brussels sprouts in the oven or an air fryer. These methods often yield a crispier result than cooking them in a pan. However, be aware that cooking them for too long or making them extra crispy may cause some of their vibrant green color to fade. There are numerous ways to enhance the flavor of Brussels sprouts, but as Chef Flay shows, keeping the seasoning simple is likely the best approach. Nachos are usually packed with flavors—like cheese sauce, pickled veggies, salsa, and hot sauce—so there's no need for elaborate seasonings on the Brussels sprouts.

Flay notably prepares vegetarian nachos, omitting animal-based proteins like beef or shredded chicken. To incorporate some protein while keeping it vegetarian, you could easily add black beans or refried beans to the mix. If you're vegan and want to create a homemade cheese sauce like Chef Flay, consider making a dairy-free butternut squash cheese sauce.