Pulled Pork Nachos
Pulled Pork Nachos are a perfect mix of crispy, crunchy chips piled high with tender, juicy pulled pork, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. This dish combines hearty flavors…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pulled Pork Nachos are a perfect mix of crispy, crunchy chips piled high with tender, juicy pulled pork, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. This dish combines hearty flavors with fun textures, making each bite a little celebration. It’s like a party on a plate, where smoky pork meets gooey cheese and fresh salsa.
I love making these nachos whenever friends come over because they’re super easy to throw together, and everyone digs right in. My trick is to warm the pulled pork just so it’s extra tender and to sprinkle on plenty of cheese so it melts perfectly over the chips. I always add a little extra jalapeño for a gentle kick—it just wakes up the flavors in the best way.
For serving, I like to pile these nachos on a big platter and bring them straight to the table, so everyone can grab a handful. Adding some guacamole and sour cream on the side makes it even better. These nachos remind me of summer get-togethers and casual nights where the only goal is good food and good company. They’re easy, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Choose sturdy chips that can hold up to toppings without getting soggy. If you prefer gluten-free, look for labeled gluten-free chips to keep things safe.
Pulled Pork: Pre-cooked pulled pork with BBQ sauce adds great smoky flavor. You can swap for shredded chicken or beef if needed, just add BBQ sauce for that classic taste.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend melts well and tastes great. Monterey Jack or mozzarella work fine too, depending on your preference.
Guacamole & Sour Cream: These add creaminess and balance spicy flavors. Greek yogurt is a good sour cream substitute if you want a lighter option.
Fresh Toppings: Diced tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeños bring freshness and a bit of heat. Feel free to add corn, black beans, or olives for more texture and flavor.
How Do You Get the Cheese Perfectly Melted without Soggy Chips?
Melting cheese on nachos can be tricky because you want gooey cheese but crispy chips. Here’s what I do:
- Use an oven-safe skillet or baking sheet to spread chips in a single, even layer.
- Add toppings like pulled pork before the cheese so it melts nicely over everything.
- Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye so the cheese melts but chips don’t burn or get soggy.
- Serve immediately after baking, then add cold toppings like guacamole and sour cream to keep chips crisp.
This way, you enjoy both crispy and gooey textures in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet or large baking sheet – perfect for layering chips and toppings and melting cheese evenly.
- Spatula or tongs – helps you serve nachos without breaking the chips too much.
- Mixing bowls – handy for prepping toppings like guacamole, tomatoes, and pulled pork.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – essential for chopping fresh ingredients like tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pulled pork for shredded chicken tossed in taco seasoning – a lighter, spiced alternative that still tastes great.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and mild sweetness that balances the smoky pork.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a little spicy cheese kick.
- Top with pickled jalapeños or sliced avocado for added tang or creaminess, depending on your mood.
How to Make Pulled Pork Nachos?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large bag (about 10-12 oz) of tortilla chips
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork (preferably with BBQ sauce)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- ½ cup guacamole
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce (optional, for drizzling)
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional, for added heat)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy—expect about 10 minutes to prep and layer your nachos, then another 10 minutes to bake the cheese until it’s melted and bubbly. All in all, 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a snack or quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Chips:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, spread your tortilla chips evenly in a large oven-safe skillet or on a baking sheet, making sure they’re in a nice, even layer.
2. Add Pork and Cheese:
Scatter the cooked pulled pork evenly over the chips. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously, covering the pork and chips well so everything will melt together beautifully.
3. Bake Until Melty:
Pop the skillet or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and looks bubbly and inviting.
4. Add Fresh Toppings and Serve:
Take the nachos out of the oven, then spread dollops of guacamole and sour cream on top. Sprinkle on the fresh diced tomatoes and chopped green onions. If you like, drizzle some barbecue sauce and add sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and a little heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you have it on hand. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey!
Can I Use Frozen Pulled Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pulled pork! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat gently before spreading it on the chips to keep it moist and tender.
How Should I Store Leftover Pulled Pork Nachos?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the nachos on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Add fresh toppings like guacamole and sour cream after reheating.
Can I Make These Nachos Ahead of Time?
It’s best to assemble and bake the nachos just before serving to keep the chips crispy. However, you can prepare the pulled pork and toppings ahead, then quickly assemble and bake when you’re ready.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Cheese?
Feel free to use pepper jack for a spicier kick or mozzarella for a milder, gooey melt. Vegan cheese options also work well if you need a dairy-free version.