Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme is a plate full of fun and flavor! Crunchy tortilla chips piled high with tender, juicy pulled pork, melted cheese, creamy sour cream, fresh salsa, and maybe a few jalapeño slices to give it a little kick. It’s the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and meaty that just makes your taste buds happy.
I love making this when friends come over because everyone can dig in and customize their own nachos. I usually like to add some guacamole on top for a creamy touch and maybe squeeze a little lime over everything to brighten up the flavors. It’s a great way to turn casual get-togethers into something extra tasty without a lot of fuss.
For me, Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme always brings back fun memories of game day parties or backyard hangouts where no one wanted the food to end. If you want a dish that’s easy to share and full of crowd-pleasing goodness, this is definitely one to keep in your recipe box. Just be ready to eat plenty—you won’t want to stop!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Choose sturdy chips that can hold up to the toppings without getting soggy too fast. If you prefer gluten-free, most corn chips work well. Avoid thin or overly salted chips.
Pulled Pork: Use leftover smoked or slow-cooked pork for great flavor. If you don’t have pork, shredded chicken or beef with barbecue sauce are good substitutes.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar offers a tangy, rich melt while Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Feel free to swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for milder taste.
Barbecue Sauce: This adds sweet and tangy notes. Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. If you want a different flavor, try a smoky chipotle sauce or a spicy salsa vero.
Pickled Jalapeños: They bring a nice heat and tang that cuts through the richness. Fresh jalapeños work if you like raw heat, or mild banana peppers if you prefer less spice.
Sour Cream: Essential for cooling down the spicy elements and adding creaminess. Greek yogurt can be swapped in for a healthier, tangy alternative.
How Do You Layer and Bake Pulled Pork Nachos to Keep Chips Crispy?
Building nachos that stay crispy but still loaded with toppings can be tricky. Here’s what I do:
- Start with a single even layer of chips to avoid soggy piles.
- Distribute the pulled pork evenly but don’t over-saturate with sauce—drizzle lightly.
- Sprinkle cheese over all so it melts and helps bind toppings to the chips.
- Bake just until the cheese melts, about 10-15 minutes at 375°F, so chips don’t dry out.
- After baking, add fresh, cold toppings like tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and sour cream on top. This keeps those ingredients crisp and fresh.
This layering method keeps your nachos crispy under gooey cheese and warm pork while delivering fresh flavor with each bite. It’s a simple way to enjoy loaded nachos without a soggy mess!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet or oven-safe platter – I recommend this because it provides enough space for all the toppings and will go straight into the oven.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot tray when baking and removing the nachos.
- Knife and cutting board – perfect for chopping tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for fresh toppings.
- Spoon or spatula – useful for spreading pulled pork and drizzling barbecue sauce evenly over the chips.
- Measuring cups – handy for portioning out ingredients like cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream to keep things consistent.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pulled pork with shredded chicken or beef for a different twist. Use leftovers or cook fresh, seasoned meats.
- Add sliced avocado or a dollop of guacamole on top for creaminess and fresh flavor.
- Mix in roasted bell peppers or corn kernels before baking for extra sweetness and texture.
- Sprinkle a little cumin or smoked paprika over the cheese before baking for a smoky, spicy boost.
Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
For the Meat & Cheese:
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork (prepared with your favorite seasoning or barbecue sauce)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- Optional: guacamole or sliced avocado for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes to bake. So, in about 20-25 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful plate ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Arrange:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tortilla chips evenly across a large baking sheet or any oven-safe platter – this will be the base of your nachos.
2. Add Pulled Pork and Sauce:
Evenly scatter the cooked pulled pork over the chips. Drizzle the barbecue sauce lightly over the pork to add a punch of flavor and keep the meat moist.
3. Cheese It Up and Bake:
Sprinkle both the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the piled pork and chips. Pop the tray into your oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Fresh Toppings and Finishing Touches:
Pull the nachos out of the oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onions, black olives, and pickled jalapeño slices. Add dollops of sour cream spaced nicely over the top. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro all over for a burst of color and flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme hot, with optional guacamole or sliced avocado on the side for an extra creamy texture. Dig in, and enjoy the perfect mix of smoky, cheesy, spicy, and fresh flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Pulled Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pulled pork! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up before topping your nachos to avoid extra moisture.
Can I Make Pulled Pork 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 chop the toppings ahead of time to save time.
How Should I Store Leftover Nachos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at a low temperature until the cheese melts again, but note the chips may lose some crispiness.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for the Cheese?
If you want a different flavor, try pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for a mild, gooey melt. Vegan cheese works too if you’re looking for a dairy-free option!
