Indulge in the irresistible goodness of Pulled Pork Nachos, featuring crunchy corn tortilla chips, crispy-edged pulled pork, and a generous helping of melted cheese. Making a batch of nachos may seem simple, but there are a couple of secrets that can elevate your nacho game to extraordinary heights.
Nachos are all about finding the perfect balance. The chip-to-cheese-to-pork ratio is crucial. Too much cheese with too few chips creates a gooey mess, while too many chips without enough cheese or toppings is equally disappointing. Remembering a simple 1:1:1 ratio is the key. If you use 8 ounces of chips, pair them with 8 ounces of meat and 8 ounces of grated cheese. Layer them correctly for optimal enjoyment.
Key Takeaways
Ingredients You Need to Make Pulled Pork Nachos
- Corn Tortilla Chips: Opt for thick and sturdy chips that can hold up to the toppings.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese or a combination of Jack and mild or sharp cheddar cheese work wonderfully.
- Pulled Pork: Leftover Mexican pulled pork (pork carnitas) is ideal, but you can also use Chicken Carnitas for a lighter twist.
- Oil: A splash of olive oil or vegetable oil to crisp up the pulled pork in a skillet.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Season the pork to your taste.
- Fresh Cilantro: Optional – omit if you’re not a fan of cilantro. Sliced green onions make an excellent alternative.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado or mashed with Pico de Gallo and fresh lime juice for quick and easy Salsa Guacamole.
- Salsa: Pico de Gallo is highly recommended.
- Sour Cream: Use your favorite brand.
- Jalapeño: Thinly sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños add a satisfying kick.
- Lime: Serve slices for squeezing (optional).
The Secret to Ultra-Crispy Tortilla Chips
Here’s the secret to achieving perfectly crispy chips: bake them before adding the toppings. Even if the chips already seem crispy, a short stint in the oven will eliminate any moisture they may have absorbed and give them a freshly-cooked level of crispiness. Bake the chips for just 3-5 minutes, and then proceed to assemble your nachos. The difference will be noticeable and worth the effort.
How to Layer Nachos
Once your chips are hot and crisp, it’s time to layer them to perfection. Follow these three steps to create the ultimate nachos every time:
- Create an even layer of tortilla chips, slightly overlapping but not stacked.
- Sprinkle a layer of cheese, then add pulled pork, and finish with another layer of cheese. Start by topping your hot chips with half of the shredded cheese, followed by pulled pork, and finally, the remaining cheese.
- Bake the assembled nachos for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese has melted into a gooey delight. Serve them piping hot!
Feel free to use your favorite pulled pork for this recipe, but for the best experience, consider trying out the Mexican pulled pork (carnitas) recipe. It’s a breeze to make in your slow cooker and freezes well, ensuring you always have some on hand. Make sure the pulled pork is warm with crispy edges before layering it onto the nachos. After all, nobody wants cold chunks of meat. While your chips are baking in the oven, quickly crisp up the pork in a skillet for added flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Pair your pulled pork nachos with an array of delectable toppings such as Pico de Gallo or Mango Avocado Salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, a few slices of jalapeño, and of course, sour cream. You can also try a Green Onion Dip for an added layer of flavor depth.
Final Thoughts
With its harmonious blend of textures and flavors, Pulled Pork Nachos are sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to a delicious snack, these nachos will be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to indulge in a plateful of nacho goodness.
