If you’re craving something cheesy, smoky, and downright irresistible, this pulled pork nachos recipe is your next must-try dish. Loaded with tender barbecue pulled pork, gooey melted cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, and all your favorite toppings, these nachos are a crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner.
Whether you have leftover pulled pork from your last BBQ or you’re starting from scratch, this recipe walks you through everything — from building perfect layers to achieving that restaurant-style flavor right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Pulled Pork Nachos Recipe
- Easy and quick: Use leftover pulled pork or store-bought BBQ pork to cut down on prep time.
- Crowd favorite: Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or casual snacking.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Delicious contrast: The smoky pulled pork pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and crispy chips.
This is more than just nachos — it’s comfort food layered with bold flavors and textures.
Ingredients for Pulled Pork Nachos
Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate pulled pork nachos recipe:
For the Nachos:
- 1 (12 oz) bag of sturdy tortilla chips – choose thick ones to hold the toppings.
- 2 cups pulled pork – leftover or store-bought BBQ pulled pork works great.
- 1 cup barbecue sauce – smoky or sweet, depending on your taste.
- 2 cups shredded cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup black beans (rinsed and drained, optional)
- ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Pico de gallo or diced tomatoes
- Extra barbecue sauce or hot sauce
- Lime wedges
How to Make Pulled Pork Nachos
Follow these simple steps for the most mouthwatering nachos you’ve ever made:
Step 1: Prepare the Pulled Pork
If using leftover pulled pork, reheat it gently in a skillet with a bit of barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
If starting from scratch, you can use slow-cooked or oven-roasted pork shoulder — seasoned with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic. Shred it once tender and toss it with BBQ sauce.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want it nice and hot to melt the cheese and crisp up the chips.
Step 3: Layer the Nachos
On a large baking sheet or oven-safe skillet, spread out half of your tortilla chips.
Top with half the pulled pork, cheese, onions, beans, corn, and jalapeños.
Repeat with the remaining chips and toppings — this double layering ensures every bite has flavor.
Step 4: Bake Until Gooey
Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the chips so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh cilantro, then top with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce or hot sauce if you like a smoky-spicy kick.
Tips for the Best Pulled Pork Nachos
- Use thick, sturdy chips – Thin chips can get soggy or break under toppings.
- Preheat pulled pork – Warm meat ensures even heat and perfect cheese melting.
- Layer properly – Build two layers instead of one to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add cold toppings last – Sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo should go on after baking to stay fresh.
- Serve immediately – Nachos taste best hot and crispy straight out of the oven.
How to Make Pulled Pork from Scratch
If you don’t already have pulled pork, here’s a simple version you can make at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Directions:
- Rub pork with spices and place it in a slow cooker.
- Add ½ cup water or broth and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours until tender.
- Shred the pork with two forks and toss in barbecue sauce.
- Use immediately on your nachos or store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Variations and Add-Ons
The beauty of pulled pork nachos is how versatile they are. Try these tasty twists:
1. Hawaiian Pulled Pork Nachos
Add diced pineapple and drizzle with teriyaki sauce for a tropical flavor burst.
2. Buffalo Pulled Pork Nachos
Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.
3. Tex-Mex Style
Add jalapeños, black beans, corn, and a drizzle of chipotle crema.
4. Loaded BBQ Nachos
Top with extra cheese, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon bits.
5. Vegetable Boost
Include roasted bell peppers, tomatoes, or avocado slices for freshness and balance.
What to Serve with Pulled Pork Nachos
While these nachos can easily be a meal on their own, here are some perfect side ideas:
- Coleslaw: Classic, tangy slaw balances the rich BBQ flavor.
- Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread complements the smoky pork.
- Grilled corn on the cob: Adds a sweet crunch to the meal.
- Iced tea or margaritas: Refreshing drinks to wash it all down.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Place leftover nachos in an airtight container. Keep toppings like guacamole and sour cream separate. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread nachos on a baking tray and heat for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and chips are crisp again. Avoid microwaving — it makes chips soggy.
Common Questions About Pulled Pork Nachos
1. Can I make pulled pork nachos in an air fryer?
Yes! Layer the nachos in your air fryer basket and cook at 370°F for 5–6 minutes. Keep the toppings light to ensure even heating.
2. What cheese melts best for nachos?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides both flavor and a creamy melt. You can also use pepper jack for spice.
3. Can I use store-bought pulled pork?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s saucy enough to stay moist when reheated.
4. How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?
Bake the chips for 5 minutes before adding toppings to crisp them up, and avoid overloading them with wet ingredients.
5. Can I prepare pulled pork nachos ahead of time?
You can prep all components in advance but assemble and bake them just before serving for the best texture.
Pulled Pork Nachos Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
- 12 oz tortilla chips
- 2 cups pulled pork
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- ½ cup black beans (optional)
- ½ cup corn
- ½ red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- Cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, layer half of the chips with pork, cheese, beans, and toppings.
- Add the remaining layer and repeat.
- Bake 10–15 minutes until cheese melts.
- Top with fresh toppings and serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This pulled pork nachos recipe brings together everything we love about comfort food — cheesy, smoky, and perfectly messy. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table (or the TV) and dig in.
Whether you’re using leftovers or cooking from scratch, these nachos deliver big flavor in every bite. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or weekend cravings — it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
So grab your chips, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy the best pulled pork nachos you’ve ever tasted!