BBQ Nachos Recipe Pulled Pork: The Ultimate Game Day Feast

Forget everything you think you know about nachos. We’re not just talking about a scattering of cheese and jalapenos here. We’re talking about a mountain of crispy tortilla chips piled high with tender, smoky pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, creamy cheese sauce, and all your favorite toppings. This BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day, parties, or even a satisfying weeknight dinner. Get ready to experience nacho nirvana!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Here’s why it works so well:

• The Pulled Pork: Using pre-made or leftover pulled pork makes this recipe incredibly quick. The smoky, savory flavor of the pork is the star of the show, providing a hearty and satisfying base for the nachos.
• The Cheese Sauce: A homemade cheese sauce elevates these nachos beyond the ordinary. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly coats every chip, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. We avoid shredded cheese directly on the chips to prevent a dry, clumpy mess.
• The Tortilla Chips: Sturdy tortilla chips are essential for holding all those delicious toppings. Look for thick-cut chips that can withstand the weight without crumbling.
• The Toppings: The toppings are where you can really get creative! We’ve included some of our favorites, but feel free to add or substitute your own. The combination of textures and flavors – creamy, crunchy, spicy, and sweet – is what makes these nachos so irresistible.
• Ease of Assembly: This recipe is surprisingly easy to put together. Once you have your pulled pork and cheese sauce ready, it’s just a matter of layering everything onto the chips and baking until warm and bubbly.

Ingredients

• Tortilla Chips: 1 large bag (about 12-16 ounces) of sturdy tortilla chips
• Pulled Pork: 2-3 cups cooked pulled pork (store-bought or homemade)
• BBQ Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
• Cheese Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Toppings (optional):
  • Diced red onion
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Pickled jalapenos
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Guacamole or avocado slices
  • Corn kernels
  • Black beans

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
   • Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Pulled Pork: If your pulled pork is cold, warm it up slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop. Toss the pulled pork with the BBQ sauce.
4. Assemble the Nachos:
   • Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
   • Drizzle about half of the cheese sauce evenly over the chips.
   • Top with the BBQ pulled pork.
   • Drizzle the remaining cheese sauce over the pulled pork.
   • Add any additional toppings you want to bake, such as diced red onion or corn.
5. Bake the Nachos: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the chips are heated through.
6. Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven and top with your remaining fresh toppings, such as diced tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even heating and crispiness. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the nachos. Choose a good quality BBQ sauce and fresh, flavorful toppings.
• Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapenos or hot sauce to your preference.
• Make Ahead: You can make the cheese sauce and pulled pork ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling the nachos.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your own signature nacho recipe. Consider adding black beans, corn, olives, or even crumbled bacon.
• Prevent Soggy Chips: To prevent soggy chips, avoid adding too much cheese sauce or toppings that release a lot of moisture. Serve the nachos immediately after baking.
• Broiler Option: For extra cheesy and bubbly nachos, broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Storage Instructions

Leftover BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chips will likely become soggy, but you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. For best results, reheat the pulled pork and cheese sauce separately and then assemble a fresh batch of nachos with new chips. It is not recommended to freeze leftover nachos.

FAQ

• Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese sauce? While you can use shredded cheese, the cheese sauce provides a much smoother and more even coverage, preventing dry spots on the nachos. If you do use shredded cheese, opt for a blend that melts well, like cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Can I use different types of meat? Absolutely! While this recipe calls for pulled pork, you can easily substitute other types of meat, such as shredded chicken, ground beef, or even vegetarian options like black beans or lentils.
• Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? While you can’t bake the nachos in a slow cooker, you can use it to keep the pulled pork and cheese sauce warm during a party.
• How can I make this recipe healthier? To make this recipe healthier, use baked tortilla chips, lean pulled pork, low-fat cheese sauce, and load up on vegetables. You can also substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
• What kind of BBQ sauce should I use? The best BBQ sauce is the one you enjoy the most! Choose a sauce that complements the flavor of the pulled pork. You can use a sweet, smoky, or tangy sauce, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

This BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of crispy chips, tender pulled pork, creamy cheese sauce, and customizable toppings, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. So, gather your friends and family, fire up the oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate nacho feast! You won’t be disappointed.