BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos

These BBQ Nachos are a fantastic way to turn leftover pulled pork into a crowd pleasing appetizer or a fun, casual meal. The combination of smoky BBQ flavors, melted cheese, and colorful toppings makes them irresistible, and the recipe's flexibility allows for endless customization.

Ingredients

• Pulled pork: Provides a smoky, savory base for the nachos.
• BBQ sauce: Adds a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor.
• Tortilla chips: The base of the nachos, providing a crispy texture.
• Mexican style cheese blend: Provides a gooey, melty topping.
• Red onion, green bell pepper, orange bell pepper, yellow bell pepper: Add color, crunch, and flavor.
• Pickled jalapeños: Add a spicy kick.
• Cilantro or parsley: Add a fresh, herbaceous garnish.

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Cooking Instructions

Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.

Toss the Pork:

In a large bowl, toss the pulled pork with ¼ cup of the barbecue sauce, using tongs to ensure even coating.

Layer the Nachos:

Arrange a layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle a layer of shredded Mexican style cheese blend over the chips. Spread the BBQ pulled pork evenly over the cheese. Top the pork with the chopped red onion, green bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper.

Bake:

Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

Allow the nachos to cool slightly for 5 to 10 minutes. Drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce over the nachos. Garnish with pickled jalapeños and chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm.

Adding More Variety:

• Add black beans or corn for a Tex Mex twist.
• Incorporate other vegetables, such as diced tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms.
• Add a drizzle of queso or sour cream for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the nachos as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.

Enjoy them as a casual meal on game day or movie night.

Serve with a side of guacamole or salsa.

Variations

• Use chicken, ground beef, or other proteins instead of pulled pork.
• Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Adjust the amount of pickled jalapeños to your preferred spice level.

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Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftover nachos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat the nachos on a sheet pan in a 325°F oven or toaster oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

This recipe provides a flexible framework for creating delicious BBQ Nachos, with options to customize the ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pulled pork for these nachos?

Absolutely! While these BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are great for using up leftovers, store-bought pulled pork works perfectly too. Look for it in the prepared foods section of your grocery store, or use refrigerated packages of prepared pulled pork. Simply warm it according to package directions before mixing with the barbecue sauce and assembling your nachos.

→ What other toppings can I add to these BBQ nachos?

These BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are incredibly versatile. Consider adding black beans, corn, diced avocado, sliced black olives, or pickled red onions. After baking, you can top with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, or additional BBQ sauce. For an extra kick, try adding a sprinkle of your favorite hot sauce or chipotle powder before serving.

→ How can I keep my nachos from getting soggy?

Nachos can get soggy fast, but here's how to avoid it for BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos: use thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips, layer cheese first to create a 'barrier' between chips and toppings, and don't overload with sauce. Add wet toppings like extra BBQ sauce only after baking. If you need to prepare components ahead, keep them separate and assemble right before baking.

→ What type of cheese works best for these nachos?

The recipe calls for a Mexican-style cheese blend, which typically includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other melting cheeses that work perfectly for these BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. If you prefer to use a single cheese, sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack are excellent choices as they melt beautifully. For additional flavor, consider pepper jack for a bit of heat or smoked gouda to complement the barbecue flavors.

→ Can I make these nachos in advance for a party?

While BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are best served fresh from the oven, you can prepare components in advance. Chop all vegetables, mix the pulled pork with BBQ sauce, and have your cheese shredded and ready to go. Store everything separately in the refrigerator. About 30 minutes before serving, assemble and bake the nachos. This way, you'll have hot, fresh nachos with minimal last-minute prep.