Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos

These Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos are the ultimate BBQ appetizer, loaded with tender, smoky pulled pork, melty cheese, and fresh toppings. Whether for game day, a backyard BBQ, or a casual party, these nachos deliver bold, smoky flavors with crispy tortilla chips and a variety of delicious toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a Crowd – A shareable dish that everyone will love.
• Smoky & Cheesy – Pulled pork and gooey cheese create the ultimate combo.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
• Easy to Make – Uses leftover pulled pork for a quick and flavorful meal.
• Great for Game Day – A show-stopping appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Smoked Pulled Pork:

• 4-5 lb pork shoulder (or pork butt)
• ¼ cup yellow mustard (as a binder)
• ½ cup BBQ dry rub
• ½ cup apple juice (for spritzing)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (optional, for mixing)

For the Nachos:

• 1 large bag tortilla chips (restaurant-style or thick-cut)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• ½ cup pickled jalapeños (or fresh jalapeños)
• ½ cup red onion (diced)
• ½ cup black beans (optional)
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• ½ cup sour cream or crema
• ½ cup guacamole or sliced avocado
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (for drizzling)

Directions

this recipe

1. Smoke the Pulled Pork (Skip if using leftovers)

• Preheat your smoker to 225°F using hickory, apple, or oak wood.
• Rub the pork with yellow mustard as a binder and season generously with BBQ dry rub.
• Place the pork in the smoker and cook for 4-5 hours, spritzing with apple juice every hour.
• Once the pork reaches 165°F, wrap it in foil and continue smoking until it hits 195-205°F.
• Let it rest for 30 minutes, then shred the meat and mix with BBQ sauce, if desired.

2. Preheat the Grill or Oven

• Set your Traeger or oven to 375°F.

3. Assemble the Nachos

• On a large cast-iron skillet, sheet pan, or grill-safe dish, spread half of the tortilla chips.
• Sprinkle half the cheese and half the pulled pork evenly over the chips.
• Repeat with a second layer of chips, cheese, and pork.

4. Cook the Nachos

• Place in the Traeger or oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
• Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

5. Add Toppings & Serve

• Remove the nachos from the heat and immediately top with:
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Red onions
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Black beans (if using)
  • Cilantro
• Drizzle with BBQ sauce, sour cream, or crema.
• Serve with guacamole or avocado on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Smoke Time: 6-8 hours (if making fresh pulled pork)
• Bake Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (if using leftover pork)

Variations

• Spicy Pulled Pork Nachos – Add extra jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Loaded Nachos – Top with crumbled bacon, corn, or olives.
• Sweet & Smoky – Use a honey BBQ sauce for a touch of sweetness.
• Tex-Mex Twist – Add seasoned ground beef or chorizo.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating:
  • Oven – Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
  • Air Fryer – Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes.
  • Microwave – Not recommended, as chips will become soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pulled pork?

Yes! Pre-cooked pulled pork works great for a quick version of this dish.

What cheese melts best for nachos?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well.

Can I make these nachos in the air fryer?

Yes! Layer ingredients in an air fryer-safe dish and cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

How do I prevent soggy nachos?

Layer cheese first, then meat, and avoid excessive wet toppings before baking.

Can I use another type of meat?

Absolutely! Try brisket, shredded chicken, or smoked sausage.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for pulled pork nachos?

A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce pairs best, but use your favorite!

Can I make these ahead of time?

It’s best to prep toppings and pulled pork in advance, then assemble and bake fresh.

What should I serve with these nachos?

Pair with queso dip, coleslaw, or a simple side salad.

Can I cook these nachos on the grill?

Yes! Place a cast-iron skillet on the grill over medium heat (375°F) until the cheese melts.

What type of wood is best for smoking pulled pork?

Hickory, apple, and cherry woods add rich, smoky depth to the pork.

Conclusion

These Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos are the perfect combination of smoky, cheesy, and crispy flavors. Whether for game day, a backyard cookout, or an easy dinner, this dish will impress every time. Fire up your Traeger, grab some chips, and enjoy the ultimate BBQ nachos!

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