Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme is a crowd-pleaser loaded with tender, smoky pulled pork, crunchy tortilla chips, melty cheese, fresh jalapeños, and a drizzle of creamy sauce that ties it all together. It’s a fun, messy dish that’s perfect for sharing and snacking, with layers of flavors and textures that keep every bite exciting.
I love making these nachos whenever friends come over because everyone gets to grab their own handful of crispy chips piled high with pork and toppings. The pulled pork is the star here—juicy and full of flavor—and the way it pulls apart so easily makes every chip feel like a little celebration. I always add some pickled jalapeños for that perfect kick and a bit of creaminess on top to balance it out.
For me, Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme is the go-to game day snack or weekend treat. I usually serve it with fresh salsa, guacamole, and a cold drink nearby. It’s great because you can keep adding toppings until everyone’s happy, and no two plates are exactly alike. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that brings people together, and it’s trouble-free enough to whip up pretty fast any day of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pulled Pork: This is the heart of the dish, tender and juicy with BBQ flavor. If you don’t have pulled pork, shredded rotisserie chicken with BBQ sauce works well too. For a vegetarian option, try BBQ jackfruit—it has a similar texture!
Tortilla Chips: Choose sturdy, thick chips to hold all the toppings without getting soggy too fast. If you want a gluten-free choice, most tortilla chips are naturally gluten-free, but check the label to be sure.
Cheese: The mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess. You can swap cheddar with Colby Jack or mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste.
Fresh Toppings: Fresh diced tomatoes and cilantro add a bright, zesty contrast to the rich pork and cheese. If cilantro isn’t your favorite, parsley or green onions work well as a replacement.
Pickled Jalapeños: These add heat and tang. If you want it milder, just skip or use fresh jalapeños without the brine. For a smoky twist, try chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
How Do I Keep My Tortilla Chips Crispy When Making Loaded Nachos?
One common issue is soggy chips under all the toppings. Here are some tips to keep crunch:
- Layer Chips and Toppings: Spread a layer of chips first, add pork and cheese, then sprinkle additional chips and toppings as you go. This helps airflow and prevents chips from getting waterlogged.
- Warm Pork Beforehand: Warmed pulled pork releases less moisture once baked, reducing sogginess.
- Use Oven, Not Microwave: Bake nachos in the oven just until cheese melts. The oven’s dry heat keeps chips crispy better than microwaving.
- Add Fresh Toppings After Baking: Add tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños right before serving to keep chips crisp underneath.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet or oven-safe platter – I like a large one to hold all the nachos in one layer for even cooking.
- Skillet – useful for reheating or warming up the pulled pork before assembling.
- Shredding tool or forks – makes quick work of shredding cheese and pork if needed.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to portion toppings evenly and keep everything organized.
- Oven – for melting cheese and crisping up the nachos to perfection.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pulled pork for shredded chicken, beef, or vegetarian BBQ jackfruit—works great and offers different flavors.
- Replace cheddar with pepper jack or pepper jack mix for extra spice and flavor.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or onions for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Drizzle with a tangy ranch or avocado crema instead of sour cream for extra richness.
Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb pulled pork (cooked, seasoned with BBQ sauce)
- 1 large bag tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (for drizzling)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (if reheating the pork)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe comes together quickly! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation including warming the pulled pork and assembling the nachos, plus 8-10 minutes to bake until the cheese melts perfectly. So, plan for about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Warm the Pulled Pork
If your pulled pork is cold, heat it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir occasionally until warmed through. This helps release less moisture later so the chips stay crisp.
2. Assemble the Nachos
Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips evenly on a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet. Evenly spread the warm pulled pork on top of the chips. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the pork and chips.
3. Bake Until Cheesy
Place the assembled nachos in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye to avoid burning.
4. Add Fresh Toppings
Remove the nachos from the oven. Drizzle BBQ sauce over the top, then dollop sour cream in several spots. Sprinkle diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro all over. Add pickled jalapeños and diced onions if you like a little extra heat and crunch.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme immediately while it’s hot and cheesy for the best texture and flavor experience. Perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you want a tasty shareable snack!
Can I Use Frozen Pulled Pork for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before reheating. Warm it gently in a skillet to prevent extra moisture that can make the chips soggy.
Can I Make Pulled Pork Nachos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pulled pork and shred the cheese in advance, but it’s best to assemble and bake the nachos right before serving to keep the chips crispy.
How Should I Store Leftover Nachos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to help keep the cheese melty and chips a bit crispy again—avoid microwaving if possible.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
Greek yogurt or a creamy avocado sauce work great as healthier or dairy-free alternatives and still provide that nice tangy creaminess on top.