Gather ’round, my fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re embarking on a flavor adventure that’s sure to make your taste buds dance with delight. Imagine tender, smoky pulled pork nestled atop a bed of crispy, golden-brown tortilla chips, crowned with the irresistible duo of melted cheddar cheese and sizzling bacon. This Smoky Bacon & Cheddar BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos recipe is a true celebration of comfort, indulgence, and the bold flavors that bring people together.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bacon & Cheddar BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Prepare to be swept off your feet by this epic dish! The layers of flavors and textures will have you coming back for more. Imagine the smoky, caramelized notes of the slow-cooked pulled pork, the creamy, melty cheddar, and the crispy, salty bacon. It’s a harmonious blend of comfort and craveable goodness that’s sure to make your heart (and your stomach) happy. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash, craving an indulgent game-day snack, or just looking to satisfy your inner foodie, these Smoky Bacon & Cheddar BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are the answer.
Ingredients
This recipe is a delectable fusion of juicy, slow-cooked pulled pork, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled atop a bed of golden-brown tortilla chips. The key ingredients are the tender, smoky pulled pork, the sharp and creamy cheddar, and the sizzling, savory bacon. Prepare to be wowed by the layers of flavor and texture in every bite!
- 4 lbs – Pork shoulder or butt, for slow-cooked pulled pork
- 1 lb – Thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
- 3 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large bag – Tortilla chips
- 1 cup – Barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
Ingredient Substitutions
- Vegetarian option: For a meat-free version, you can substitute the pulled pork with your favorite plant-based protein, such as seasoned jackfruit or lentils.
- Vegan option: Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based bacon alternatives to make this dish vegan-friendly.
How to Make Smoky Bacon & Cheddar BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Preparing these epic nachos is a delicious journey filled with mouthwatering steps. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preparing the pulled pork. Slow-cook the pork until it’s tender and infused with smoky, BBQ flavors. While the pork is cooking, fry up some crispy bacon and shred the cheddar cheese. Prepare the tortilla chips by arranging them on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Begin assembling the nachos by spreading the tender, shredded pulled pork over the tortilla chips. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Finally, crumble the crispy bacon and scatter it over the cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pop the loaded nachos into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with your favorite toppings, such as diced red onions, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of your go-to BBQ sauce.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra special touch, you can add a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream or guacamole to balance the richness of the dish. Serve these Smoky Bacon & Cheddar BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos immediately, while they’re hot and crispy, and let the flavors transport you to a backyard BBQ heaven.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for an extra crunchy layer.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the pulled pork for seasoned jackfruit or lentils.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, or any of your favorite nacho toppings.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro, diced red onions, and additional BBQ sauce.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the nachos in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy again.
Make-Ahead: The pulled pork can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use. When ready to assemble, simply reheat the pork and layer it onto the tortilla chips.
Nutrition Information
This dish is a indulgent, comfort-food dream, but it’s important to remember to enjoy it in moderation. Each serving of these Smoky Bacon & Cheddar BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos contains a satisfying blend of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. The combination of the tender pulled pork, crispy bacon, and melted cheese provides a boost of essential nutrients to keep you fueled and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to make the pulled pork?
For the most flavorful pulled pork, I recommend slow-cooking it in a crockpot or Instant Pot with a blend of spices, BBQ sauce, and your favorite seasonings. This allows the pork to become incredibly tender and infused with smoky, caramelized notes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pulled pork can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later use. When you’re ready to assemble the nachos, simply reheat the pulled pork, layer it onto the tortilla chips, and top with the cheddar cheese and bacon.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten up this indulgent dish, you can try using baked tortilla chips or even swap the pulled pork for a plant-based protein like seasoned jackfruit or lentils. You can also use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese or opt for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be easily made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free tortilla chips and ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What are some tasty topping ideas?
In addition to the pulled pork, bacon, and cheddar cheese, you can top these nachos with diced red onions, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, or even a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce.
Try These Next
- smoky bacon bbq pulled pork nachos
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Smoky Bacon & Cheddar BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Bacon & Cheddar BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are the ultimate game day snack. Topped with tender pulled pork, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar, they’re a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
– 1 lb pulled pork
– 4 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– Sour cream for serving
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. 2. Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet.
4. 3. In a bowl, mix the pulled pork with the BBQ sauce until well coated.
5. 4. Evenly distribute the pulled pork over the tortilla chips.
6. 5. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. 6. Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 7. Remove from the oven and top with sliced jalapeños and chopped green onions.
9. 8. Serve immediately with sour cream on the side.
Notes
– Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, guacamole, or additional cheeses.
– For a spicier kick, use a spicy BBQ sauce or add more jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: nachos, BBQ, pulled pork, bacon, cheese