Imagine a platter piled high with smoky, tender pulled pork, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, all nestled on a bed of perfectly crunchy tortilla chips. Welcome to the ultimate game-day, party-ready, flavor-packed Smoky Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos! This recipe is a delicious fusion of classic barbecue flavors and the irresistible cravings of loaded nachos, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
These nachos are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. The slow-cooked, fall-apart tender pulled pork is infused with a robust barbecue sauce and paired with crispy bacon, melty cheese, and zesty toppings. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, a burst of juicy meat, and a symphony of comforting textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a lively gathering or craving a cozy night in, these nachos are sure to be the hit of the party and leave your guests (or yourself) in a state of pure, indulgent bliss.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Smoky Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos include savory pulled pork, crispy bacon, a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and creamy sour cream. The combination of these flavors and textures creates a truly craveable and satisfying dish.
- 2 lbs (907g) – Pulled pork, shredded or chopped
- 8 oz (227g) – Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup (240ml) – Barbecue sauce, your favorite brand
- 2 cups (226g) – Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 bag (13 oz or 368g) – Tortilla chips
- Toppings: Diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, etc.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pulled Pork: Shredded chicken or brisket (works just as well for the smoky, barbecue flavor profile)
- Cheese: Cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend (for a variety of melty, gooey textures)
How to Make Smoky Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
The key to these delectable nachos is the slow-cooked, flavor-packed pulled pork. If you have leftover or pre-cooked pulled pork, simply reheat it with your favorite barbecue sauce. If starting from scratch, season a pork shoulder or butt with a blend of spices and slow-cook it until it’s fork-tender and easily shreds.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preparing the pulled pork. If you have leftover or pre-cooked pulled pork, you can simply reheat it with your favorite barbecue sauce. If starting from scratch, season a pork shoulder or butt with a blend of spices and slow-cook it until it’s fork-tender and easily shreds. Next, cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange a layer of tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Top the chips with the smoky barbecue pulled pork, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the nachos in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the nachos from the oven and top with your desired toppings, such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Sweet & Smoky: Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the pulled pork before assembling the nachos for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add a generous sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the pork.
- Fresh Garnish: Garnish the nachos with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a bright, herbal touch.
- Cheese Swap: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend, to find your perfect flavor combination.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Smoky Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are best enjoyed with your favorite cold beverages, such as beer or margaritas.
Storage: Any leftover pulled pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated as needed. The assembled nachos are best served immediately, while the cheese is still warm and melty.
Reheat: To reheat leftover nachos, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the nachos on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy.
Make-Ahead: The components (pulled pork, bacon, toppings) can be prepared in advance, making it easy to assemble and bake the nachos when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are a hearty and indulgent dish, with the pulled pork, bacon, and cheese providing a good source of protein and healthy fats. The tortilla chips and toppings also contribute carbohydrates, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. As with any indulgent dish, it’s important to enjoy these nachos in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 780 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbs: 55 g
- Fat: 43 g
- Sodium: 1,560 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the pulled pork in advance?
You can prepare the pulled pork up to 4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble the nachos, simply reheat the pork and toss it with your desired barbecue sauce.
Can I use store-bought pulled pork?
Absolutely! If you don’t have the time or desire to make the pulled pork from scratch, you can absolutely use a high-quality store-bought version. Just be sure to heat it up with your favorite barbecue sauce before assembling the nachos.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover nachos?
To reheat leftover nachos, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the nachos on a baking sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chips soggy.
Can I make these nachos vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! You can easily make these nachos vegetarian by substituting the pulled pork with plant-based protein, such as sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or jackfruit. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and omit the sour cream, or replace it with a vegan alternative.
How can I make these nachos ahead of time?
You can prepare the individual components (pulled pork, bacon, toppings) in advance and then assemble and bake the nachos just before serving. This will ensure the chips stay crisp and the cheese melts perfectly.
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Smoky Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Smoky Bacon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are the ultimate comfort food, combining smoky flavors, tender pulled pork, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for game day or a casual get-together!
Ingredients
1 lb pulled pork
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 bag tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the pulled pork with barbecue sauce until well coated.
3. Spread the tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
4. Layer the pulled pork over the chips, followed by the shredded cheese and chopped bacon.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions.
7. Serve warm with sour cream on the side.
Notes
Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorites, such as guacamole or black olives.
For extra flavor, use a smoky barbecue sauce or add a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pulled pork, nachos, BBQ, smoky, cheese