Prepare to be the talk of the party with these Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos with Cheese Drizzle! This epic dish is the perfect fusion of smoky, savory, and indulgent flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, game day celebration, or movie night in, these loaded nachos are sure to be the star of the show.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos with Cheese Drizzle
These nachos are the ultimate comfort food that’s both craveable and satisfying. The tender, juicy pulled pork is smothered in a zesty, smoky BBQ sauce, while the melty cheese drizzle adds a luxurious, velvety texture. The crispy tortilla chips provide the perfect base to soak up all the bold, flavorful toppings. Plus, with a hint of heat from the spicy seasoning, this dish is sure to wake up your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients
The key to this recipe is using high-quality, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. You’ll need tender pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, spicy seasonings, creamy cheese, and crispy tortilla chips to create this irresistible dish.
- 3 cups – Pulled pork, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup – Barbecue sauce, spicy or smoky
- 2 tablespoons – Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon – Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon – Cayenne pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Use shredded chicken or brisket instead of pulled pork (for a different flavor profile)
- Dietary: Swap in your favorite barbecue sauce or make your own (to accommodate dietary restrictions)
How to Make Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos with Cheese Drizzle
Get ready to assemble this delicious dish step-by-step!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by heating up your pulled pork and tossing it with the BBQ sauce until well coated. In a separate bowl, mix together the spicy seasoning blend. Prepare the cheese sauce by melting the cheese with a bit of milk or cream until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Generously top the chips with the spicy BBQ pulled pork, making sure to distribute it evenly. Sprinkle the spicy seasoning blend over the top.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake or air fry the nachos for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and drizzle the creamy cheese sauce over the top. Garnish with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Loaded: Add diced avocado, crumbled bacon, or sliced black olives for an even more indulgent version.
- Protein Swap: Use shredded chicken or brisket instead of pulled pork for a different flavor profile.
- Budget-Friendly: Use store-bought pulled pork or slow-cook a pork shoulder at home to save money.
- Presentation: Serve the nachos in individual serving dishes or on a large platter to encourage sharing.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
Storage: Any leftover nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Make-Ahead: The components can be prepared in advance and assembled right before serving.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are a hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Each serving provides a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. However, they are also high in calories, fat, and sodium, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?
You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own homemade version. I recommend a spicy or smoky BBQ sauce to complement the flavors of the pulled pork.
Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pulled pork can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and toss with the BBQ sauce before assembling the nachos.
How do I keep the nachos crispy?
To ensure your nachos stay perfectly crispy, be sure to arrange the chips in a single layer on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, which can cause the chips to steam and become soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. Instead of pulled pork, use roasted or grilled portobello mushrooms, jackfruit, or your favorite meat alternative. For the cheese sauce, opt for a plant-based cheese or cashew-based sauce.
How do I reheat leftover nachos?
To reheat leftover nachos, preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F. Spread the nachos in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Heat for 5-10 minutes, or until the chips are crispy and the toppings are heated through.
Try These Next
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos With Cheese Sauce
- Crispy Chicken Nachos With Spicy Cheese Drizzle
- Smoky Maple Bbq Pork Sliders With Tangy Slaw
Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos with Cheesy Drizzle
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 500 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Slow Cooking & Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos with Cheese Drizzle are a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and cheesy flavors. Ideal for gatherings or a fun family night!
Ingredients
2 lbs pork shoulder
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bag tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rub the pork shoulder with chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the pork in a slow cooker and cover it with BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
4. Once the pork is cooked, shred it with two forks and mix it with the BBQ sauce in the cooker.
5. On a baking sheet, layer tortilla chips, shredded pork, and cheddar cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
7. Remove from oven and top with jalapeños, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Notes
You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorites like guacamole or black olives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pulled pork, nachos, BBQ, cheese