Pulled Pork Nacho Surprise

Name: Pulled Pork Nacho Surprise
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ cup apple cider vinegar; ½ cup chicken broth; 12 oz tortilla chips; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 jalapeño, sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1 cup pico de gallo; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm Bowl Creations

I absolutely love how Pulled Pork Nacho Surprise combines my two favorite comfort foods into one decadent dish. The moment I make this, the rich aromas of slow-cooked pork and melted cheese fill my kitchen, drawing everyone in. It’s an indulgent treat, perfect for game nights or family gatherings. I always add fresh toppings, like jalapeños and cilantro, to enhance the flavors. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving this savory delight again and again!

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2026-01-22T14:06:30.313Z

When I first made Pulled Pork Nacho Surprise, I was blown away by the layered flavors that came from blending slow-cooked pork with crispy tortilla chips. I opted for a simple seasoning rub that really allowed the pork to shine, highlighting its natural juiciness. The secret? Low and slow cooking is key, which gives the meat a tender texture that pairs perfectly with the crunch of nachos.

Another tip I discovered is to use a mix of cheeses, like sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack, for that perfect melt. Plus, don’t shy away from adding toppings like fresh avocado and pico de gallo—they bring the whole experience together and make each bite memorable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory pulled pork nestled atop crispy nachos for a heavenly crunch
Customizable toppings let you make it your own
Perfect for gatherings and parties, everyone will be raving!

Perfecting the Pulled Pork

The key to truly tender pulled pork lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the fat and connective tissue to break down, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. I recommend using a pork shoulder, as its higher fat content ensures juiciness and flavor. When seasoning, don't shy away from the rub; it enhances the depth of flavor. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or switch the paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper aroma.

If you're short on time, you can use an Instant Pot to speed up the cooking process. Just apply the same rub and brown the pork on the sauté setting. Then, add the liquids and cook it on high pressure for about an hour. This method yields tender results, although the flavors might be slightly less pronounced compared to slow cooking. Remember to allow for natural pressure release to ensure the meat remains tender.

Building the Perfect Nacho Layer

When assembling your nachos, the type of tortilla chips you use can make a significant difference. I prefer thicker, restaurant-style chips that can hold up to the toppings without getting soggy. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet to ensure every chip gets its share of the delicious pulled pork and melted cheese. Overlapping the chips too much can lead to uneven melting, so be mindful of your layout.

Cheese selection is crucial for achieving that desired gooeyness. The combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Sprinkle the cheese generously, covering the chips but leaving some exposed to achieve that lovely golden top. If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding some pepper jack for heat or feta for a tangy twist.

Ingredients

For the Pulled Pork

2 lbs pork shoulder
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup chicken broth

For the Nachos

12 oz tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 jalapeño, sliced
1 avocado, diced
1 cup pico de gallo
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Pulled Pork

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a rub. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder. Place the pork in a slow cooker, then pour in the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pork is tender and shreds easily.

Assemble the Nachos

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the pork is ready, shred it using two forks. Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Top with shredded pork, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese. Add jalapeño slices on top.

Bake the Nachos

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and top with diced avocado, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, try adding your favorite hot sauce over the finished nachos before serving.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover pulled pork nachos, store the ingredients separately to maintain their texture. Allow the pulled pork to cool completely before refrigerating it in an airtight container for up to three days. For the nacho components, keep the tortilla chips in a separate bag to prevent them from becoming soggy. When reheating, place the pork in a skillet to warm on low heat, and for the chips, you can briefly bake them again to regain their crunch.

Reheating fully assembled nachos can often lead to a disappointing, soggy outcome. If you want to reheat nachos, I recommend popping them back in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through. Add fresh toppings after reheating to keep them vibrant and fresh, which really elevates the dish even on day two.

Serving Suggestions

While Pulled Pork Nacho Surprise shines on its own, you can elevate the experience with side dishes and additional toppings. A cool sour cream or creamy queso dip can cut through the richness of the pulled pork. Pile on some fresh sliced radishes and thinly sliced green onions for a crunch, or consider a squeeze of lime just before serving to brighten the flavors.

To customize your nachos further, consider adding black beans or corn for extra fiber and sweetness. Vegetarian options can swap the pulled pork for roasted vegetables or even a spicy bean mix. This way, you ensure that everyone at the table can enjoy a tailored dish that caters to their dietary preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, while pork shoulder works best, you can use pork loin or even chicken for a lighter option.

→ How do I store leftover nachos?

It's best to store components separately. Keep pulled pork and nachos in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the pulled pork ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can slow cook the pork a day in advance and reheat it when you're ready to use it for nachos.

→ What toppings can I add?

Feel free to customize with black beans, sour cream, olives, or your favorite hot sauce for added flavor!