Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme is a plate full of fun, flavor, and crunch. Imagine layers of crispy tortilla chips piled high, topped with juicy, tender pulled pork, gooey melted cheese, and all the usual favorites like salsa, sour cream, and fresh jalapeños. It’s that perfect mix of smoky meat and crunchy chips that makes it feel like a real celebration on your plate.
I love making this when friends come over because it’s one of those dishes everyone can dig into and customize however they like. I usually add a handful of black beans and some chopped onions for extra texture, and I always make sure there’s a little extra BBQ sauce on hand to drizzle over the top. It’s simple to put together, but it never fails to get smiles all around the table.
For serving, I like to set it up as a big sharing platter right in the middle and let everyone help themselves. It’s perfect for game nights or casual get-togethers, especially when paired with a cold drink and some good music. Honestly, it’s a fun twist on classic nachos that adds a bit of hearty comfort and a lot of flavor to any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pulled Pork: This is the star of the dish. Using BBQ-flavored pulled pork adds great smoky sweetness. If you don’t have pork, shredded chicken with BBQ sauce works well too.
Tortilla Chips: Choose sturdy, thick corn chips since they hold the toppings better and stay crisp after baking.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely and gives a punch of flavor. Mixing in Monterey Jack adds extra creaminess. You could also try a Mexican cheese blend.
Black Beans & Black Olives: These add texture and a mild earthiness. Feel free to swap black beans with pinto beans or skip olives if you’re not a fan.
Toppings: Fresh diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro brighten the rich flavors. If you want a little extra heat, add pickled jalapeños or fresh slices.
Sour Cream & Salsa/BBQ Sauce: Sour cream cools things down while salsa or BBQ sauce adds tangy or sweet notes. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
How Do You Build and Bake Perfect Pulled Pork Nachos?
The trick is layering so each chip gets some toppings without getting soggy or overloaded:
- Spread chips in an even, single layer—not crowded—to keep them crisp.
- Add pulled pork evenly so every bite has meat.
- Sprinkle cheese generously to help everything stick and melt well.
- Scatter beans and olives evenly for variety.
- Bake just long enough (around 10 minutes) to melt cheese without drying out the pork or burning the chips.
- Once out of the oven, quickly add fresh toppings and dollops of sour cream so they stay cool and vibrant.
- If using lime, a quick squeeze right before eating adds a fresh zing.
I find building the nachos on a rimmed baking sheet helps contain the toppings, and heating in a hot oven ensures an even melt. Don’t wait too long to serve after baking or the chips can lose crispness!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large oven-safe baking sheet – I prefer this because it gives enough space for spreading the chips in a single layer and easy baking.
- Mixing bowls – useful for assembling toppings and mixing ingredients.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for dicing tomatoes, chopping cilantro, and slicing olives.
- Grater – to shred cheese quickly and evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate portions of ingredients and toppings.
- Spoons or tongs – for spreading toppings and serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pulled pork with shredded chicken or beef brisket for different smoky flavors.
- Try a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Pepper Jack for more spice and meltiness.
- Add sautéed peppers or corn kernels for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Sprinkle with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce if you like extra heat.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangy topping.
How to Make Pulled Pork Nacho Supreme?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups tortilla chips (about 1 large bag)
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork (prepared with your favorite BBQ sauce)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh diced tomatoes
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup salsa or BBQ sauce (for drizzling)
- 1 cup sour cream, divided
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and bake the nachos. If your pulled pork is already cooked, you only need a little time to gather the toppings and assemble. Perfect for a quick, satisfying snack or meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Base:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a large oven-safe baking sheet or platter, spread the tortilla chips out evenly so every chip has room to hold toppings.
2. Add Pull Pork, Cheese, and Beans:
Sprinkle the pulled pork evenly across the chips. Then, cover with generous amounts of shredded cheese. Scatter black beans and sliced black olives on top for flavor and texture.
3. Bake Until Cheese Melts:
Put the baking sheet into the oven and bake for around 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly — this locks all the flavors together.
4. Top with Fresh Ingredients and Sauces:
Take the nachos out of the oven and immediately add diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Drizzle your choice of salsa or BBQ sauce over the top.
5. Finish and Serve:
Place dollops of sour cream evenly over the nachos. Serve right away with lime wedges on the side for squeezing a fresh citrus tang onto your supreme nachos. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Pulled Pork for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the pulled pork is fully thawed before assembling the nachos. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Warm it slightly to make shredding and layering easier.
Can I Prepare Pulled Pork Nachos Ahead of Time?
It’s best to assemble and bake the nachos fresh so the chips stay crispy. However, you can prepare the pulled pork and chop the toppings a day ahead. Just store them separately in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble.
How Should I Store Leftover Nachos?
Because the chips will get soggy, leftovers are best consumed within a few hours. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) to help crisp them back up.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Cheese?
If you want to switch up the cheese, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt well and add great flavor. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based shredded cheese alternative.