Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos Recipe

These Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos are the ultimate BBQ appetizer, loaded with tender, smoky pulled pork, melty cheese, and fresh toppings. Whether for game day, a backyard BBQ, or a casual party, these nachos deliver bold, smoky flavors with crispy tortilla chips and a variety of delicious toppings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for a Crowd – A shareable dish that everyone will love.
• Smoky & Cheesy – Pulled pork and gooey cheese create the ultimate combo.
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
• Easy to Make – Uses leftover pulled pork for a quick and flavorful meal.
• Great for Game Day – A show-stopping appetizer or main dish.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Smoked Pulled Pork:

• 4-5 lb pork shoulder (or pork butt)
• ¼ cup yellow mustard (as a binder)
• ½ cup BBQ dry rub
• ½ cup apple juice (for spritzing)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (optional, for mixing)

For the Nachos:

• 1 large bag tortilla chips (restaurant-style or thick-cut)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• ½ cup pickled jalapeños (or fresh jalapeños)
• ½ cup red onion (diced)
• ½ cup black beans (optional)
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• ½ cup sour cream or crema
• ½ cup guacamole or sliced avocado
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (for drizzling)

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Directions

1. Smoke the Pulled Pork (Skip if using leftovers)

• Preheat your smoker to 225°F using hickory, apple, or oak wood.
• Rub the pork with yellow mustard as a binder and season generously with BBQ dry rub.
• Place the pork in the smoker and cook for 4-5 hours, spritzing with apple juice every hour.
• Once the pork reaches 165°F, wrap it in foil and continue smoking until it hits 195-205°F.
• Let it rest for 30 minutes, then shred the meat and mix with BBQ sauce, if desired.

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2. Preheat the Grill or Oven

• Set your Traeger or oven to 375°F.

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3. Assemble the Nachos

• On a large cast-iron skillet, sheet pan, or grill-safe dish, spread half of the tortilla chips.
• Sprinkle half the cheese and half the pulled pork evenly over the chips.
• Repeat with a second layer of chips, cheese, and pork.

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4. Cook the Nachos

• Place in the Traeger or oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
• Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

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5. Add Toppings & Serve

• Remove the nachos from the heat and immediately top with:
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • Red onions
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Black beans (if using)
  • Cilantro
• Drizzle with BBQ sauce, sour cream, or crema.
• Serve with guacamole or avocado on the side.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Smoke Time: 6-8 hours (if making fresh pulled pork)
• Bake Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (if using leftover pork)

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Variations

• Spicy Pulled Pork Nachos – Add extra jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Loaded Nachos – Top with crumbled bacon, corn, or olives.
• Sweet & Smoky – Use a honey BBQ sauce for a touch of sweetness.
• Tex-Mex Twist – Add seasoned ground beef or chorizo.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips.

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Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating:
  • Oven – Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
  • Air Fryer – Heat at 350°F for 5 minutes.
  • Microwave – Not recommended, as chips will become soggy.

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FAQs

Can I use store-bought pulled pork?

Yes! Pre-cooked pulled pork works great for a quick version of this dish.

What cheese melts best for nachos?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well.

Can I make these nachos in the air fryer?

Yes! Layer ingredients in an air fryer-safe dish and cook at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

How do I prevent soggy nachos?

Layer cheese first, then meat, and avoid excessive wet toppings before baking.

Can I use another type of meat?

Absolutely! Try brisket, shredded chicken, or smoked sausage.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for pulled pork nachos?

A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce pairs best, but use your favorite!

Can I make these ahead of time?

It’s best to prep toppings and pulled pork in advance, then assemble and bake fresh.

What should I serve with these nachos?

Pair with queso dip, coleslaw, or a simple side salad.

Can I cook these nachos on the grill?

Yes! Place a cast-iron skillet on the grill over medium heat (375°F) until the cheese melts.

What type of wood is best for smoking pulled pork?

Hickory, apple, and cherry woods add rich, smoky depth to the pork.

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Conclusion

These Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos are the perfect combination of smoky, cheesy, and crispy flavors. Whether for game day, a backyard cookout, or an easy dinner, this dish will impress every time. Fire up your Traeger, grab some chips, and enjoy the ultimate BBQ nachos!

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