Carnitas Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Carnitas Nachos are a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Combining tender shredded pork with melty cheese and fresh toppings, these nachos offer a flavorful, satisfying bite every time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups carnitas (shredded)
• 12-14 oz tortilla chips
• 8 oz shredded colby jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup corn salsa (or plain corn)
• Sour cream, for topping
• Pico de gallo, for topping
• Fresh jalapeno slices, for topping
• Guacamole, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
2. Step 2: Arrange the tortilla chips in a shallow layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the chips, then add black beans, corn salsa, and shredded carnitas. Finish by topping with the remaining cheese.
3. Step 3: Bake the assembled nachos on the lower oven rack for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, the carnitas become crispy, and the chip edges start to brown.
4. Step 4: Remove from the oven and garnish with pico de gallo, a drizzle of sour cream, fresh jalapeno slices, and serve with guacamole on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, warm the carnitas slightly before assembling the nachos to help them crisp up better in the oven.
• Swap the colby jack cheese with a Mexican blend or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Add sliced olives or diced avocado for additional texture and taste.
• Use homemade corn salsa or a simple mix of roasted corn, lime juice, and cilantro for freshness.

Storage

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F for 5-7 minutes to revive crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the chips crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought carnitas for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought carnitas work perfectly and save preparation time. Just shred them before assembling the nachos.

How can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Replace the carnitas with extra beans, sautéed mushrooms, or seasoned tofu for a tasty vegetarian version.

Carnitas Nachos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 64 reviews

These Carnitas Nachos are a flavorful and hearty appetizer featuring tender shredded carnitas layered over crispy tortilla chips with black beans, corn salsa, and plenty of melted cheese. Baked to perfection and topped with fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapenos, and guacamole, this dish is perfect for parties, game days, or a satisfying snack.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 12–14 oz tortilla chips

Protein and Toppings

• 2 cups carnitas, shredded
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1.2 cup corn salsa (or plain corn)

Cheese

• 8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)

Garnishes

• Sour cream, as needed
• Pico de gallo, as needed
• Fresh jalapeño slices, to taste
• Guacamole, as needed

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (204˚C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for melting cheese and crisping the carnitas.
2. Assemble the Nachos: Spread the tortilla chips evenly in a shallow layer over a large baking sheet. Evenly distribute half of the shredded cheese over the chips, then layer the black beans and corn salsa. Next, scatter the shredded carnitas on top, and finish with the remaining cheese, ensuring an even coverage for melting.
3. Bake: Place the baking sheet on the lower rack of the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes. Bake until the cheese is thoroughly melted, the carnitas develop a crispy texture, and the edges of the nachos start to brown lightly.
4. Add Toppings: Remove the nachos from the oven and generously top with pico de gallo, a drizzle of sour cream, fresh jalapeño slices, and dollops of guacamole to add freshness and creaminess to the dish.

Notes

• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting compared to pre-shredded.
• Adjust jalapeño slices according to your heat preference.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute carnitas with seasoned jackfruit or extra beans.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as chips can become soggy if left too long.

Keywords: Carnitas Nachos, Mexican Nachos, Baked Nachos, Party Snacks, Shredded Pork Nachos