Carnitas Nachos – loaded with juicy shredded pork, pepper jack cheese, red onion, jalapeños, and homemade guacamole. The ultimate game day snack!
When it comes to game days, nachos are a must! They’re one of my all time favorite game day snacks… for so many reasons. Not only are they easy to whip up and perfect for feeding any size group, but there are SO many delicious ways to do them.
These Carnitas Nachos are one of the BEST… and everyone I’ve made them for agrees. Loaded with tender, juicy, shredded pork, pepper jack cheese, fresh jalapeños, queso fresco, and our favorite guacamole, they’re completely packed with the most amazing flavor.
Not to mention… they eat like a meal! So they can literally be the ONLY thing you make for your next game day get together, and everyone will be happy!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Easy: These nachos are easy to make and ready in just 15 minutes!
Versatile: They make a delicious appetizer or snack, and double as a satisfying main dish.
Crowd favorite: Perfect for feeding a crowd and easy to customize according to individual preferences!
But the very best thing about this recipe is that I got everything I need for it at Metro Market! And as a special Bucks playoff promotion, right now you can earn 100 bonus fuel points when you mix or match 3 participating products from the Playoffs Savings Spectacular BONUS!
Shop at Pick ‘n Save or Metro Market, where there are more than 500 qualifying products from Coca-Cola, Gatorade, Klement’s, Palermo’s, Red Bull and Sargento. Since these nachos call for two packages of Sargento cheese, you’re already 2/3 of the way there!
This bonus is valid as the Bucks remain in the playoffs. You can find a complete list of products at http://picknsave.com/bucks.
If you’re not familiar with the Fuel Points Program, when you shop at Pick ‘n Save or Metro Market you earn one fuel point for every dollar spent on most groceries and qualifying prescriptions. Save up to two dollars per gallon when you redeem your points at your favorite participating bp and Amoco fuel stations! Visit picknsave.com/fuel or metromarket.net/fuel for details.
GO BUCKS!!!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Tortilla chips – I used Mariano’s Casa Mercado White Corn Tortilla Chips. I love these chips because they’re thick and hearty enough to stand up to melted cheese and other toppings, which means no soggy nachos!
Shredded cheese – I used two 7 ounce blocks of Sargento Fiesta Pepper Jack Cheese, freshly shredded. I always prefer to shred my own cheese, especially in recipes like this, because I find it melts better than pre-shredded. You can feel free to use any type of cheese you’d like (Cheddar Jack would also be delicious!)
Carnitas – For the carnitas, I used Kroger Pork Carnitas, which comes in a 16 ounce package and can be found in the refrigerated meat department at your local Pick ‘n Save or Metro Market.
Toppings – I added crumbled queso fresco, fresh sliced jalapeños, chopped red onion, cilantro, and homemade guacamole.
how to make carnitas nachos
Layer the chips & cheese. Arrange a single layer of tortilla chips on a large rimmed baking sheet (I used a jelly roll pan.) Top with 1/3 of the cheese, then add a second layer of chips and top with the remaining cheese.
Add the carnitas & bake. Spread the carnitas evenly over the chips. Bake at 400° for 8-12 minutes, until cheese is completely melted.
Add the toppings. Add crumbled queso fresco, sliced jalapeño, chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, and homemade guacamole OR any toppings of your choice! (See below for additional ideas!)
storing & reheating
Leftover nachos can be kept on the baking sheet or transferred to a smaller one. Be sure to remove any toppings that would not be good reheated, such as guacamole. Cover them tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to reheat. NOTE: the longer you keep nachos, the more soggy the chips will become, so it’s best to eat them up quickly!
To reheat, preheat the oven to 375°F. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese (if desired) and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and chips are crispy.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute any type of shredded cheese
- Substitute cotija for the queso fresco
- Add additional toppings (shredded cabbage, chopped tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, salsa)
- Use homemade carnitas instead of store bought
- Substitute any of your favorite meats for the carnitas
- Adjust the amounts to make a smaller or larger portion (cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly)
What to Serve with Nachos
These nachos eat like a meal, but just in case you’re looking for some sides to go with them, here are some of our favorites:
Carnitas Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 bag Casa Mercado White Corn Tortilla Chips *you may not use the entire bag
- 2 7 ounce blocks Sargento Fiesta Pepper Jack Cheese, shredded
- 1 pound carnitas I used Kroger Pork Carnitas
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 jalapeños thinly sliced
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 1/2 cup guacamole
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- 2. Prepare the carnitas according to package instructions; set aside.
- 3. Arrange a single layer of tortilla chips on a large rimmed baking sheet (I used a jelly roll pan.) Top with 1/3 of the cheese, then add a second layer of chips and top with the remaining cheese.
- 4. Spread the carnitas evenly over the chips. Bake at 400° for 8-12 minutes, until cheese is completely melted.
- 5. Remove from oven; top with queso fresco, red onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and guacamole OR any toppings of your choice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Substitute any type of shredded cheese
- Substitute cotija for the queso fresco
- Add additional toppings (shredded cabbage, chopped tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, salsa)
- Use homemade carnitas instead of store bought
- Substitute any of your favorite meats for the carnitas
- Adjust the amounts to make a smaller or larger portion (cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly)
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