If you are craving a dish that delivers a perfect mix of crispy, melty, savory, and fresh all in one bite, this Carnitas Nachos Recipe will be your new favorite go-to. Combining tender, flavorful pork carnitas with layers of gooey cheddar and crumbly queso fresco over a bed of crunchy tortilla chips, topped with zesty salsa, cool guacamole, and tangy sour cream, it’s like a fiesta for your taste buds. This recipe is quick to prepare yet full of vibrant textures and bold flavors that make it ideal for sharing at any gathering or just treating yourself to something truly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Carnitas Nachos so special is the simplicity and balance of each ingredient. Every component plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that come together in harmony.
- Sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the rich carnitas and melted cheese.
- Guacamole: Brings fresh, buttery notes and a hint of brightness to the dish.
- Salsa: Offers spice and acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Red onion, sliced: Provides a sharp crunch and a pop of color.
- Cilantro, chopped: Injects fresh herbal vibrancy to awaken your palate.
- Pork carnitas: The star protein, tender, juicy, and packed with Mexican-inspired flavor.
- Queso fresco cheese, crumbled: Delivers a mild, slightly tangy creaminess that complements the sharper cheddar.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy goodness everyone loves.
- Tortilla chips: The crispy, salty base that holds all the toppings together with satisfying crunch.
How to Make Carnitas Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Warm the Carnitas
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF to get things ready for baking. If your pork carnitas aren’t warm yet, pop them into a microwave-safe container and heat for about 2 minutes. This ensures they’re warmed through and will continue cooking perfectly when in the oven with the chips and cheese.
Step 2: Layer the Chips and Carnitas
On a lined sheet pan, spread out tortilla chips evenly — you don’t need to use the entire bag, just enough for a solid base. Next, evenly distribute the warm carnitas over the chips, making sure each bite gets some of that tender, flavorful pork.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle both shredded cheddar and crumbled queso fresco cheeses generously over the carnitas and chips to create a beautiful, melty layer. Slide the sheet pan into your preheated oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, with the chips reaching a satisfying crispness.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Once out of the oven, the fun part begins: dollop on creamy sour cream, luscious guacamole, and bright, tangy salsa. Scatter the sliced red onions and fresh cilantro on top for added crunch and herbaceous notes. Serve immediately to enjoy the full magic of this Carnitas Nachos Recipe while everything is fresh and warm.
How to Serve Carnitas Nachos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are a wonderful way to amp up the flavors and presentation of your Carnitas Nachos Recipe. Think vibrant cilantro leaves for freshness, a sprinkle of extra queso fresco for mild creaminess, or even pickled jalapeños for a cheeky kick. Each garnish adds personality and that little extra wow factor to your dish.
Side Dishes
These nachos are hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing them with simple sides can make a meal memorable. Consider a crisp Mexican street corn salad, fresh pico de gallo, or a light black bean and corn salad. These sides complement the richness of the carnitas and cheese, keeping everything balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a party or want to impress, try serving your Carnitas Nachos Recipe layered in individual ramekins or on small wooden boards for easy sharing. For the adventurous, topping with a sunny-side-up egg or drizzling with chipotle crema adds creative flair and a deeper flavor profile that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Carnitas Nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the crunchy toppings separate, if possible, to maintain their texture. When ready to enjoy again, simply add fresh garnishes to revive the dish.
Freezing
Freezing prepared nachos isn’t ideal because the chips lose their crispness when thawed. However, you can freeze leftover carnitas meat separately for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to make a fresh batch of nachos.
Reheating
To reheat leftover assembled nachos, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350ºF for 5-7 minutes to revive the melted cheese and crisp up the chips. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess, and add fresh sour cream, guacamole, and salsa after reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought carnitas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought carnitas work wonderfully in this recipe and save you time. Just warm them up as instructed before layering over the chips.
What if I don’t have queso fresco?
You can substitute queso fresco with cotija cheese or even feta for a similar crumbly, tangy bite. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the pork carnitas with seasoned jackfruit, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative for a tasty vegetarian option.
How spicy is this Carnitas Nachos Recipe?
The base recipe is mild, relying mostly on fresh salsa for a little heat. You can easily adjust by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
What kind of tortilla chips are best?
Choose sturdy, thicker-cut chips that can hold up to the toppings without getting soggy. Freshly made or restaurant-style chips work great for maximum crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Carnitas Nachos Recipe is pure comfort food infused with vibrant, fresh flavors that make every bite feel like a celebration. It’s easy to pull together on a busy day or perfect for sharing with friends and family during a casual get-together. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your most requested dishes—it’s simply too good to resist!
Print
Carnitas Nachos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Carnitas Nachos are a deliciously cheesy and savory Mexican-inspired appetizer perfect for sharing. Layers of crunchy tortilla chips are topped with warm pork carnitas, melted cheddar and queso fresco cheeses, and finished with fresh toppings of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, red onion, and cilantro. This quick and easy snack is ideal for parties, game day, or whenever you’re craving bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Dips and Toppings
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups pork carnitas
- 1 cup queso fresco cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 oz bag tortilla chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Warm Carnitas: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). If your pork carnitas are not already warm, place them in a microwave-safe container and heat for about 2 minutes until they are no longer cold, as they’ll continue warming in the oven.
- Assemble Nachos: Line a sheet pan with tortilla chips in an even layer; you do not need to use the full bag. Evenly spread the warmed carnitas over the chips. Then sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and crumbled queso fresco cheese evenly on top of the carnitas and chips layer.
- Bake Until Melty: Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the chips have become crispier.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven carefully. Evenly distribute the sour cream, guacamole, salsa, red onion slices, and chopped cilantro over the top according to your taste. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of carnitas and cheese based on how loaded you want your nachos.
- Use fresh salsa or pico de gallo for a brighter flavor.
- For extra heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce atop before serving.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the sheet pan to allow even baking and melting.
- If you prefer, warm the carnitas in a skillet instead of the microwave.
