Print

Flavorful Pulled Pork Nachos Recipe with Easy Spicy Pepper Jack Queso

pulled pork nachos - featured image

Smoky, tender pulled pork layered over crunchy tortilla chips and topped with a creamy, spicy pepper jack queso. Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, this quick and easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder (boneless, trimmed)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 large bag (about 12 oz) sturdy tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (pickled or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Rub the pork shoulder evenly with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place pork in slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until tender and easily shredded. Alternatively, roast in oven at 300°F covered for about 4 hours.
  3. Let pork rest 10 minutes before shredding with two forks.
  4. Stir in barbecue sauce to coat shredded pork evenly and keep warm.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  6. Slowly whisk in milk and stir until mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Add shredded pepper jack cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
  8. Stir in diced jalapeño, smoked paprika, and salt. Adjust spice as desired.
  9. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  10. Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
  11. Scatter pulled pork over chips and drizzle spicy queso generously on top.
  12. Add black beans and diced red onions.
  13. Bake for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and queso is bubbling slightly.
  14. Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream.
  15. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.

Notes

Use freshly shredded pepper jack cheese for best melt and texture. For gluten-free queso, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend. To reheat queso if thickened, gently warm with a splash of milk and whisk until smooth. Use sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Slow cook pork for tender, juicy results.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork nachos, spicy pepper jack queso, game night recipe, easy nachos, smoky pork, comfort food