If you have leftover pulled pork in the fridge, grab a bag of sturdy tortilla chips and make a tray of Traeger BBQ Pork Nachos. These nachos pile on melty cheese, smoky pulled pork, black beans, tangy barbecue sauce, and a touch of cowboy candy for a sweet-heat finish. The result is bold, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
BBQ Pork Nachos
Smoked pulled pork is worth the time it takes to make, and since it freezes and reheats well, it’s a great candidate for quick, flavorful leftovers. These BBQ-style nachos use that smoky pork as the main attraction — think more barbecue than classic Mexican nachos — and the cowboy candy brings a distinctive sweet-and-spicy pop you don’t get from ordinary jalapeños.
If you can’t find cowboy candy at the store, it’s easy to make at home: pickled jalapeños simmered with sugar and vinegar create that sticky, sweet heat that pairs perfectly with pulled pork and cheese. This recipe is excellent as a game-day appetizer or a hearty, casual meal for a small group.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Satisfyingly meaty — packed with pulled pork for lots of protein.
- A fresh, barbecue-forward twist on traditional nachos.
- Easy to scale up for a crowd or down for family-sized portions.
Check my collection of Traeger recipes for more smoked favorites.
Recipe Shopping List
You may already have most items on hand. Below are the basics you’ll need; quantities are listed in the recipe card further down.
- Sturdy tortilla chips — look for restaurant-style chips that won’t break under warm toppings.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese — a great melting cheese; cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work too.
- Smoked pulled pork — leftovers, freshly smoked, or even store-bought pulled pork in a pinch.
- BBQ rub — to season the pork before baking; pick a sweet-and-spicy blend if you like.
- Black beans — drained and rinsed for added texture and fiber.
- Cowboy candy or pickled jalapeños — choose cowboy candy for that sweet heat, or use plain pickled jalapeños for more acidity.
- BBQ sauce — a finishing drizzle to unify the flavors.
Find more Traeger recipe ideas and smoked-meat inspiration.
How To Make This Recipe
Here’s a concise overview of the process. Follow the full instructions in the recipe card below while you cook.
- Preheat your oven or pellet grill to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange chips on a large, rimmed sheet pan in a single layer for even crisping.
- Season and top the pulled pork with a light dusting of BBQ rub, then spread it evenly over the chips along with drained black beans and shredded cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is fully melted and the pork is heated through, about 20–30 minutes depending on your oven.
- Finish and serve with cowboy candy, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and any fresh garnishes you like.
Try a chicken burrito bowl for another smoked-protein option.
Recipe FAQ
You can prepare the pulled pork ahead of time, but assemble and bake the nachos right before serving for the best texture. Nachos lose their crispness if stored fully assembled.
If you have leftovers, store them loosely covered in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot. Keep in mind chips may soften after refrigeration.
Pair with a side of Mexican fried rice for a full spread.
Serve This With…
- Raspberry margaritas or your favorite cocktail
- Smoked salsa or pico de gallo
- Fresh guacamole or sliced avocado
More Recipes To Try
- Smoked pulled pork nachos
- Blackstone Mexican fried rice
- Blackstone Mexican pizza
- Pulled pork enchiladas
- Pulled pork tacos
- Smoked pulled pork baked beans
BBQ Pork Nachos
One of the best plates of nachos you can make at home: smoked pulled pork, sticky cowboy candy, melty cheese, black beans, and a tangy BBQ drizzle. Great for sharing and full of smoky, sweet, and savory contrasts.
10 minutes
30 minutes
40 minutes
Ingredients
- 15 ounces (about 1 bag) sturdy tortilla chips
- 6 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or cheese blend)
- 4 cups smoked pulled pork
- 1 tablespoon BBQ rub
- 2 cups black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cowboy candy or pickled jalapeños
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven or pellet grill to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the tortilla chips across a large rimmed sheet pan in a single layer.
- Season the pulled pork with the BBQ rub, then distribute the pork and black beans evenly over the chips. Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and the pork is heated through, about 20–30 minutes depending on your oven.
- Remove from heat, top with cowboy candy or pickled jalapeños and drizzle with BBQ sauce. Serve immediately.
Recommended Tools & Tips
- Spicy pork rub or your favorite BBQ seasoning
- Flavorful BBQ sauce for finishing
- A sturdy sheet pan for even heating
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving (estimate):
Calories: 932
Total Fat: 43g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 122mg
Sodium: 1760mg
Carbohydrates: 93g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 35g
Protein: 45g
Nutrition data provided is an estimate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
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