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Ultimate Loaded Game Day Nacho Bar with Pulled Pork

loaded game day nacho bar with pulled pork - featured image

This build-your-own nacho bar features tender, smoky pulled pork, crispy chips, and a mountain of fresh toppings. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing party food that turns a snack into the main event.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 lb boneless pork shoulder (or pork butt)
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1 large bag (1316 oz) tortilla chips
  • 3 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork shoulder dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder.
  2. Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker. Pour chicken broth and apple cider vinegar around the meat. Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours or on HIGH for 5-6 hours, until fork-tender.
  3. Carefully transfer the cooked pork to a large cutting board or bowl. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  4. Pour about 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker into a small bowl. Skim off excess fat. Add the shredded pork back to the slow cooker or a large bowl. Pour in BBQ sauce and about 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking liquid. Stir to combine. Keep warm.
  5. Preheat your broiler to HIGH with the oven rack about 6 inches from the top heating element.
  6. Spread a single, even layer of tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Sprinkle about half of the shredded cheese over the chips. Spoon about half of the warm pulled pork over the cheese. Add a few spoonfuls of black beans.
  7. Add another layer of chips, followed by the remaining cheese, the rest of the pulled pork, and the remaining black beans.
  8. Place the baking sheet under the hot broiler for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and starting to bubble and brown.
  9. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, sour cream, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make the pulled pork a day ahead for best flavor. Grate your own cheese for smooth melting. Do not overcrowd the pan; make two batches if needed. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, pulled pork, game day, party food, loaded nachos, slow cooker, appetizer