Strap on your bibs, y’all, because we’re about to take your taste buds on an absolute EXPLOSION of flavor with these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos! As your bold, badass culinary rebel, I’m here to transform your ordinary nachos into a sensational, mouth-watering dish that will have your friends begging for more. Get ready to smash some epic, legendary eats!
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Smoky, sweet, and packing a serious punch of flavor, these pulled pork nachos are about to become your new favorite game-day (or any-day) indulgence. The tender, juicy pork is infused with the bold, irresistible taste of bourbon and smoky barbecue, creating a flavor profile that’s simply out of this world. Paired with crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and a variety of toppings, this dish is a thrilling, explosive combination of textures and tastes that will leave you coming back for more. Prepare to have your taste buds absolutely SMASHED!
Ingredients
Get ready to gather up some incredible, flavor-packed ingredients to make these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. You’ll need succulent pulled pork, smoky barbecue sauce, bold bourbon, tangy sour cream, zesty pico de gallo, and, of course, plenty of melty cheese and crispy tortilla chips. Trust me, this epic lineup is about to create a flavor explosion in your mouth like you’ve never experienced before!
- 3 lbs – Pulled Pork
- 1 cup – Smoky Barbecue Sauce
- 1/2 cup – Bourbon
- 1 cup – Sour Cream
- 2 cups – Pico de Gallo
- 8 oz – Shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese Blend
- 1 large bag – Tortilla Chips
Ingredient Substitutions
- Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce to customize the flavor profile.
- Protein: Swap in shredded chicken or brisket if you’re not a pork fan.
How to Make Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Get ready to take your kitchen skills to the next level with these epic Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos. This dish may seem complex, but I promise it’s actually a breeze to whip up. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be devouring this flavor explosion in no time!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by seasoning your pulled pork with a blend of spices to really amp up the flavor. Then, in a skillet, caramelize the pork with a generous pour of bold bourbon and your favorite smoky barbecue sauce. Get ready for your kitchen to be filled with the most incredible, mouth-watering aroma!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the pork is sizzling away, it’s time to get your tortilla chips ready. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then smother them in a blanket of melted, gooey cheese. Pop that tray in the oven until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now for the fun part – it’s time to ASSEMBLE! Pile those cheesy, crispy chips high with the smoky, bourbon-infused pulled pork. Top it all off with cool, creamy sour cream, zesty pico de gallo, and any other toppings your heart desires. Get ready to dive in and devour this epic, insane dish!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese Up: Try using a blend of cheddar, pepper jack, or even crumbled feta for a flavor twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced jalapeños, sliced pickled onions, or fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and crunch.
- Chip Swap: Use sweet potato, blue corn, or even homemade tortilla chips to switch things up.
- Protein Swap: Shredded barbecue chicken or brisket make delicious substitutes for the pulled pork.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: An ice-cold beverage, crunchy coleslaw, and maybe even some crispy waffle fries for the ultimate indulgence.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be warned – they may not last that long!
Reheat: Pop them back in the oven for a quick reheat and enjoy the epic flavor all over again.
Make-Ahead: The pulled pork can be made up to 3 days in advance, and the pico de gallo can be prepared a day or two before. Just assemble everything together right before serving.
Nutrition Information
Indulging in these Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos is an absolute flavor explosion, but let’s not forget about the nutritional information. Each serving packs a powerful punch of protein from the pulled pork, as well as fiber and vitamins from the veggies and tortilla chips. Just be sure to enjoy this dish in moderation, as the cheese and bourbon can add up in calories. But hey, sometimes you just need to let loose and devour something truly INSANE!
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Carbs: 60 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
For the ultimate smoky, bold flavor, I recommend using a robust, sweet-and-tangy barbecue sauce. Opt for a sauce with notes of molasses, brown sugar, and a hint of spice to really complement the bourbon and pulled pork.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! While pulled pork is the star of this dish, you can easily swap in shredded chicken, brisket, or even roasted veggies to make it your own. Just be sure to season and prepare the protein in a similar fashion to the pulled pork.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten things up, try using reduced-fat cheese, low-fat sour cream, and swapping in whole-wheat or multigrain tortilla chips. You can also load up on fresh veggies like diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or chopped onions and jalapeños.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare some of the components in advance! The pulled pork can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge, and the pico de gallo can be made a day or two in advance as well. Just assemble everything together right before serving for maximum flavor and crispiness.
What side dishes pair well with these nachos?
These Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos are a real FEAST all on their own, but you can always add some epic side dishes to really take things over the top. Think crispy waffle fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh, zesty corn salad. Just don’t forget the ice-cold beverages to wash it all down!
Try These Next
- Smoky Maple Bourbon Pulled Pork Nachos
- Smoky Bbq Pulled Pork Sliders
- Spicy Chipotle Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos
Smoky Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 390 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Smoke House
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savory pulled pork topped with smoky bourbon BBQ sauce, melted cheese, jalapeños, and fresh toppings, served on crispy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
2 lbs pork shoulder
1 cup smoky bourbon BBQ sauce
1 bag tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. Rub the pork shoulder with your favorite spices and place it in the smoker.
3. Smoke the pork for about 6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).
4. Once cooked, shred the pork and mix it with the smoky bourbon BBQ sauce.
5. Layer tortilla chips on a large platter, top with the pulled pork and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Add jalapeños, green onions, and a drizzle of sour cream on top before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the pork marinate overnight before smoking.
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 800 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: pulled pork, nachos, BBQ, smoky, bourbon