Pulled Pork Nacho Cups are a fun and tasty twist on classic nachos. They’re made with crispy tortilla cups filled with juicy pulled pork, melted cheese, and all the toppings you love, like salsa, sour cream, and maybe some fresh jalapeños for a little kick. The best part is how these little cups hold all the flavors together, making them super easy to eat and share.
I love making these for casual get-togethers or game days because everyone can grab their own cup without the mess of regular nachos. I usually add a bit of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime on top—it just brightens up the rich pork and cheesy goodness perfectly. Plus, using pulled pork means you can prepare the meat ahead of time, so the whole snack comes together quickly when guests arrive.
Serving these warm right out of the oven makes the cheese all gooey and delicious, and the tortilla cups stay nicely crisp. I find they’re a huge hit with both kids and adults, making them a go-to choice whenever I want something that’s both fun and filling. If you want to switch things up, you can easily swap the pulled pork for chicken or even brisket—either way, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pulled pork: Using slow-cooked BBQ pulled pork gives these nacho cups great flavor and tenderness. If you want a quicker option, store-bought rotisserie chicken or shredded beef also work well.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts nicely and adds a tangy bite. You can swap with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend for a milder or creamier taste.
Tortilla chips: Crushed tortilla chips add crunch and help the cheese cup hold its shape. If you prefer, use crushed tortilla strips or corn chips. For gluten-free, check your chip labels.
Fresh toppings: Sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro add brightness and balance the richness. Feel free to add jalapeños or avocado for extra freshness.
How Do You Make Crispy Cheese Cups Without Burning Them?
Getting the right crispness on these cheese cups is key. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Press the cheese-chip mix firmly against the muffin tin. This helps the cups hold their shape while baking.
- Use medium-high heat but keep an eye on the cups during baking. Cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- Bake the cups alone first until crisp, then add fillings. This keeps the cups crunchy under the pork and melted cheese.
- Let the cups cool for a few minutes after baking, so they firm up and come out easily without breaking.
With these tips, your nacho cups will be perfectly crispy and hold all the delicious toppings without falling apart.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 12-cup muffin tin – I use it to shape and bake the crispy cheese cups evenly. It’s perfect for portioning out each nacho cup.
- Mixing bowls – for combining cheese, chips, and seasonings easily and neatly.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep everything precise, especially the shredded cheese and toppings.
- Cooking spray or oil – to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cheese cups after baking.
- Oven – a standard oven is all you need to crisp up the cheese and melt the cheese and pork together.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pulled pork for shredded chicken or ground beef—great for using what you already have and changing the flavor profile.
- Mix in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the pork for an extra spicy kick—perfect if you like heat with your nachos.
- Add diced avocado or fresh corn on top after baking—these fresh toppings add coolness and texture.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper Jack for a milder or spicier flavor—depending on your taste preference.
How to Make Pulled Pork Nacho Cups?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork (prepared with your favorite BBQ sauce)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips or tortilla strips
- ¼ cup finely diced onion (optional)
- ¼ cup diced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
Toppings & Garnishes:
- Sour cream, for topping
- Diced tomatoes, for topping
- Chopped fresh green onions, for garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Other:
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of active prep and assembly time. You’ll bake the cheese cups twice—first 8 to 10 minutes to get them crispy, and then another 5 to 7 minutes after adding pulled pork and cheese. Perfect for a quick, tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese-Tortilla Cup Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, stir together the shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and diced onions (if using). Mix everything well so it’s evenly combined.
3. Form the Nacho Cups:
Take about 2 tablespoons of the cheese-chip mixture and firmly press it into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup. This shapes the crispy cups that will hold your delicious fillings.
4. Bake the Cheese Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese cups turn golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
5. Add Pulled Pork and Cheese:
Carefully remove the cups from the oven. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pulled pork into each cup. Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pork.
6. Bake Again:
Return the filled cups to the oven. Bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese on top melts and bubbles.
7. Cool and Add Toppings:
Take the cups out and let them cool for a few minutes so they firm up and release easily from the pan. Top each cup with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Add jalapeños for extra spice if you like.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
These pulled pork nacho cups are best served warm as a fun appetizer or snack. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, flavorful bites!
Can I Use Frozen Pulled Pork for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the pulled pork in the refrigerator overnight before using. Reheat it gently before adding to the cheese cups for the best texture and flavor.
Can I Make Pulled Pork Nacho Cups Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the cheese cups ahead, store them separately from the pulled pork in airtight containers, and assemble right before reheating and serving for the freshest results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover nacho cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cups crispy.
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
You can use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend if you want a milder or spicier flavor. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for the best crispy cups.