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Loaded Carnitas Nachos are the kind of quick crowd-pleaser that disappears fast on game day. Warm layers of crispy tortilla chips, juicy carnitas, and melty cheese make an unbeatable combo. This sheet pan recipe is a go-to for parties or busy weeknights because you only need about 30 minutes and a handful of simple ingredients.
I first threw these together for a family movie night and we all ended up huddled over the pan fighting for the crispiest edge chips It really is a nacho experience
Ingredients
- Thick tortilla chips: look for sturdy restaurant style chips to hold up under all those toppings
- Refried beans: creamy and satisfying plus help the toppings stay put
- Carnitas: either homemade or store bought just make sure they are tender and juicy
- Pepper jack cheese: for a little kick and great melt choose a block and shred it yourself for best results
- White onion: adds a sharp bite dice it finely for even coverage
- Tomatoes: choose ripe and red dice for bursts of freshness
- Cilantro: gives a bright green finish freshly chopped just before serving
- Jalapeno: brings heat use fresh for a punch or pickled if you want tang
- Toppings such as sour cream guacamole and salsa: let everyone dress their own nachos
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees and get a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Heat the Beans:
- Warm the refried beans in a saucepan with about half a cup of water Stir until smooth and piping hot This makes spreading them on the chips much easier
- Layer the Chips:
- Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips across your prepared baking sheet Try to overlap just a little so you get a sturdy base
- Add the Beans Carnitas and Cheese:
- Spoon and spread the warm beans over the chips Then pile on the carnitas in chunky shreds Next sprinkle everything with plenty of shredded cheese Aim for even coverage so you get a gooey bite every time
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the pan into the oven and bake for ten to fifteen minutes Watch for the cheese to get fully melted and gooey and the edges of the chips to start toasting
- Top it Off:
- Once out of the oven scatter on diced tomatoes onions jalapenos and cilantro It adds color crunch and zing to every bite
- Serve with Toppings:
- Let everyone grab their favorite add ons like sour cream guacamole or salsa Serve right from the pan for that fun interactive feel
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My favorite part is always the cheese bubbles along the pan edge where everything gets extra crisp My son jokes he hunts for the pieces with the most browned cheese every time
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers scrape any cold nachos into an airtight container Refrigerate up to two days for best texture Reheat on a sheet pan in the oven or air fryer to help the chips crisp back up Avoid microwaving as it makes everything soggy
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find carnitas swap in shredded rotisserie chicken or even cooked ground beef For a veggie version try cooked mushrooms or black beans Colby jack or cheddar also work instead of pepper jack and pickled jalapenos bring a milder heat if fresh is too spicy
Serving Suggestions
These nachos are party perfect straight from the oven but you can also serve with a side salad of crunchy cabbage and lime If you want to stretch the meal set out bowls of rice and black beans for build your own burrito bowls using the nachos as a base
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Cultural Context
Carnitas are a beloved Mexican slow cooked pork filling often featured in tacos burritos and soups Nachos themselves came from northern Mexico and were first made by Ignacio Anaya who tossed together chips cheese and jalapenos for hungry guests in the 1940s Bringing both together makes for a Tex Mex classic
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of cheese is best for these nachos?
Pepper jack cheese provides a spicy kick, but Colby jack or cheddar also melt beautifully for this dish.
- → Can I use store-bought carnitas?
Yes, pre-cooked carnitas from the grocery store work well and save time for busy days.
- → How do I keep the tortilla chips from getting soggy?
Use thick tortilla chips and layer ingredients just before baking to help keep the chips crisp.
- → What toppings pair well with this dish?
Classic toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa complement the flavors perfectly.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best assembled just before baking to ensure the chips stay crisp and toppings fresh.
- → Is homemade cheese better than pre-shredded cheese?
Shredding your own cheese allows for better melting and a creamier texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.