Looking for the ultimate way to enjoy leftover carnitas? These Carnitas Nachos are the perfect mix of crispy, creamy, savory, and fresh. Tortilla chips are layered with tender slow-cooked pork, a homemade cheese sauce, fresh pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco, cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy garlic sauce. Whether you’re making lunch, dinner, or feeding a crowd, this easy and customizable recipe is a hit every time.
These nachos are also a great way to use leftover carnitas. I always turn to this recipe when I have carnitas in the fridge and need a quick, crave-worthy meal. If you haven’t made carnitas yet, check out my full post on Homemade Carnitas, it’s simple, flavorful, and makes a big batch perfect for meals like this
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You may also like this Birria Tacos recipe and this Spanish Rice recipe!
How To Make Carnitas Nachos
Building these Carnitas Nachos is as simple as three easy steps. Start by making the garlic sauce first, it needs a few minutes to rest so the flavors can marry. I also take this time to make any additional toppings like pico and guacamole. While it sits, whip up the creamy cheese sauce. Then it’s time for the fun part: layering your tortilla chips with warm carnitas, the cheese sauce, and all your favorite toppings.
How To Make Garlic Sauce
This garlic sauce (aioli) is a great multi-purpose sauce. Drizzle it over nachos, tacos, burrito bowls and more. What I love about this sauce is how easy it is to make. In just a few minutes you will have a delicious, creamy garlic sauce that brings tons of flavor to any dish you add it to.
1. In a small bowl combine the mayo, lime juice and minced garlic. Stir well.
2. Next add in the cilantro, salt, water and garlic powder. Stir until well combined. Let sit for 10 minutes to marry then taste. Adjust the seasonings if needed.
This sauce is good for 7 days in the refrigerator.
How To Make the Best Cheese Sauce
1. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make the roux.
2. Add the chicken stock: Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, whisking to prevent any clumping. Once all of the stock is added whisk in the milk.
3. Add cheese: Whisk in the shredded cheeses. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season: Stir in the seasonings and serve immediately over tortillas chips.
This cheese sauce is super easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious on nachos. To re-heat, add to a pan and reheat over low heat. If you use the microwave cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds, stir and reheat as needed.
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📖 Recipe
Carnitas Nachos
Ingredients
- 3 cups Carnitas *See Notes
- As Needed Tortilla Chips
- As Needed Pico De Gallo *See Notes
- ½ cup queso fresco crumbled
- 1 bunch cilantro chopped
Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup mayo
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro chopped
- pinch salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-2 teaspoons water
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ¾ cup chicken stock
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 1 ¼ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pinch pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
Instructions
Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl combine the mayo, lime juice and minced garlic. Stir well.
- Next add in the cilantro salt, water (starting with 1 teaspoons) and garlic powder. Stir until well combined. Add another teaspoon of water for a thinner sauce. Let sit for 10 minutes to marry then taste. Adjust the seasonings if needed.
Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make the roux. Turn the heat down if needed.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, whisking to prevent any clumping. Once all of the stock is added whisk in the milk. Keep the sauce at a simmer, do not boil it.
- Whisk in half of the cheese. Once melted add in the rest of the cheese. Whisk until the cheeses have melted completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the seasonings and serve immediately over tortillas chips.
Assembling The Carnitas Nachos
- In a large sauté pan over medium heat drizzle in some olive oil or reserved fat from making the carnitas. Add the meat to the pan and heat thoroughly.
- Place the meat on your desired amount of tortilla chips, drizzle with the cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle on some queso fresco, cilantro and pico de gallo. Then drizzle with the garlic sauce.
- Add your favorite hot sauce and enjoy!
Topping Ideas
This is a great dish to customize with your favorite toppings. Here are a few ideas that would be great for Carnitas Nachos.
- Pickled or fresh jalapeños slices
- Black bean and corn salsa
- Avocado
- Sour cream
- Pickled Red Onions
- Your favorite hot sauce
- Cilantro
- My favorite topping is Pico De Gallo!
Bree says
Love Love Love this recipe! I have made it two times now and my family is constantly requesting it!