Carnitas Nachos

Carnitas Nachos

These Carnitas Nachos are arguably that best way to eat carnitas. Layers of tortilla chips, slow cooked pork, the BEST homemade cheese sauce, Pico de Gallo, crumbled queso fresco, cilantro and a creamy garlic sauce make up these delicious Carnitas Nachos. This family friendly recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner or party.

Who doesn't love pork nachos? Carnitas Nachos to be exact. The pork speaks for itself. The cheese sauce for this recipe is 100% homemade, and delicious. You will never think of buying premade nacho cheese sauce after making this easy, cheese sauce.

This is one of my favorite dishes to make when I am wanting to indulge! Serving an array of toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream and sliced jalapeños, makes it easy for everyone to build their own nachos.

I like to make these nachos with leftover carnitas. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner and utilizes leftovers in a way that everyone will want to eat them. I have a whole blog post about Carnitas and how to make it.

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!

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 both shredded cheeses. Whisk until the cheeses have 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.

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.

Cooking Method ,
Categories ,
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 1 hr
Servings 6
Description

These Carnitas Nachos are arguably that best way to eat carnitas. Layers of tortilla chips, slow cooked pork, the BEST homemade cheese sauce, pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco, cilantro and a creamy garlic sauce make up these delicious Carnitas Nachos.

Ingredients
  • 3 cup Carnitas (*See Notes)
  • As Needed Tortilla Chips
  • As Needed Pico De Gallo (*See Notes)
  • 1/2 Cup queso fresco
  • 1 Bunch cilantro (chopped)
    • Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 3/4 Cup chicken stock
  • 1 3/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 Cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 Cup queso quesadilla cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon salt
  • Pinch pepper
  • 1/4 Teaspoon cumin
    • Garlic Sauce
  • 1/4 Cup mayo
  • 1 1/2 tsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 2 tsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Whisk in half of the cheeses.  Once melted add in the rest of the cheeses. Whisk until the cheeses have melted completely and the sauce is smooth.

  4. Stir in the seasonings and serve immediately over tortillas chips.

    5. Garlic Sauce

  5. In a small bowl combine the mayo, lime juice and minced garlic. Stir well.

  6. 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.

    7. Assembling The Carnitas Nachos

  7. In a large sauté pan over medium heat drizzle in some olive oil.  Add the meat to the pan and heat thoroughly.  

  8. Place the meat on your desired amount of tortilla chips, drizzle with the cheese sauce.

  9. Sprinkle on some queso fresco, cilantro and pico de gallo.  Then drizzle with the garlic sauce.

  10. Add your favorite hot sauce and enjoy!

Note

Carnitas Recipe

Pico De Gallo Recipe

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