Pulled Pork Nacho Cups are a fun and tasty twist on classic nachos. Imagine crispy tortilla cups filled with juicy, slow-cooked pulled pork, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. They’re little bundles of flavor that are perfect for parties, snack time, or whenever you want something a bit special but super easy to eat.
I love making these because they bring together that amazing smoky pulled pork with the crunch of the tortilla cups, so every bite has a great mix of textures. Plus, it’s really simple to customize—if you’re in the mood for some heat, just add jalapeños, or keep it mild with extra cheese and guacamole. I find they’re a crowd-pleaser every time I serve them, and they’re great for sharing.
When I serve Pulled Pork Nacho Cups, I usually arrange them on a big platter so everyone can grab a couple and enjoy. They’re perfect finger food for game day or a casual get-together, and I always feel like they make the table look festive and inviting. If you haven’t tried these yet, I’d say give them a shot—you might just find your new favorite snack to pull out whenever friends come over.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pulled Pork: This is the star of your nacho cups. If you don’t have pulled pork ready, you can use rotisserie chicken or even pulled jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor. For a mild taste, try Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Vegan cheese works if you want dairy-free cups.
Tortilla Cups: You can use small tortilla chips or make your own cups by baking small flour tortilla rounds in a muffin tin. Corn tortillas also work and add a nice texture.
Fresh Toppings: Tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro add brightness and freshness. Feel free to swap cilantro with parsley if you’re not a fan of its flavor.
Sour Cream & Salsa: These bring creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt can be a healthier swap for sour cream, and salsa can be spicy or mild based on your taste.
How to Make Crispy Cheese or Tortilla Cups That Hold Their Shape?
The trick to perfect nacho cups is creating a sturdy cup that’s crispy but still easy to fill and eat.
- Cheese Cups: Use a good non-stick muffin tin and layer shredded cheese evenly in each well. It’s best to start with a small circle in the center, then add cheese up the sides to form a basket.
- Baking Time: Bake at 375°F for 7-10 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning. Golden brown edges mean crispiness is perfect.
- Tortilla Cups: Press small tortilla rounds firmly into the muffin cups, folding the edges slightly to create little bowls. Lightly spray or brush with oil for extra crispness.
- After baking, let cups cool in the pan for a few minutes—they firm up as they cool and hold their shape better.
Patience here really pays off to avoid soggy or collapsed cups. Once cooled, fill immediately and serve quickly to keep that crunch!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin – I use this to shape the cheese or tortillas into cups; it guides them to hold their shape.
- Cooking spray or oil – keeps the cheese or tortilla cups from sticking and helps them crisp up.
- Oven – you’ll need this to melt the cheese or bake the tortilla cups until golden and crispy.
- Mixing spoons and small bowls – useful if you want to prep ingredients like tomatoes, onions, or toppings before assembling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using shredded chicken or turkey instead of pork for a different flavor profile—great if you prefer white meat.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the pulled pork for extra spice — perfect for heat lovers.
- Mix in some cooked black beans or corn into the pulled pork filling for more texture and flavor.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a milder or spicier experience.
How to Make Pulled Pork Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork (prepared with barbecue sauce)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 small tortilla chips (or 12 small flour tortillas cut into rounds)
Toppings:
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup salsa
- Optional: jalapeño slices for heat
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking. You’ll spend just a few minutes shaping cheese or tortillas and filling the cups with tender pulled pork and fresh toppings. It’s a quick and delicious snack or appetizer to enjoy warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Cups:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a muffin tin, form your cups: if using shredded cheese, place about 5 pieces tightly in each muffin slot, starting with a small circle at the bottom, then up the sides to make a basket shape. If using tortilla rounds, gently press each into the muffin cavities.
2. Bake the Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 7-10 minutes. Cheese cups should melt and turn golden brown; tortilla cups should become crisp without burning. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute so they firm up and hold their shape.
3. Assemble the Nacho Cups:
Fill each crispy cheese or tortilla cup with about 2 tablespoons of warm pulled pork. Then, dollop a little sour cream and salsa on top. Sprinkle diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro over each. If you like spicy, add some jalapeño slices.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the filled nacho cups on a serving platter. Serve them immediately while the cups are still warm and crunchy for the best flavor and texture. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime you want fun finger food!
Can I Use Frozen Pulled Pork for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pulled pork, but be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before assembling your nacho cups. Warm it up gently before filling the cups to keep everything delicious and tender.
Can I Make These Nacho Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cheese or tortilla cups in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. However, add the pulled pork and fresh toppings just before serving to keep the cups crispy and fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filled nacho cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to help maintain crispiness, but be aware the cups may soften slightly after refrigeration.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in avocado, black beans, corn, or different salsas to match your taste. You can also add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.