If you’ve got leftover BBQ pulled pork sitting in the fridge and everyone is already asking, “What else can we make with it?”, then these leftover BBQ pulled pork nachos are the answer.
Does your family turn up their noses if you utter the word "leftovers"? Mine does (though I personally love them!). This is one of my favorite ways to turn leftovers into a dinner that feels brand new. Crispy tortilla chips, melty cheese, warm pulled pork, and a quick drizzle of barbecue sauce come together fast without the need for any extra prep.
These aren’t snacky, soggy nachos. Oh no, friends...They’re dinner-worthy nachos that work just as well for busy weeknights as they do for casual get-togethers.
Updated February 2026 with new photos, clearer steps, and a BBQ pulled pork version.
Why These Nachos Work with Leftovers
- Pulled pork is already cooked and flavorful
- You’re reheating, not starting from scratch making it great when time is tight
- Easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you're feeding
- Great way to use small amounts of leftover meat
- Flexible with whatever toppings you already have
Ingredients
For the Nachos
- tortilla chips
- leftover shredded pulled pork - this recipe works with pulled pork made in the Instant Pot, slow cooker, air fryer, or smoker.
- shredded cheese - cheddar, Colby jack, or a blend work great. Shred it yourself if possible for the best melt.
- barbecue sauce - use whatever your favorite kind is.
Optional Toppings
- Quick pickled red onions (recipe below)
- Jalapeños
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Ranch drizzle
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
Leftover pork also works beautifully in a hot pressed Cuban sandwich.
How to Make Leftover BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
- Step 1: Layer chips. Spread half the tortilla chips on a half sheet pan (or smaller pan if you're scaling down).
- Step 2: Build the Nachos. Sprinkle with half the cheese, then add half the pulled pork.
Repeat with remaining chips, cheese, and pork.
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- Step 3: Bake. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the chips are hot. Drizzle with barbecue sauce and add toppings like pickled red onions, jalapeños, ranch, or sour cream. Serve immediately.
Air Fryer Option (Small Batch)
To make a smaller portion:
- Layer nachos in the air fryer basket or pan insert
- Cook at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, until cheese melts
- Watch closely as air fryers vary
FAQs
Nachos are best assembled and baked right before serving. You can prep toppings and warm the pork ahead of time to speed things up.
Layer in stages and add barbecue sauce after baking, not before.
Any leftover pulled pork works. I usually have leftover pork that I made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker.
How to Store Leftovers
Nachos are best eaten fresh. If needed, store leftover pulled pork separately and build fresh nachos later.
Serving Ideas
Serve with a simple salad or fruit for a complete meal
Farm Girl Nacho Tips
- Don’t go crazy with sauce — you can always add more to individual servings.
- Use a larger sheet pan so chips stay crisp
- Warm pulled pork slightly before adding to nachos
If you’re already making pulled pork in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, this is one of the easiest ways to stretch it into another meal - without anyone feeling like they’re eating leftovers (again).
Other Tex Mex Recipes:
Recipe
Leftover BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
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Ingredients
12–15 ounces corn tortilla chips2–3 cups leftover BBQ pulled pork, warmed2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, or Monterey jack)¼–½ cup barbecue sauce, optional
- 12-15 ounces corn tortilla chips
- 2-3 cups leftover pulled pork warmed slightly
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Colby jack, or Monterey jack also work
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce plus more for serving
Optional Toppings
Optional Toppings
- Quick pickled red onions
- Fresh or pickled jalapeños
- Sliced avocado
- Canned black beans drained and rinsed
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Ranch dressing
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- If the pulled pork is cold, warm it slightly so it heats evenly on the nachos.
- Spread half of the tortilla chips on a large sheet pan.
- Sprinkle with half of the cheese, then evenly distribute half of the pulled pork.
- Repeat with remaining chips, cheese, and pulled pork.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are hot.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with barbecue sauce.
- Add toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
Air Fryer Instructions (Small Batch)
Layer chips, cheese, and pulled pork in the air fryer basket or pan insert.Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Watch closely — air fryers vary.
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids says
Love this! I have recently fallen in love making tatchos with tater tots very similar that my kids gobble up!