Pulled Pork Nacho Cups are a fun and tasty twist on your classic nachos! They’re packed with tender, flavorful pulled pork piled high on crispy tortilla chip cups, then topped with melty cheese, fresh salsa, and a dollop of creamy sour cream. These mini nacho cups are perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving at a casual get-together.
I love making these because they’re easy to customize—whether you want to add jalapeños for a little heat, some black beans for extra heartiness, or fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Plus, they’re so convenient to eat with your hands, making them a great choice for parties or game days. I always get excited when I see these disappear fast at my gatherings!
My favorite way to enjoy Pulled Pork Nacho Cups is fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey and warm. They’re the perfect mix of crunchy and tender, with savory pulled pork that keeps you coming back for one more. If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing snack that feels a bit special, these little cups are a fantastic option.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas work great here. Flour tortillas tend to be softer, while corn gives a more authentic crunch. If you want a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are best.
Pulled Pork: Using pre-cooked pulled pork saves time. You can buy it ready-made or use leftovers. If you prefer, shredded chicken or beef can replace pork.
Cheese: Cheddar melts well and adds sharp flavor. Mexican blend cheese is also a good choice for extra creaminess. Vegan cheese works too if dairy-free.
Sour Cream & Barbecue Sauce: These toppings add creaminess and a smoky kick. For a tangier twist, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Adjust barbecue sauce based on your preferred sweetness and spice level.
How Do You Shape Perfectly Crispy Tortilla Cups?
Making crispy tortilla cups is key for this recipe’s success. Here’s how I do it:
- Cut tortillas into equal pieces (quarters or sixths) so they mold easily.
- Press them gently but firmly into greased muffin tins, overlapping edges for stability.
- Add a little cheese inside before baking—it acts like glue, helping the pieces stick together.
- Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Keep a close eye the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- Let them cool slightly before filling to help cups hold their shape.
This technique creates crunchy cups that won’t fall apart when you add the pork and toppings.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Muffin tin – I use this to shape and bake the tortilla cups evenly and easily.
- Kitchen scissors or a sharp knife – for cutting tortillas into the right size pieces.
- Baking sheet (optional) – if you want to bake the tortillas on a separate sheet before lining the muffin tin, it helps to keep them flat and crispy.
- Cooking spray or oil – to prevent sticking and give the cups a nice crispy exterior.
- Mixing bowls – for organizing toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Small spoon or ice cream scoop – for filling each tortilla cup neatly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pulled pork for shredded chicken, beef, or even black beans for a vegetarian version—it’s all about your preference.
- Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra spice or creaminess.
- Top with diced jalapeños or pickled red onions for added zing and crunch.
- Mix in corn, sautéed peppers, or chopped olives inside the filling for more flavor and texture variations.
How to Make Pulled Pork Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tortilla Cups:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
For the Filling and Topping:
- 2 cups cooked pulled pork (prepared with your favorite BBQ sauce)
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce (optional, for extra drizzle)
- Optional: sliced jalapeños or diced green chilies for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes total. It includes about 10 minutes to prep the tortilla cups and 15-20 minutes to fill and bake them with the pulled pork and cheese. It’s a quick and easy snack that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tortilla Cups:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or oil to make sure the tortilla cups don’t stick. Cut each tortilla into quarters or sixths, depending on size, so they can fit into the muffin tin and form little cups. Press the tortilla pieces gently into each muffin cup, overlapping pieces slightly to make sure the bottom and sides are covered. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese into each cup to help hold the shape.
2. Bake the Tortilla Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake the empty tortilla cups for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them — you want golden, crispy cups that hold their shape. Once done, carefully remove from the oven.
3. Fill and Bake the Cups:
Fill each tortilla cup with a heaping tablespoon or two of pulled pork. Top with more shredded cheese. Return the muffin tin to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
4. Add Toppings and Serve:
Remove the cups from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish each cup with diced red onions, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of barbecue sauce if you like, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Add jalapeños or green chilies for some heat if you want. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious Pulled Pork Nacho Cups!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pulled Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pulled pork works great and saves time. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and heated before adding it to the tortilla cups.
How Do I Store Leftover Nacho Cups?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the tortilla cups crispy.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and bake the tortilla cups a day ahead, then fill and bake with pork and cheese right before serving. This keeps the cups crisp and fresh.
What Can I Substitute for Cheese?
If you’re lactose intolerant or vegan, try using dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well, like vegan cheddar-style shreds.
