These Pulled Pork Nacho Cups are a fun and tasty way to enjoy all the best flavors of classic nachos in a neat, easy-to-eat package. Crispy tortilla cups hold tender, smoky pulled pork, melty cheese, and all your favorite nacho toppings like salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños. They’re perfect for snacking or serving at a casual get-together.
I love making these because they’re super simple to put together but feel a little special. The crispy cup keeps everything contained, so no messy plates or spills, which I really appreciate when I’m hosting. Plus, you can customize the toppings however you like — I usually add extra guacamole because it balances nicely with the smoky pork.
Whenever I bring a batch of these to a party, they disappear fast! They’re a great way to share the joy of pulled pork and nachos without everyone fighting over the chips. I always have fun watching people pick their favorites and pile on the extras. These Nacho Cups have become my go-to for easy entertaining and casual nights in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pulled Pork: Using shredded pulled pork with your favorite BBQ sauce adds that smoky, tender meat flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought pulled pork works great too. For a different twist, try shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian version.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts well and gives a sharp flavor. I like mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. You can swap in mozzarella or pepper jack if you want a milder or spicier kick.
Tortillas: Small flour or corn tortillas make the perfect base for these cups. Flour tortillas are softer and crisp nicely, while corn tortillas add a bit more authentic taco flavor. You can also cut tortillas into different shapes to fit your muffin pan better.
Toppings: Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro brighten the rich pulled pork and cheesy cup. Jalapeños or salsa can add heat, and guacamole makes everything extra creamy and cool.
How Do You Make the Tortilla Cups Crispy and Hold Their Shape?
The secret to perfect nacho cups is pressing the tortilla quarters into the muffin tin with cheese on both the bottom and edges. Here’s how:
- First, add a spoon of shredded cheese to the muffin cup bottom; the melting cheese acts like glue.
- Press the tortilla quarter gently to form a cup, making sure it fits snugly in the tin.
- Sprinkle more cheese on top of the tortilla—it helps crisp up and seal the shape during baking.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cups cool slightly—this helps them firm up before adding toppings to avoid breaking.
Take your time pressing the tortillas so they don’t wrinkle or tear. If some edges lift, the cheese will help stick them down as it melts. Once baked, these cups stay crispy and hold all the filling without falling apart—making a perfect handheld snack!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Standard muffin tin – I recommend it because it shapes the tortilla cups perfectly and makes cleanup simple.
- Cooking spray or a brush with oil – helps prevent sticking and makes the cups crispy.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping toppings like tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.
- Mixing spoons – for stirring and assembling ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shredded chicken or turkey instead of pulled pork for a leaner option.
- Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or onions to the shredded meat for extra flavor and crunch.
- Try a different cheese such as pepper jack or mozzarella for varied tastes.
How to Make Pulled Pork Nacho Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Nacho Cups:
- 2 cups shredded cooked pulled pork (with your favorite BBQ sauce)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 12 small to medium flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size), cut into quarters
- Cooking spray or a little oil (for greasing muffin tin)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes
- ½ cup diced avocado
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup finely shredded purple cabbage (optional, for color and crunch)
- Optional extras: sliced jalapeños, salsa, guacamole
Time You’ll Need
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to bake, plus a few minutes for assembling the toppings. So, plan for roughly 25-30 minutes total to enjoy these tasty treats fresh and warm.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin with cooking spray or brush a little oil in each cup to keep the nacho cups from sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Tortilla Cups:
Add about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese to the bottom of each muffin cup. Take one tortilla quarter and press it gently into the muffin cup to form a cup shape. The cheese will help the tortilla hold together. Then sprinkle another tablespoon of cheese over the tortilla in each cup. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the tortilla cups turn crispy and golden around the edges.
3. Add the Pulled Pork and Toppings:
Remove the muffin tin and let the cheese cups cool just a bit so they firm up and don’t break. Spoon warm pulled pork into each cup. Then, top with diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and a little shredded cabbage for color. Don’t forget optional extras like jalapeños, salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these Pulled Pork Nacho Cups immediately while they’re warm and crispy. They’re perfect appetizers or snacks that are easy to grab and full of delicious flavors!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pulled Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pulled pork works perfectly and saves time. Just warm it up before filling the nacho cups to keep everything deliciously hot.
Can I Make Pulled Pork Nacho Cups Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cheese tortilla cups a few hours in advance and store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Add the pulled pork and fresh toppings just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pulled pork and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cheese cups are best eaten fresh but can be reheated briefly in the oven to regain some crispiness.
Can I Substitute Flour Tortillas with Corn Tortillas?
Yes! Both flour and corn tortillas work well for this recipe. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and crisp nicely, while corn tortillas add a more authentic flavor. Just watch the baking time as corn tortillas might crisp up a bit faster.