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Crispy Sheet Pan Carnitas Nachos with Pickled Red Onion

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An easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for crispy nachos layered with juicy pork carnitas, melted cheese, and tangy pickled red onions, all baked on a single sheet pan for minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cooked pork carnitas (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 cups sturdy corn tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or sharp cheddar
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of chili powder

Instructions

  1. Pickle the red onions: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Add thinly sliced red onions and toss to coat. Let sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the center.
  3. In a medium bowl, toss shredded pork carnitas with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly on a large rimmed sheet pan in a thin layer.
  4. Scatter the tortilla chips evenly over the carnitas layer. Sprinkle black beans and jalapeño slices across the chips, then cover generously with shredded cheese.
  5. Bake the sheet pan in the oven for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges of chips are golden brown. Check after 8 minutes to avoid burning.
  6. Remove from the oven and immediately scatter the pickled red onions and chopped cilantro on top. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

For extra crispy carnitas, broil them separately for 2-3 minutes before assembling. Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan to keep chips crisp. Reheat leftovers on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispness. Use thick-cut corn chips to prevent sogginess. Pickled onions can be made a day ahead for more flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: carnitas nachos, sheet pan nachos, pickled red onion, easy nachos, Mexican snack, crowd-pleaser, quick nachos

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/crispy-sheet-pan-carnitas-nachos-recipe-easy-homemade-nachos-with-pickled-red-onion/