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How To Set Up A Pulled Pork Nachos Bar: Everything You Need to Know

Do you love casual entertaining ideas? What about planning a Pulled Pork Nachos Party? Today I’m sharing a recipe for Pulled Pork Nachos Bar that is so easy, and your guest will love it. All ingredients are easy to prepare ahead of time for simple entertaining.

Pulled pork nachos are a party favorite for a reason. They’re delicious, easy to eat, and can be customized to everyone’s liking. Plus, they’re a great, budget-friendly way to feed a crowd.

This is a build-your-own nachos bar, and guests can choose their favorite toppings, so they are always happy.

So get ready to learn everything you need to know to set up a Pulled Pork Nacho Bar, including the pulled pork recipe.

Set up a nacho bar for guests to serve themselves.

What Are Pulled Pork Nachos?

Pulled Pork Nachos are so easy to make. You only need Corn Chips, Pulled Pork, and your favorite nacho toppings.

What is Pulled Pork made of?

The best-pulled pork is made using the pork shoulder and/or leg often called a Boston Butt. We prefer the Boston Butt for our recipes.

Regardless of the cut of meat, the true secret to delicious pulled pork is slow cooking. Once the pork is cooked correctly, you can easily pull the pieces of meat apart without the aid of a knife. Just use meat shredder claws to shred the meat.

Today’s recipe is Brad’s Pulled Pork using a cast iron Dutch oven. See the recipe below.

Why Throw A Nacho Bar Dinner Party?

Last weekend we hosted our second Pulled Pork Nachos Bar Party, which was just as successful as the first one.

First, it’s a great fall outdoor entertaining idea, and all the work is done ahead of time; therefore, you can enjoy your guests and the food.

We love to entertain, but even if you don’t, this simple party is so easy to pull off that you should try it.

Entertaining isn’t so much about the food or the table setting as it is about making memories with family and friends.

However, I love decorating and setting the table, so the outdoor kitchen was decorated for fall. It was the perfect spot to host the pulled pork nachos party.

You can see the simple table-setting ideas if you missed them earlier. However, paper plates and buffet-style dining would be just as acceptable for a no-stress dinner party.

Table Setting for Pulled Pork Nachos Dinner Party at outdoor kitchen in the country.
Outdoor Kitchen Decorated for Fall with Rustic Corn Husk Wreath

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How To Set Up A Pulled Pork Nachos Bar

First, determine where you will set up the buffet-style bar. You will need a space for guest to assemble their nachos with ease.

This could be a long table, countertop, or island.

Add Ingredient Place cards

Next, you should determine the topping and all ingredients you want to serve on the nachos bar.

Because guests will be adding toppings, it’s a good idea to add place cards to identify each item on the bar.

I found these cute little metal pigs to hold the place cards; however, the vintage flower frog and fun mouse also worked.

Add the place cards and all the toppings to a bar area or table so that your guests can fill their plates with the toppings of their choice.

Place card held by iron mini pigs for nacho party.

I have since created place cards to use for identifying each topping. They look so cute with the Cast Iron holders.

Free Printable Nacho Toppings Place Cards.

You can download the Free Place Card Printable Here.

Brad’s Best Recipe for Pulled Pork

Brad always prepares the recipe for pulled pork a few days ahead of time in a large dutch oven.

His theory is the longer it sits, the better it is. If it’s over a few days, he freezes the pork and thaws it out for the party.

Insider Tip

Keep the pork hot until ready to serve. We serve the pork from the crock pot for small gatherings like this. For larger groups, we use buffet heated serving trays or this warming plate.

Brad’s full recipe is at the end of the post.

Don’t want to cook your own pulled pork? You can order pork from a local B-B-Que Restaurant to serve with your nachos.

What To Serve On The Nachos Bar?

There are several choices of toppings to complete your recipe for pulled pork nachos bar. However, the main ingredients are pulled pork and tortilla chips.

Tortilla Chips and Pulled Pork on blue plate for nacho party with pica de gallo and green onions.

What Is the Best Cheese for Nachos?

There are unlimited choices for cheese topping to throw on Nachos. However, hard cheese that melts quickly over hot pulled pork will be best. Look for white cheddar, sharp cheddar, pepper jack, colby jack, etc.

Here is a list of suggested items to include in your pulled pork nachos bar.

Barbecue Sauces for topping the pulled pork nachos. Georges and Sweet Baby Rays BBQue sauces.

These are some optional items that would also be great on the bar.

  • Salsa
  • Black Beans
  • Mexican Corn
  • Red Onions
  • Additional Barbecue Sauce options
  • Brioche Buns for sliders

Free Printable Place Cards

Since my last party, I created these cute printable Place cards for your convenience.

Just download and print on cardstock paper. Download Here!

Variations

It’s always best to offer a few variations if you are not familiar with your guest’s dietary needs. A recipe for pulled pork nachos may not appeal to all your guests.

If you have guests who would prefer another meat than pork, you can offer grilled chicken, beef, or seafood options.

In addition, the party can be planned around any of these options instead of pulled pork.

Let The Party Begin

Once dinner is served, allow your guest to choose a plate and fill it with all the yummy toppings.

Place the chips and hot pulled pork at the beginning of the buffet-style table.

Next, add the barbecue sauces to be applied directly to the pulled pork.

Mix the other toppings along the table; however, add the cheese options at the beginning to allow the heat of the pork to melt the cheese.

Topping for pulled pork nachos recipe and serving suggestions.  Guacomole and pico de gallo

What To Serve As Side Dishes With Pulled Pork Nachos?

Do you need a side dish with all these toppings? Well, that is debatable. However, I did serve my Easy Homemade Slaw Recipe with the nachos.

It is quick and easy to make and can be made a couple of days before the party. So win, win!

recipe for pulled pork nachos bar for outdoor entertaining.

What Desserts To Serve?

To finish the evening, you should have something sweet.

The pulled pork nacho party ended with everyone gathering around the fire pit, and for dessert, a few marshmallows were roasted over the open flame.

If you are planning an indoor party or don’t want to roast marshmallows, consider a few of these easy dessert recipes to end the evening.

German Chocolate Upside Down Cake Recipe pairs well Pulled Pork Nacho Recipe.

The fall party was a success, and everyone enjoyed the casual atmosphere.

Recipe for Pulled Pork Nachos Bar great for fall parties

Frequently Asked Questions

How to keep the pork from drying out?

You want to keep the meat warm but not overcooked. Reduce the heat on the crock pot or buffet servers as low as possible, and keep the pork covered until ready to serve. If it is beginning to dry, add a small amount of water.

How to keep chips from getting soggy?

Nothing ruins good nachos like soggy chips. If you plan your party outdoors and the humidity is high, be sure to keep the chips in a sealed container until the last minute.

Insider Tip

Don’t open the bag they are purchased in when serving chips of any type until you are ready to serve. Once air hits the chips, they can begin to get soggy. Especially for outdoor parties, open the chips at the last minute.

How To Keep Food From Spoiling Outdoors?

Another concern when hosting an outdoor party is keeping perishable items from spoiling in the heat.

Yield: 10 people

Best Pulled Pork Recipe in a Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Best Pulled Pork Recipe in a Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Great Cast Iron Dutch Oven Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 - 8 lb Boston Butt Pork Roast
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • 2 tbsp. Ketchup
  • 2 tbsp. Mustard
  • 1 tbsp. minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp. Lime Juice or Lemon Juice
  • ¼ cup Favorite Rub, Amount may vary, you want it well coated

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from the bottom of the pork butt - Don't remove all fat
  2. Sprinkle Rub liberally over both sides of the pork butt and press into the pork
  3. Sear both sides of the butt for approx. 4 minutes on each side until crispy on searing burner
  4. Place all remaining ingredients in Cast Iron Dutch Oven
  5. Stir until well mixed
  6. Add pork butt with the fat side down into the liquid. Broth should not cover the pork.
  7. Cover with lid
  8. Bake at 300° for approx. 8 hours - Check every few hours to be sure there is still broth in the pot. If more liquid is needed, add water or additional beef broth.
  9. Remove from oven & from dutch oven to shred.
  10. Use shredding claws to create pulled pork.

Notes

A pork shoulder can be substituted for the Boston Butt.

You are steaming the pork, not boiling it so don't cover the entire butt in broth.  

Be sure to keep a check on the broth and add more liquid if necessary.  

When shredding the pork it's best to doing it while still hot or at least warm because it will just fall apart at this point.  

Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1/3 lb.

Amount Per Serving Calories 353 CaloriesTotal Fat 26.93 gramsgSaturated Fat 9.341 gramsgTrans Fat 0gCholesterol 106 mgmgSodium 97mgmgCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 25.72g

Nutrition information isn't always accurate.

Did you make this recipe?

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I hope you are encouraged to host a fall gathering with friends. Remember, it’s not so much the food or the table setting as it is about gathering friends and family to make lasting memories.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

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Recipe for Pulled Pork Nachos how to set up for a fun party idea.  Serve yourself Nacho Bar.

Renae

Monday 9th of October 2023

Yum! This is such a great idea.

Rachel

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Renae, Thank you.

Kristen

Monday 9th of October 2023

Totally stealing this idea!

Rachel

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Kristen, I hope you do. Thanks for stopping by.

Eva

Monday 9th of October 2023

Good Morning that looks delicious I will be try your/ his lol recipe I have one but he adds a few things more Thank You For sharing !!!

Rachel

Monday 9th of October 2023

Eva, I'm so glad you found this helpful. Yes, Brad is the cook. LOL

CoCo

Monday 17th of October 2022

This looks like so much fun, Rachel! My Mom was just saying how she feels like she misses everything because she's still in the kitchen when we all arrive so this would be the perfect solution for her. Plus, everyone could make their own plate too which would save so much time. Hugs, CoCo

Rachel

Tuesday 18th of October 2022

CoCo, I'm glad you found this helpful. Thanks so much for sharing.

Mary from Life at Bella Terra

Saturday 15th of October 2022

Rachel, this sounds so delicious. I am having a Halloween dinner party and this may be just the menu I need. I really want something to prepare ahead of time, that is delicious, and that would be easy to assemble. Thanks for sharing. Sounds super yummy.

Rachel

Sunday 16th of October 2022

Mary, You will love how easy this is. Hope it works great for you.

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