Print

Flavorful Loaded Nachos with Carnitas Corn Salsa

loaded nachos with carnitas corn salsa - featured image
Print Recipe

Loaded nachos featuring tender carnitas, fresh corn salsa, and a tangy chipotle street sauce, perfect for easy party snacks with bold, fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked pork carnitas, shredded
  • 8 cups sturdy, plain corn tortilla chips
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional toppings: 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup sliced black olives, 1/4 cup sliced green onions, 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese, fresh avocado slices or guacamole

Instructions

  1. Make the Corn Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Street Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped chipotle in adobo, garlic powder, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Layer the Nachos: Spread half the tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet. Scatter half the carnitas over the chips, then half the corn salsa. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese on top.
  5. Add the Second Layer: Repeat with remaining chips, carnitas, corn salsa, and cheese.
  6. Bake for 8-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Remove from oven and drizzle street sauce generously over the top. Add any optional toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, green onions, cotija cheese, or avocado slices.
  8. Serve immediately while warm and melty. Keep extra street sauce and salsa on the side if desired.

Notes

Layer nachos in two balanced layers to avoid soggy chips. Watch oven closely to prevent burning cheese. Street sauce can be made ahead to deepen flavors. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use vegan cheese. Use gluten-free chips for gluten-free version. Reheat leftovers in oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded nachos, carnitas, corn salsa, street sauce, party snacks, easy nachos, chipotle sauce, Mexican snack

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/flavorful-loaded-nachos-with-carnitas-corn-salsa-perfect-for-easy-party-snacks/