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Flavorful Sheet Pan Nachos with Carnitas and Street Corn

sheet pan nachos with carnitas and street corn - featured image

A quick and easy sheet pan nachos recipe featuring tender carnitas, smoky street corn topping, and melty cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups sturdy tortilla chips (preferably non-GMO and minimally salted)
  • 2 cups shredded carnitas (slow-cooked pulled pork, warmed if refrigerated)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
  • 1 minced garlic clove (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (or feta cheese as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend (freshly shredded preferred)
  • Pickled jalapeños, sliced (optional but recommended)
  • Thinly sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup corn kernels with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, minced garlic (optional), salt, and pepper to taste.
  3. Stir in 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Set aside.
  4. Spread 6 cups of tortilla chips evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet in a single layer with minimal overlap.
  5. Scatter 2 cups shredded carnitas evenly over the chips. Warm carnitas slightly if refrigerated.
  6. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend over the top.
  7. Add dollops of the prepared street corn topping evenly across the pan.
  8. Top with sliced pickled jalapeños and chopped green onions.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly and edges of chips start to turn golden.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Warm carnitas before layering to keep oven temperature stable. Avoid overcrowding chips to prevent sogginess. Serve immediately or keep toppings separate for reheating. Street corn topping can be made ahead to develop flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan nachos, carnitas, street corn, easy nachos, party food, Mexican recipe, quick dinner