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Savory Loaded Pulled Pork Totchos Recipe with Easy Pickled Red Onion Topping

pulled pork totchos - featured image

A quick and easy comfort food recipe featuring crispy tortilla chips loaded with smoky pulled pork, melted cheese, and tangy pickled red onions. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups tortilla chips (thick and sturdy work best to hold toppings)
  • 2 cups pulled pork, warmed
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Optional: a few peppercorns or a small pinch of red chili flakes
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 jalapeños, sliced thin
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pickled Red Onions (10-15 minutes): Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a heat-proof bowl or jar. In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and optional peppercorns or chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour the hot liquid over the sliced onions and let them sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Warm the Pulled Pork (5-7 minutes): Warm leftover pulled pork gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through but not dry. Add a splash of water or BBQ sauce if needed to keep it moist.
  3. Preheat the Oven (5 minutes): Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Assemble the Totchos (5 minutes): Spread tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Scatter warmed pulled pork evenly over chips. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly on top.
  5. Bake the Totchos (10-12 minutes): Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch to avoid burning chips.
  6. Add Toppings and Serve (5 minutes): Remove totchos from oven. Spoon pickled red onions over cheese layer. Add dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Scatter chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and diced avocado on top. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Warm pulled pork gently with a splash of water or BBQ sauce to keep it juicy. Pickled red onions can be made ahead and refrigerated for better flavor. Avoid overloading chips to keep them crispy. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and substitute sour cream with cashew cream or avocado mash. Gluten-free chips and pulled pork ensure a gluten-free dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: pulled pork, totchos, loaded nachos, pickled red onion, quick recipe, party food, comfort food, easy dinner