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Flavorful Sheet-Pan Loaded Nachos with Carnitas and Avocado Crema

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These loaded nachos feature slow-cooked carnitas, melted cheese, black beans, and a smooth avocado crema, perfect for easy party snacks or a fuss-free dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Tortilla chips – sturdy and thick
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • ½ cup rinsed and drained black beans (canned works fine)
  • Pickled jalapeños – sliced
  • Red onion – thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded pork shoulder (carnitas)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 ripe avocados – peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt if preferred)
  • Juice of one lime
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wipe your sheet pan clean and dry.
  2. In a bowl, mix ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss shredded pork shoulder in the spice blend until evenly coated.
  3. Spread tortilla chips evenly on the sheet pan in a single layer.
  4. Scatter the seasoned carnitas over the chips. Sprinkle shredded cheese blend evenly on top. Add black beans, pickled jalapeños, and red onion slices.
  5. Bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges of some chips turn golden brown.
  6. While baking, prepare the avocado crema by blending avocados, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, and salt until smooth and creamy.
  7. Remove nachos from oven carefully and let cool for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
  8. Serve warm with dollops of avocado crema on top or on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime if desired.

Notes

Avoid overloading the sheet pan to keep chips crispy. Rotate pan halfway through baking if cheese isn’t melting evenly. For a chunkier avocado crema, use a fork and whisk instead of a blender. Store avocado crema separately to prevent browning. Reheat leftovers in a hot oven to revive crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, carnitas, avocado crema, sheet-pan nachos, party snacks, easy dinner, Mexican, loaded nachos

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/flavorful-sheet-pan-loaded-nachos-with-carnitas-and-avocado-crema-recipe-for-easy-party-snacks/