Mile High Memphis Style Barbecue Nachos

The roar of the crowd, the smell of grilling meat, and the vibrant colors of a perfectly piled plate of nachos – these are the sensory memories that instantly transport me back to my college days. Game day at the University of Memphis wasn’t complete without a massive tray of barbecue nachos, a tradition started by a local food truck and quickly adopted by every tailgate spread. It wasn’t just food; it was an experience, a shared moment of excitement and camaraderie that fueled our Tiger spirit. Now, I’m excited to share this elevated version of that classic, a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a touchdown with your family and friends.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: Approximately 2 pounds
• Dietary Type: Not specified (can be modified, see variations)

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) bag tortilla chips
• 1 lb Velveeta cheese, melted
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 lbs barbecued pork
• 1 (4 ounce) can pickled jalapeño peppers, drained

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2. Spread a single layer of tortilla chips evenly across the baking sheet. Make sure the chips are mostly in a single layer to ensure even coverage with the toppings.
3. Drizzle the melted Velveeta cheese generously over the chips. Ensure that all the chips get some cheese coverage.
4. Drizzle the barbecue sauce over the cheese layer. You can use your favorite brand. A tangy Memphis-style sauce is a great choice!
5. Top with a few spoonfuls of barbecued pork, distributing it evenly across the chip layer. Don’t overload the chips in this layer, as you want to make 2 more layers.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 to create two more layers of chips, cheese, barbecue sauce, and pulled pork. Build that mile-high masterpiece!
7. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the nachos are heated through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the chips from burning.
8. Remove from the oven and top with the drained jalapeño slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Melting the Cheese: For perfectly smooth melted Velveeta, consider using a double boiler or melting it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent burning.
• Preheating the Pork: If your barbecued pork is cold, consider warming it slightly before assembling the nachos. This will ensure even heating throughout the dish.
• Baking Sheet Prep: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper can make cleanup a breeze.
• Even Distribution: To ensure even distribution of flavors, consider using a squeeze bottle for both the melted cheese and barbecue sauce. This gives you better control and prevents clumping.
• Preventing Soggy Chips: To avoid soggy chips, don’t add too much cheese or sauce in one area. Layering carefully and baking for just the right amount of time is key.
• Adjusting Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild jalapeños or omit them entirely. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the barbecue sauce for extra heat, if desired.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Mile High Memphis Style Barbecue Nachos immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. They are best enjoyed fresh. Garnish with extra barbecue sauce or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and visual appeal.

Leftovers are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will last for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until heated through, or in the microwave in short intervals. Note that the chips will lose some of their crispness upon reheating. Reheating is best in an oven or toaster oven, if available, to recrisp the chips. Avoid storing at room temperature for more than two hours due to food safety concerns.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (Approximate)
Calories	1021 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	56g	86%
Saturated Fat	21.2g	106%
Cholesterol	189.5mg	63%
Sodium	1918.7mg	79%
Total Carbohydrate	68g	22%
Dietary Fiber	4g	16%
Sugars	17.7g	N/A
Protein	60.5g	120%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Smoked Chicken or Beef Brisket: Substitute the barbecued pork with smoked chicken or beef brisket for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based pulled “pork” and vegetarian cheese alternatives to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that your barbecue sauce and tortilla chips are gluten-free for a gluten-free version. There are many great gluten free chips available now.
• Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, for varying flavors and textures.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the barbecue sauce to customize the spice level.
• Loaded Nachos: Add other toppings such as black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onions, or sour cream for a fully loaded nacho experience.
• Different Sauces: Experiment with different types of barbeque sauces, such as Carolina Mustard Sauce, Alabama White Sauce, or even a spicy Korean Gochujang sauce.
• Sheet Pan Nachos vs Individual Nachos: Instead of layering on a baking sheet, make individual nacho servings in small, oven-safe dishes or cast iron skillets for a more elegant presentation.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I prepare the barbecue pork in advance?
A: Absolutely! Preparing the barbecued pork a day or two in advance can save you time and effort on the day you plan to serve the nachos. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of melting Velveeta?
A: While you can use pre-shredded cheese, Velveeta melts much smoother and creates a more cohesive cheese sauce for the nachos. If using shredded cheese, consider adding a little milk or cream to help it melt more evenly.

Q: How do I prevent the chips from getting soggy?
A: To prevent soggy chips, avoid over-layering with wet ingredients. Bake the nachos just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and serve immediately. You can also partially bake the chips before adding the toppings to crisp them up.

Q: Can I freeze leftover nachos?
A: Freezing leftover nachos is not recommended, as the chips will become soggy and the cheese texture will change. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Q: What can I serve with these nachos?
A: Mile High Memphis Style Barbecue Nachos are a great standalone dish, but they also pair well with other game day favorites like coleslaw, potato salad, or even a cold beer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring this taste of Memphis to your kitchen! These nachos are more than just a snack; they’re a celebration of flavor, friends, and good times. So gather your ingredients, crank up the music, and get ready to create a towering masterpiece that will impress everyone. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sauces to make it your own. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the delicious results! If you try this recipe, please share your feedback and photos – I can’t wait to see your creations! They’re the perfect pairing for any casual get-together.