Crispy tortilla chips piled high with tender BBQ brisket, gooey melted cheese, and fresh toppings—these BBQ Brisket Nachos are the ultimate Father’s Day snack or game-day appetizer. The smoky, saucy brisket combined with crunchy chips and vibrant toppings makes this dish an instant crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Cheesy & Crunchy – A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the ultimate melt.
- Smoky, Tender Brisket – Adds rich, BBQ flavor to every bite.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 22 minutes, making it great for entertaining.
- Customizable Toppings – Adjust to your taste with extra heat, veggies, or different cheeses.
- Ideal for Sharing – A fun, interactive dish perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Nachos:
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups smoked brisket, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup pico de gallo
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup corn kernels
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Assemble the Nachos
- Spread tortilla chips evenly on a cast iron skillet or baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
3. Add the Brisket
- Toss the shredded brisket in BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Distribute the brisket evenly over the chips and cheese.
4. Bake
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Add the Toppings
- Remove from the oven and top with pico de gallo, diced red onion, corn, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
- Drizzle with sour cream if desired.
6. Serve Warm
- Enjoy immediately with extra BBQ sauce or guacamole on the side!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add hot sauce or extra jalapeños for a fiery touch.
- Extra Smoky Flavor – Use smoked Gouda or pepper jack cheese for deeper flavor.
- Sweet & Savory – Add a drizzle of honey or pineapple salsa for a unique twist.
- Loaded Version – Include black beans, avocado, or chopped bacon.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free tortilla chips and check your BBQ sauce ingredients.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover nachos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the chips.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, though chips may soften.
FAQs
Can I use leftover brisket?
Yes! This is a great way to repurpose smoked or slow-cooked brisket.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for nachos?
A smoky or tangy BBQ sauce works best—choose your favorite brand or make your own.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts.
What’s the best cheese for nachos?
A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides both flavor and great meltability.
Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble and bake fresh, but you can prep the toppings in advance.
How do I prevent soggy nachos?
- Use a thick, sturdy tortilla chip
- Layer cheese first to create a barrier before adding BBQ sauce and brisket.
What sides go well with BBQ brisket nachos?
Serve with guacamole, extra salsa, queso dip, or a cold beer for the ultimate experience.
Can I use chicken instead of brisket?
Yes! Swap brisket for BBQ pulled chicken or grilled shredded chicken.
Are these nachos good for parties?
Absolutely! This is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s great for sharing.
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes! Melt the cheese under a broiler for 2-3 minutes or use an air fryer.
Conclusion
These BBQ Brisket Nachos bring together smoky, cheesy, and tangy flavors in the ultimate Father’s Day appetizer or game-day snack. With tender brisket, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Serve with extra BBQ sauce, a cold drink, and enjoy!
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PrintBBQ Brisket Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips loaded with tender BBQ brisket, melted cheese, and fresh toppings—this ultimate game-day snack is perfect for Father’s Day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, BBQ
Ingredients
For the Nachos:
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups smoked brisket, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pico de gallo
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread tortilla chips evenly in a cast iron skillet or baking sheet.
- Layer with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Toss shredded brisket in BBQ sauce and evenly distribute over the chips.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with pico de gallo, red onion, corn, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.
- Drizzle with sour cream if desired and serve warm!
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the tortilla chips in the oven before adding toppings.
- Swap out brisket for pulled pork or shredded chicken for variety.
- Pair with guacamole or a smoky salsa for even more flavor.