Ultimate Smoked BBQ Bacon Nachos

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. All opinions are entirely my own.

Unforgettable Smoked BBQ Bacon Nachos: The Ultimate Summer Grilling Experience

As summer approaches, the inviting scent of a grill fired up with delicious food often signifies cherished family moments and outdoor celebrations. With Father’s Day just around the corner, many of us are searching for that perfect meal to make the occasion extra special for the dads in our lives. This year, why not venture beyond the usual burgers and hot dogs and surprise everyone with something truly extraordinary? We’re talking about taking a beloved comfort food – nachos – and elevating it to gourmet status by cooking it on the grill. These aren’t just any nachos; these are **Smoked BBQ Bacon Nachos**, a masterpiece of flavor, texture, and smoky goodness that promises to be the highlight of any summer gathering, especially Father’s Day.

Imagine crisp tortilla chips, generously layered with rich, melty cheese, tender black beans, succulent pulled pork smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, and a generous scattering of thick-cut, smoky bacon. But the secret ingredient, the element that truly transforms this dish, is the grill. Smoking these nachos imbues them with an incredible depth of flavor that an oven simply cannot replicate. The subtle smoky notes weave through every bite, creating an experience that is both familiar and excitingly new. If you’ve never tried grilling nachos, prepare for a revelation – it’s a culinary adventure you absolutely must embark on.

Mastering Sheet Pan Nachos on the Grill

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Now, some of you might be thinking, “Bacon on nachos? Is that really a thing?” And to that, we emphatically say: YES, a million times yes! In our household, we delight in blending unexpected flavors to create harmonious and unforgettable dishes. This recipe perfectly exemplifies that philosophy, marrying the hearty, savory notes of BBQ pulled pork and exquisitely smoked bacon with the vibrant, zesty essence of classic Mexican ingredients. Think creamy nacho cheese, wholesome black beans, and fresh salsa coming together in a symphony of tastes. It’s a flavor pairing truly made in heaven, offering a delightful twist on traditional nachos that will impress even the most discerning palates.

The foundation of these exceptional nachos begins with an ingredient that can make or break the dish: the bacon. We wholeheartedly recommend starting with a truly AWESOME bacon, such as Wright® Brand Naturally Smoked Hickory Bacon. Around here, our love for bacon knows no bounds; it’s a staple we enjoy multiple times a week and enthusiastically incorporate into nearly everything we cook. This isn’t just a preference; it’s a commitment to quality that translates directly into the incredible taste of these nachos. Wright Brand bacon delivers a premium experience, setting the standard for what truly great bacon should be.

What makes Wright Brand Naturally Smoked Hickory Bacon stand out? It’s not just the name; it’s the meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to quality. This bacon is famously THICK-CUT, providing a substantial, satisfying bite that holds up beautifully amidst the other nacho toppings. Each slice is hand-selected and hand-trimmed, ensuring consistency and excellence. But the real magic lies in its preparation: it’s 100% wood-smoked over hickory chips for a full eight hours. This slow, traditional smoking process infuses the bacon with an unparalleled rich, smoky flavor that elevates it far beyond ordinary varieties. The result is a profoundly savory, wonderfully textured bacon that is, in a word, absolutely divine. You can easily find Wright Brand Naturally Smoked Hickory Bacon at Walmart, and don’t forget to check for potential savings; you might even save $1.50 with this exclusive offer.

Crafting Your Smoked BBQ Bacon Nachos: A Step-by-Step Guide

The preparation for these epic nachos begins with selecting the right vessel. A nice, large sheet pan is ideal, but for grilling, we often opt for our deep-dish pizza pan, which works wonderfully on the grates. The key to truly loaded nachos is thoughtful layering. Start with a foundation of salty tortilla chips, spread thinly across the pan. This isn’t the time for a mountain of chips in one go! Next, begin building your flavor profile. Add generous dollops of creamy nacho cheese, followed by thoroughly drained and rinsed black beans. Then, sprinkle a healthy amount of stringy mozzarella cheese – because who doesn’t love extra gooeyness? The robust flavors continue with BBQ sauce-smothered pulled pork, which can easily be prepped beforehand, making this a fantastic recipe for using up leftovers. Of course, the star of the show, plenty of crispy Wright Brand Bacon, comes next. Finish this layer with sliced olives, vibrant sliced jalapeños for a kick, creamy sour cream, and finely diced purple onions for a touch of sharpness.

Before assembling your nachos, remember a crucial step for the bacon: cook it perfectly! I prefer to cook my bacon in the oven, usually early in the morning before the day’s heat sets in. This method yields beautifully straight, evenly cooked strips, ready to be crumbled or chopped for your nachos and other dishes throughout the day. If you’re looking for the best technique for oven-cooked bacon, be sure to check out my detailed Oven Cooked Bacon Recipe for flawless results every time.

Now, for the grilling secret: the key is to NOT COOK the nachos directly over an open flame. We want the smoky essence and gentle heat, not charring. Begin by preheating your grill to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it reaches temperature, turn off the burners. This creates an indirect heat environment, perfect for melting cheese and warming all the delicious ingredients without burning the chips. Layering is paramount here: after your first shallow layer of chips and toppings, add another layer of chips, then pile on the remaining ingredients. This strategic approach ensures that every chip is generously coated with toppings, preventing those sad, bare chips from getting stuck at the bottom of the pan.

Once your nachos are meticulously assembled and layered, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place the covered pan onto the hot, unlit grill and close the lid. Allow them to cook for approximately 25 minutes. This initial period allows the internal heat of the grill to gently warm the ingredients and melt the cheeses to perfection. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and close the lid once more for an additional 10 minutes. This final step helps to brown the top layer of cheese, giving it that irresistible golden, slightly crispy texture. Feel free to be extra generous with the cheese if you crave an even gooier experience. The beauty of nachos lies in their versatility: they are entirely customizable to suit your personal preferences and ingredient availability.

Nacho Recipes for Every Occasion

Just before serving these incredible Smoked BBQ Bacon Nachos, give them a final flourish that truly makes the flavors pop. Squeeze the juice from half a fresh lime generously over the entire pan. The bright, acidic burst of citrus cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon, adding a refreshing zing that elevates the entire dish. WOW – what a pairing! The combination of smoky, savory, tangy, and fresh is absolutely incredible and will have everyone reaching for more.

This is hands-down the PERFECT way to feed Dad on Father’s Day – a truly memorable meal he’ll talk about for years to come. Whether he’s a BBQ enthusiast, a bacon lover, or simply appreciates a good plate of nachos, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Looking for another great bacon recipe?

Easy Mac & Cheese