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Longhorn Brisket Nachos Recipe

Crispy nachos piled high with smoky brisket and melted cheese? Count me in!

The key to making these nachos taste incredible starts with the brisket itself. You’ll make it tender and packed with smoky goodness.

I always go for a slow-smoked brisket with a deep, caramelized bark because it brings out the best contrast against the crunchy tortilla chips.

If you don’t have smoked brisket on hand, a well-seared, oven-roasted version works too—just make sure it’s tender enough to pull apart easily.

One mistake I see all the time is people piling everything in the middle, which leaves the outer chips dry and uncoated. 

A drizzle of smoky barbecue sauce over the top ties everything together.

Let’s make. Let’s eat!

How to Make Longhorn Brisket Nachos

longhorn brisket nachos recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Brisket (cooked and shredded)
  • 8 oz Tortilla Chips
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Salsa
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/4 cup Jalapeños (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Black Beans (cooked)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

This ensures everything melts evenly and crisps nicely.

Step 2:

Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet.

Don’t let them overlap too much for better crunch.

Step 3:

Layer the shredded brisket generously over the chips.

Focus on even distribution for a balanced flavor.

Step 4:

Sprinkle both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the brisket.

More cheese means more delicious!

Step 5:

Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.

Keep an eye until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble.

Step 6:

Remove from the oven carefully and add black beans, salsa, jalapeños, and green onions on top.

This adds a pop of color and flavors.

Step 7:

Finish with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro before serving.

You can add extra garnishes if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

longhorn brisket nachos on a plate

Choosing the Right Cheese

Use a mix of cheeses for layer flavor.

Cheddar melts well and adds sharpness, while Monterey Jack offers creaminess.

Perfect Brisket Shreds

For the best texture, shred the brisket with forks when it’s warm.

This keeps the pieces tender and easy to spread.

Alternative Ingredients

You can try adding corn or avocado for an extra twist.

These ingredients adjust well to the texture and enhance the overall taste.

Balancing Spice Levels

Add jalapeños based on your preference for heat.

You can always offer them on the side for those who prefer less spice.

What to Serve with Longhorn Brisket Nachos

 

Classic Salsa and Guacamole

You can’t go wrong with a classic pairing of salsa and guacamole.

Fresh tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and lime make a refreshing salsa.

Rich guacamole with ripe avocados and a hint of lime adds a creamy contrast.

Chilled Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A chilled cucumber and tomato salad is a refreshing and crisp option.

Sliced cucumbers and juicy tomatoes paired with a light dressing offer a cool contrast to the spicy nachos.

Garnish with some fresh mint or basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Mesquite Grilled Street Corn

Street corn, grilled to perfection with a touch of mesquite seasoning, complements the smoky brisket.

Coat with a bit of lime juice and a sprinkle of cheese.

This smoky-sweet corn makes a fantastic accompaniment!

Sweet and Spicy Pickled Jalapeños

Sweet and spicy pickled jalapeños offer a tangy kick that pairs well.

These add a nice zesty bite to every mouthful, enlivening the smoky flavors of the nachos.

Tangy Cabbage Slaw

Consider serving a tangy cabbage slaw enriched with apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey.

The crunch and tang of the slaw meld beautifully with the richness of the brisket.

Pineapple and Black Bean Salad

A pineapple and black bean salad can bring a unique and unexpected twist.

Sweet pineapple and hearty black beans with a hint of cilantro create a balance that accents the nachos beautifully.

Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes tossed with spices are another great side option.

They offer a sweet and spicy component that goes hand in hand with the nachos.

Cube them and roast until crispy on the outside for the best texture.

Variations and Substitutions

You can swap out brisket for pulled pork or chopped chicken to keep things exciting!

Both work really well with the flavors of these nachos.

Experiment with your favorite cheeses as well!

A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds a great twist if you’re looking to change up the classic recipe.

Toppings Galore

Feel free to add on toppings you love, such as sliced jalapeños for a kick or avocado slices for some creaminess.

The choices are endless!

Swap out the classic tortilla chips for sweet potato chips or pita chips if you’re in the mood for a different base with your nachos.

Different Sauces

Don’t hesitate to switch up the sauce.

A hearty barbecue sauce or spicy sriracha mayo can change the taste dramatically with fun new flavors.

How to Store Leftover Brisket Nachos

Make sure to pack leftover brisket nachos in a way that keeps the flavors alive!

Use airtight containers to prevent moisture from making the chips soggy.

Consider storing toppings and chips separately so they maintain their original textures.

Use a Paper Towel

Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture.

This trick really keeps the nachos crisp when you add the toppings again.

Refrigeration Tips

Store your nachos in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to two days.

Make sure everything is tightly sealed to prevent any flavors from mixing in the fridge.

Separate Ingredients

Keep toppings like cheese, salsa, and brisket separate from the chips.

This separation ensures that when you revisit your nachos, each component is fresh and delicious.

Enjoy your leftovers just as much as your first plate!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Temperature Management

One of the biggest mistakes people make with brisket nachos is not monitoring the temperature of the brisket effectively.

If your smoker’s temperature fluctuates too much, it can lead to unevenly cooked brisket, resulting in a dry or burnt texture that nobody wants.

Toppings Placement

Adding wet toppings like guacamole or salsa directly to the nachos can make them soggy quite fast.

Instead, always serve these toppings on the side, so you can enjoy the crunch without sacrificing the flavor.

Portion Control

Overloading your nachos with brisket can make them difficult to eat.

Remember, there’s a balance to strike so that every bite includes some cheese, nachos, and brisket.

When you maintain this balance you keep them easy to handle and taste fantastic!

longhorn brisket nachos recipe

Longhorn Brisket Nachos Recipe

Crispy nachos piled high with smoky brisket and melted cheese? Count me in!The key to making these nachos taste incredible starts with the brisket itself. You'll make it tender and packed with smoky goodness.I always go for a slow-smoked brisket with a deep, caramelized bark because it brings out the best contrast against the crunchy tortilla chips.If you don’t have smoked brisket on hand, a well-seared, oven-roasted version works too—just make sure it’s tender enough to pull apart easily.One mistake I see all the time is people piling everything in the middle, which leaves the outer chips dry and uncoated. A drizzle of smoky barbecue sauce over the top ties everything together.Let's make. Let's eat!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Servings 4
Ingredients
  
  • 1 lb Brisket cooked and shredded
  • 8 oz Tortilla Chips
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Salsa
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/4 cup Jalapeños sliced
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions chopped
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped
  • 1/2 cup Black Beans cooked
Instructions
 
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  • This ensures everything melts evenly and crisps nicely.
  • Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet.
  • Don't let them overlap too much for better crunch.
  • Layer the shredded brisket generously over the chips.
  • Focus on even distribution for a balanced flavor.
  • Sprinkle both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the brisket.
  • More cheese means more delicious!
  • Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Keep an eye until the cheese melts completely and begins to bubble.
  • Remove from the oven carefully and add black beans, salsa, jalapeños, and green onions on top.
  • This adds a pop of color and flavors.
  • Finish with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro before serving.
  • You can add extra garnishes if desired.

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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