PLANTAIN NACHOS w. JERK BBQ PULLED PORK, CHEESE SAUCE, MANGO SALSA, ZESTY LIME CREMA & GUACAMOLE

Plantains were never just a side in Caribbean homes, they were the base. The starch that carried flavor, soaked up sauces and made meals feel complete. Turning them into nachos isn’t about trends, it’s about honoring what already worked and letting it meet a game day moment.

Crispy plantain chips layered with bold jerk BBQ pulled pork, silky cheese sauce, bright mango salsa, creamy guacamole and a zesty lime crema that pulls everything together. Sweet, smoky, spicy, creamy and crunchy!

(Top with your Jerk BBQ Pulled Pork + Jerk BBQ Sauce, hyperlink recipe here.)

Serves 6–8 | About 45 minutes (plus pork if making fresh) | Intermediate but very doable

CREAMY CARIBBEAN CHEESE SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 8–10 oz whole milk

• 4 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

• 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

• 2 oz jerk spice cheese (optional)

• 1–2 slices American cheese (for extra creaminess)

• Dash of Dacy Salt & Pepper Blend to taste ( or similar blend)

• Dash of Dacy Caribbean Jerk to taste  (or similar blend)

• Dash of Dacy Garlicky Onion Herb to taste  (or similar blend)

METHOD

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour until a smooth paste forms, this is your roux. Do not let it brown.

3. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until fully incorporated and slightly thickened, about 2 min.

4. Add cheeses gradually, stirring until melted and silky smooth, about 2–3 min.

5. Season to taste with Dash of Dacy blends.

Pro Tip: Shred your own cheese. Pre-bagged cheese has anti caking agents that can make sauce gritty.

 

MANGO SALSA

INGREDIENTS

• 2–3 ripe mangos, diced

• ½ red onion, diced

• 3 plum tomatoes, deseeded + diced

• 1 jalapeño, diced

• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

• Juice of 1 lime

• Dash of Dacy Salt & Pepper Blend (or similar blend)

METHOD

1. Add mango, red onion, tomato, jalapeño and cilantro to a bowl.

2. Drizzle with lime juice.

3. Season with Dash of Dacy Salt & Pepper Blend.

4. Toss gently to combine.

(Bell peppers can be substituted for tomatoes if preferred.)

QUICK & EASY GUACAMOLE

INGREDIENTS

• 2–3 ripe avocados

• 1 small red onion, diced

• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped

• 1 jalapeño, deseeded + diced

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 garlic cloves minced or ¼ tsp Dash of Dacy Garlicky Onion Herb (or similar blend)

• ¼ tsp Dash of Dacy Salt & Pepper Blend (or similar blend)

• ¼ tsp Goya Salad & Vegetable Seasoning

METHOD

1. Slice avocados in half, remove pits and scoop into bowl.

2. Mash to desired texture — chunky or smooth.

3. Stir in red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic (if using) and lime juice.

4. Season with Dash of Dacy Salt & Pepper Blend and Goya Salad & Vegetable Seasoning.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning or lime as needed.

Freshness Hack (tested & true):

Transfer guacamole to an airtight container and add just enough water to cover the surface. Seal. When ready to serve, pour off water and stir, stays bright green and fresh.

ZESTY LIME CREMA

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup sour cream

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tsp lime zest

• ½ tsp Dash of Dacy Salt & Pepper Blend (or similar blend)

• Pinch Dash of Dacy Caribbean Jerk (or similar blend)

METHOD

1. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.

2. Refrigerate 15–30 min to allow flavors to develop.

 

Assemble the Plantain Nachos

1. Arrange crispy fried plantain chips on a large platter or sheet pan.

2. Spoon warm cheese sauce generously over the chips.

3. Add hot jerk BBQ pulled pork evenly across.

4. Scatter mango salsa over top.

5. Dollop guacamole throughout.

6. Drizzle with zesty lime crema.

7. Finish with extra seasoning if desired.

 

CHEF NOTES

• Sweet plantains balance smoky jerk perfectly

• Warm toppings = best melt and flavor

• Layer in stages for coverage in every bite

• Great for parties, game day or family style meals